Last Saturday's win against Shrewsbury was as must win as they come and Mickey Boulding once again proved to be the hero with a hat-trick.

I hope some of you followed my advice in backing the home win at 5/6 with Boylesports, as well as buying (betting higher) total goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index.

The Stags are now only one point behind Dagenham who they face in a winner takes all game next weekend.

Mansfield have a better goal difference though and the Daggers face a tricky trip to the North East to take on play-off bound Darlington on Saturday.

There is not time for Paul Holland's side to rest on their laurels when Rotherham come to Field Mill on Saturday.

The Yorkshire outfit have won their last two, but prior to that they had lost three in a row so they are definitely beatable.

The problem remains for the Stags though that they are yet to register back-to-back victories this season.

The new manager has definitely instilled a fighting quality in his side and I think there is a genuine belief that the side can avoid the dreaded drop.

A win would pile enormous amounts of pressure on the teams around them going into the last week and I am going to stick my neck on the line once again and go for a Stags victory at 8/11.

There have generally been lots of goals in games featuring both the Stags and Rotherham of late so I would again advise backing the 2-1 home win at 7/1 with Boylesports and a buy (bet higher) of total goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index.

The Bet365 Gold Cup, the last big jumps race of the season, takes place at Sandown tomorrow and Tony Martin's Royal County Star will take a lot of beating at around the 6/1 mark.

Martin is one of Ireland's shrewdest trainers and nearly landed the Irish Grand National with this fellow last time out.

However, he seemed to run out of steam late on that day and at a bigger price, I'm quite sweet on the chances of Lothian Falcon at 10/1 with Boylesports.

He has never run over a trip this far but he shapes as if a test of stamina will suit and looks to have been laid out for the race.

There are only three games to go now and the Stags realistically have to win at least two of them if they are going to escape from non-league football.

Dagenham are four points ahead, but they have two tricky away games before the potentially crucial final game of the season against the Stags.

Shrewsbury travel to Field Mill on Saturday and although they haven't had a good season, they are safe and don't really have much too play for.

They have lost 11 on the road this season and you have to go back to December for their last away victory.

If the boys can't get psyched up for this one then there are serious problems and this is the exact definition of a 'must-win' game.

I think they can do it, so back the home win at 5/6 with Boylesports, as well as the 2-1 scoreline at 7/1. Spread bettors should have a go at buying (betting higher) total goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index.



Top weight Halcon Genelardais has been all the rage this week and is now as short at 6/1 with Boylesports for the marathon 4 mile plus slog that is Saturday's Scottish Grand National.

However, he's got a monster weight to shoulder and I like the look of two mudlarks with nearly two stone less than him in the saddle.

Philson Run and Ossmoses will love both the rain and the marathon trip and can be backed at 25/1 and 10/1 respectively.

They are both getting on a bit and often look as if they are running in slow motion, but there won't be many traveling that fast at the end of this gruelling contest.

One horse for you to look out for in the coming days and weeks is Richard Hannon's two year-old Indian Art who is due to make his racecourse debut soon.

The Choisir colt has been sparkling in his work at home and is expected to go to the very top.

His stable are in great nick and their recent two year-old winners cannot get anywhere near this fellow at home.

Bill Esdaile has written for the Racing Post, Sportsman, Sporting Life and the Smart Gambler. He previewed major betting events for the Telegraph, Financial Times, Shares Magazine and the Business.