There are three meetings taking place on the AW on Monday, so we are certainly not short of opportunities.

One of the better races is the 0-80 handicap over 5f (6.45) at Newcastle, in which my eye was initially drawn to Dark Kestrel, mainly because he won a division of this race last year and I always respect horses who attempting a repeat bid in a race they have won before, but the claims of MONKS DREAM just sway me in his direction. Tim Easterby’s gelding was only just beaten in his last two starts at Redcar, but he is 0-12 on turf whereas all three of his wins have come here. His AW rating is higher, but he is back off the same mark as when last successful over this course and distance back in March, where he ironically got the better of Dark Kestrel.

Even more intriguing is BIBENDUM in the 0-60 handicap over the same trip at 7.15. No-one can claim that Julie Camacho’s gelding is prolific (1-23), but he has been running well lately and although only sixth of 14 here last time, he would surely have gone close to winning had he seen any daylight over the last couple of furlongs. He races off the same mark and given a bit more luck he must have a good chance of gaining compensation.

Nordic Glory has done us a few favours at Wolverhampton lately and is due to line up for the closing 0-60 handicap over 6f (4.15) at Lingfield. There is no problem with the return to this track having won here five times, but the outside stall nine may make things a little tricky so I’m taking him on with HARRY BROWN. Peter Crate’s gelding hasn’t shone over 5f on Polytrack the last twice, but he has gained three of his four wins over this course and distance and has dropped 1lb lower than for the latest of those back in April. The return of the blinkers may also help him.

Over at Wolverhampton SCARBOROUGHWARNING can take the 0-75 handicap over 6f at 7.00. A winner over course and distance a year ago, Sir Mark Prescott’s gelding was another to enjoy no luck when fifth of nine back here last week. He certainly remains well handicapped to gain compensation, being 2lb lower than when second of 13 at this venue in July. David Bellingham