THIS column is back after a hiatus. Or a holiday, of sorts. Down to business. It’s more than 300 miles from Middleham to Brighton but Mark Johnston will go anywhere for a winner. Today he sends SILENT DREAMER (2.00) on the trek to the south coast and could be rewarded with a winner.

The Dream Ahead filly has shown promise in both her runs and looks primed to go very close today. She didn’t get home over 7f last time and comes back to 5f. The ground at Brighton was good to soft yesterday and could be even softer today as more rain is forecast. In fact there is a Met office yellow warning for heavy rain.

Silent Dreamer’s pedigree suggests she should handle the conditions although, of course, it is a gamble. Betty Blue should go off favourite but her pedigree poses questions about her ability to handle the ground.

The other half of the double was going to be FATHERLY FRIEND (5.40 Carlisle) who was a huge eyecatcher on his debut but he has been declared a non runner this morning. The race could go to Richard Fahey’s choicely-bred Nimr or My Two Scoops who should go well if the ground is not too soft.

So the other tip is the improving MR COOL CASH (7.40 Carlisle) who is in sparkling form and, despite carrying a penalty, should be very hard to beat!

PS PREMIER CURRENCY (2.45 Kempton) is similarly in good form and can win despite a penalty.

Be lucky!