Mondragon is today's value bet at Southwell when he lines up for the Marbles Handicap. Mary Reveley's eight-year-old has proved frustrating at times but he needs a true stamina test at a good pace - something he will get here.

On his best form, Mandragon would make mincemeat of this field, having finished sixth in the 1994 Cesarewitch and third in Ascot's valuable Brown Jack Handicap earlier that year.

Monragon made a very belated reappearance for 1997 when running over a mile and six furlongs at tomorrow's venue in mid-December. Looking in need of the run, he made noteworthy late progress to finish 14 lengths fifth of 13 to Notation.

With that outing under his belt and given a more favourable trip, Mondragon is napped to take advantage of a favourable handicap mark.

Reveley has good prospects of a double with Trojan Hero in the Hopscotch Handicap. The exSouth African horse has shown a liking for all-weather surfaces, finishing third to Chaluz over course and distance in November before running away with a handicap at Wolverhampton, beating Concer Arall six lengths.

He was touched off at Lingfield last time, beaten three-quarters of a length by Mustang, pair four lengths clear. This is an ideal opportunity to regain winning ways.

Dick Turpin has his first run for Bryan Smart in the Hoopla Maiden and on the form he showed for Lord Huntingdon should see off some poor opponents. The four-year-old was twice placed in maidens at Goodwood and Smart is capable of preparing his charges to run well first time out.

Greenspan is a regular at Southwell and should not be opposed in the Conkers Claiming Stakes. The six-year-old will always struggle away from the bottom drawer but is a hardy sort who sees out every yard of this 12furlong trip and looks a more reliable betting proposition than Pickens.