LEICESTER'S stiff six-furlong track is absolutely ideal for Princely Vale's attempt to land a sparkling four-timer.

Plenty of the usual suspects have lined up their two-year-olds for a crack at the £8,000 Nursery Handicap, however they might all be whistling in the wind if Princely Vale (4.20) continues his meteoric rate of improvement.

Having already scored at Thirsk and Redcar, Bill Turner's juvenile then bolted up at Brighton to complete his hat-trick, a victory which by no means signalled the end of his winning streak judged on the runaway success in the hands of the excellent 7lb apprentice jockey, Colin Haddon.

Mister Monet, who so nearly made a triumphant comeback at Newmarket's July meeting, is fancied to go one better in the feature event at Hamilton, the Daily Record Conditions.

Mark Johnston's pace-setting three-year-old was frustratingly nailed right on the wire at headquarters, having been at the head of affairs throughout a race run at a furious pace.

Considered a lively outsider for the 2,000 Guineas before a minor setback cruelly interrupted his springtime preparation, Mister Monet (3.20) unquestionably has the class to confirm the immense promise he showed in 2003.

In the earlier Arthur Balding Stakes, Thornaby Green (2.50) must not be missed.

He has thrived physically over the past few months and with David Barron's stable having enjoyed a winner at Catterick yesterday, the yard are beginning to fly.

Down at the other end of the UK, Mister Monet's Middleham stable-mate, Secret Pact (6.25), makes masses of appeal in the opening seven-furlong Median Auction Maiden Stakes at Epsom.

On a line through Mick Easterby's Selkirk Storm, Secret Pact is not far behind Beckermet, one of the fastest juvenile's seen out so far this term. There was also a lot to like about the way the selection kept on galloping when runner-up at Newcastle, strongly suggesting this evening's slightly longer trip will be in his favour.

The Johnston team could also hit bulls-eye with Doncaster raider Play That Tune (8.10), who was beaten by a couple of smart handicappers, St Petersburg and Flighty Fellow, at York last week.

Play That Tune, formerly trained by Henry Cecil, has taken time to acclimatise at Middleham, but she's on fire right now and off a favourable mark the £14,000 fillies' handicap is there for the taking.

Howard Johnson and big-spending owner, Graham Wylie, are doubtless still on cloud nine after picking up the valuable John Smith's Cup with Arcalis at York on Saturday. Given Wylie's millions there's more of that kind of stuff to come, starting with Abraxas Antelope (7.10) in Doncaster's Rectangle Group Novice Stakes.

Wylie's juvenile made a six-length winning debut at Hamilton and his thoroughly professional attitude will surely take him far.