Middleham trainer James Bethell, who sent out Strawberry Dale to win at York last week, will be hoping more than most that tonight's meeting at Leicester goes ahead as planned.

Bethell is aiming to saddle Snowed Under, but it is rain and not snow which is causing most concern at present, with the sodden Leicester track subject to a course inspection this morning.

Bethell will be hoping that Leicester does not go the same way as Redcar's card yesterday and this afternoon's Beverley meeting, both of which were called off because of waterlogging.

Nap selection Snowed Under, who goes for the A R Edwards Family Butchers of Leicester Handicap over ten furlongs, has finished in the frame in both his starts this season and looks primed to make it third time lucky.

A previous winner over this course and distance, the five-year-old will be partnered by Kerrin McEvoy, Frankie Dettori's understudy at the Godolphin stable.

Tim Easterby has his horses in cracking form and the Great Habton, near Malton, trainer can hit the target with Viva Volta in the Lawson West Solicitors Handicap.

A winner on an easy surface at Beverley on his reappearance, Viva Volta has since finished sixth at Newcastle on quicker ground. He is worth another chance with the mud flying once more.

Mossman Gorge is worthy of attention in the Colourbank Carpets And Beds Handicap, though backers of a nervous disposition are advised to leave him well alone.

The gelding is a quirky character, who tends to pull-up in front and consequently needs producing late on the scene.

He is running well at present, however, and, if things pan out right for him, he is more than capable of landing this 12 furlong contest.

Racing selections

TONIGHT

Leicester (inspection 8am): 6.20 Invincible Force, 6.50 Viva Volta, 7.20 Desert Lightning, 7.50 Snowed Under (Nap), 8.20 Opera Writer 8.50 Mossman Gorge.

Today's other meetings: Kempton (afternoon, Flat, all-weather track), Lingfield (afternoon, Flat, all-weather track), Towcester (evening, National Hunt, inspection 9am). This afternoon's Beverley meeting was called off yesterday because of waterlogging.

TOMORROW

Goodwood (selected races): 3.45 Camrose, 4.20 Cactus King, 5.30 Spanish Ace.

Tomorrow's other meetings: Folkestone (evening, National Hunt), Kelso (afternoon, National Hunt), Kempton (afternoon, Flat, all-weather track), Sedgefield (evening, National Hunt).

Updated: 09:33 Tuesday, May 23, 2006