HEAVY ground at Haydock shouldn't hinder Glasshoughton's prospects of winning the Renault Manchester Handicap.

The Michael Dods-trained three-year-old proved on more than one occasion last year that rain-sodden turf wasn't a problem, in fact with hindsight his 2-length Ayr second to Amadeus Wolf was a truly amazing effort.

It just goes to show how a literal interpretation of form can be misleading, because while the latter went on to Group One success, Glasshoughton (3.05) failed to shed his maiden tag, despite another five bites of the cherry.

Whatever the reasons for the gelding's failures, judging by his latest fourth placing it appears only a matter of time before he finally opens his account.

The impressive manner with which Goodbye Mr Bond (4.10) stormed to victory at Ripon on Sunday suggests he'll complete a quickfire double in the Lewis Teed Handicap.

A 3lb penalty incurred for the runaway success is mere peanuts compared with the ease with which Eric Alson's raider mastered his rivals, which will doubtless be reflected in a skinny starting price.

Up Tempo's winning streak is becoming a source of serious discomfort to the column as he was included the 2005 Racing North ten-to-follow list, but discarded when it came to choosing this year's picks.

Connor Dore's decision to claim Up Tempo at Newcastle worked a treat as his new inmate scored at the first time of asking in a red-hot seven furlong Chepstow handicap 17 days ago.

Dore has opted to try the eight-year-old at one mile, a distance over which he remains unexposed and potentially extremely well handicapped.

Pontefract's evening meeting gets underway with a maximum 18-runner cavalry charge for which Etoile Russe (6.35) gets the nod.

Rider Leanne Kershaw has the advantage of knowing her mount has plenty of early pace, so expect the combination to exit the gates like a greyhound and thereafter maintain the advantage all the way to the line.