MICK EASTERBY'S sparkling run of form on the sand seems all set to continue with Rimatara (1.10) in the opener at Southwell today.

Those of us with long enough memories can readily recall Mick's glory days with the likes of 1977 1,000 Guineas heroine Mrs McArdy.

Sadly you'll not find any horses within 2st of that filly running on the fibresand today, but as the late Arthur Stephenson used to say, "little fish are sweet," and Rimatara's claims are undeniably solid in division one of the Littlewoods Handicap.

The selection has hardly put a foot wrong at the course over the past three weeks, with one win and two seconds to his credit. There was even a modicum of bad luck about Rimatara's marginal defeat by Bound To Please over track and trip four days ago when he probably would have won in another stride or two.

The recent string of coconuts against Sergeant Slipper's (1.40) name do not do justice to his true ability, after all the speedster did win three of his six starts on the fibresand last season.

Trainer Charles Smith has found a fair opportunity to try to revitalise his sprinter, a plan which might reward potential backers at a starting price of 16-1 or better.

In the mile-and-a-half claimer at 2.40, Urgent Swift should hold far too many guns for a pretty motley bunch.

Alan Jarvis's gelding has been campaigned with little success over two miles of late, a distance exposing a weakness in the stamina department.

Only Pickens and Secretario threaten to make a race of it, the latter probably the biggest danger off her light weight.

Royal Romeo's (3.10) turn is surely near, having twice knocked on the door of late.

He failed by a whisker to catch Lord Omni over track and trip a week ago, an effort made all the more remarkable considering the extra distance travelled when taken all around the houses to make his challenge, rather than the more conventional route closer to the far rail.

In stark contrast to many of the sand-shy leading handlers at Newmarket, Clive Brittain is not afraid to send some of his better class inmates to have a crack on the all-weather.

A case in point is Zaheemah (3.40), who ran respectably on turf at Ascot, Newmarket, and Sandown, before failing to justify favouritism on the equitrack at Lingfield following a lengthy five-month absence.

If she is able to recapture her promising summer form - and it's a big if - theoretically Zaheemah should be able to give her nine rivals a 50-metre head start and still be fast enough to win the Bet Direct Maiden Stakes.

Peter Cundell's Kennet will be all the rage in the closing staying event after being touched off by Kylkenny and Clarinch Claymore in a thrilling three-way photo finish last week.

He might have most to fear from Protocol (4.40), who rates a sporting each-way bet following an encouraging run up 11 days ago.

They have not raced at Bangor for over four months principally due to waterlogging. Ironically the forecast frost might now cause abandonment.

If they do get the green light my money will be on Wilton (4.25) in the closing Holywell Handicap Hurdle.

He's had his three compulsory outings to qualify for a handicap rating of 88, a lenient mark indeed for a gelding certain to be suited by the underfoot conditions.