Selling races are notoriously fraught with gambling pitfalls - but Captain Royale can buck the trend at Southwell.

Tracy Waggott’s small yard in County Durham is not exactly renowned for firing home the winners.

She is a capable handler with the right animal, though, and can underline the point in the Hospitality At Southwell Racecourse Selling Stakes.

Much was expected of Captain Royale in his salad years, especially after he coasted home on soft ground at Ripon last June.

Jeremy Noseda thought him so good that next on the agenda was the Group One Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, where he was sadly outclassed.

Captain Royale struggled after that outing in Ireland and was snapped up by Waggott after another no-show at Southwell in September.

Seemingly rejuvenated by a change of landscape, the Captain Rio gelding showed flickers of new-found exuberance when staying on for fourth at Catterick earlier this month.

Having slithered down the ratings as a consequence of his lean spell, but with confidence now restored, Waggott can rightly expect another improved performance over a mile.

Mullitovermaurice made a nice start to his racing career at Wolverhampton and takes the eye in the EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

James Given’s two-year-old coped manfully in what was a stiff introduction at Wolverhampton, where he got to within three and three-quarter lengths of a progressive Mark Johnston inmate.

Granted nominal improvement, Mullitovermaurice has the scope to win this far weaker race.

Bulella produced a career-best performance when second over course and distance last Wednesday and looks a warm order for the Membership At Southwell Golf Club Nursery.

Meanwhile, this afternoon’s meeting at Limerick was abandoned due to waterlogging.

Although the track was raceable on Sunday, officials were forced to call a 7.30am inspection due to the threat of overnight rain.

That check showed the track to be unfit for racing and they were left with no choice but to cancel.