Horse racing: Johnston to carry form to Southwell

Mark JOHNSTON has had another prolific year with more than 200 winners and he can plunder the main race at Southwell on tomorrow with Love Delta.

The only three-year-old in the field, the Seeking The Gold colt enjoyed a fine start to 2010 and, despite looking a little ring-rusty after being given the summer off, he has shown signs of good form since.

The five furlongs plainly looked inadequate as he chased home the speedy Noble Storm in a meeting last month and the six furlongs of the totepool A Better Way To Bet Handicap should suit him down to the ground.

The steadier of 9st 10lb will hopefully not prevent Proud Times from what looks a good opportunity in the southwell-racecourse.co.uk Handicap.

Alan Swinbank's four-year-old did the business over a mile-and-a-half here in August and was not disgraced in defeat at Kempton or Haydock in September.

Although he finished last of five on his latest start at Wolverhampton five weeks ago, he can be forgiven as he finds the mile and three-quarters beyond him.

Proud Times did try to make all that day, which did not help, and ridden with more restraint over this shorter trip, he can regain winning ways.

Richard Fahey has had his best ever season with more than 170 winners and a Group One success through Wootton Bassett.

Mr Optimistic is obviously one of his lesser lights but finally got off the mark at Wolverhampton last Saturday and can follow up in the toteexacta Your Better Value Forecast Nursery.

Sir Geoffrey can strike for Dandy Nicholls in the 40 Live Football Markets At totesport.com Handicap at Wolverhampton.

The four-year-old put behind him several poor efforts when getting the better of veteran Cape Royal over this extended five furlongs two weeks ago.

Marco Botti's runners are always worth a second glance on the all-weather and the Italian Newmarket-based handler can strike with Acclamazing in the EBF Maiden Stakes.