EMMASFLORA (3.00) will be in her element on the rain-softened surface at Sedgefield this afternoon.

Following a wet winter there has been no relent from the weather to usher in spring, but that won't worry connections of Emmasflora, who loves nothing better than galloping through hock-deep ground.

The Charles Pogson-trained mare confirmed her readiness to make a return to the winners' enclosure with an excellent effort by finishing runner-up in identical conditions at Uttoxeter last time out.

Judging by a marked lack of strength-in-depth, Michael Hammond appears to have made the right decision to drop Green 'N' Gold (2.30) down into the lowest possible grade for the John Wade Selling Handicap Hurdle.

In a race full of professional losers, Green 'N' Gold stands out like a sore thumb as one of the more likely winners in the bottom-of-the-barrel £3,200 contest.

Admittedly Hammond's horses haven't exactly been setting the world on fire of late, but Green 'N' Gold's most recent Ayr fifth placing provides adequate encouragement, especially as she was doing all of her best work in the closing stages.

Chris Bealby's diminutive grey, Moustique de L'Isle (3.30), gets the nod in The Sportsman Handicap Hurdle.

Having prevailed in conclusive fashion over fences earlier on this season, Bealby's six-year-old seemed to lose his way with a succession of below par performances.

Bealby's answer was to switch Moustique de L'Isle back to the smaller obstacles on a trip to Huntingdon 13 days ago, a ploy which worked a treat as the selection rediscovered his former enthusiasm to grab third spot.

Now that Sandy Forster's string has shifted into top gear, perhaps Uneven Line (4.00) can bring to an end his annoying habit of reaching the frame, rather than actually winning.

Uneven Line last knocked at the door when a rock solid third to a couple of fair stayers, Canavan and Matmata de Tendron, at the course in late January.

Forster's consistent gelding probably didn't quite see out the marathon three-and-a-half-mile distance that day, a theory reflected by the fact his in-form trainer has opted for a race over six furlongs less this afternoon.

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