MAN OF LETTERS (5.00) should not be opposed in division two of Warwick's Courier Maiden Stakes.

Mark Johnston's colt ran a cracker on his recent comeback at Doncaster, setting a strong pace until headed and giving way inside the final furlong when the inevitable build up of lactic acid kicked into his system.

It was a race in which the selection confirmed the promise of his sole outing last term, and, provided he maintains the current level of improvement, defeat is unthinkable in the one-mile contest.

John Dunlop's runners are normally out of the traps like greased lightning at this time of year so the presence of Heir To Be (4.00) in the Scottish Equitable Handicap looks a hint worth taking.

Heir To Be, successful over two-miles at Newcastle in 2003, hasn't got too many miles on the clock compared to most of his rivals, the majority of whom appear to be thoroughly exposed as far as the Official Handicapper goes.

In the following Dunchurch Classified Stakes, Tyzack (4.30), a confirmed front-runner, could take all the beating around what is one of the sharpest tracks in the country.

The James Given-trained raider is a very headstrong individual, well-suited to ripping round left-handed bends at a rate of knots. In all probability jockey Micky Fenton will not be thinking of dropping anchor early doors, more a case of attempting to establish a significant lead and then hanging on for dear life should Tyzack's legs turn to jelly in the closing stages.

On Guard, winner of the Draycote Handicap 12 months ago, bids to repeat the feat in the mile-and-quarter event for the second year in succession.

Pat Murphy's gelding is no world-beater, however he does seem to enjoy his visits to the Midlands venue. There is further encouragement to be gleaned from the presence in the saddle of the underrated, yet eminently capable, David Kinsella.

David Loder is already beginning to unleash some of his superbly-bred two-year-olds and not surprisingly Observer has frightened off all but three of the opposition in the opener at Folkestone.

Observer has reportedly been working in great style on Newmarket Heath and in the hands of Frankie Dettori is fully entitled to make a winning debut in the Tenterden Maiden Stakes.

Later on in proceedings Loder and Dettori once again team up, this time with Perfect Portrait (3.10) in the Visit Port Wild Animal Classified Stakes.

Loder's late-maturing four-year-old prevailed on his only start to date at Leicester last October when outgunning Paciano in hard-fought final furlong tussle.

Perfect Portrait clearly has the stomach for a fight, goes well when fresh, and possesses plenty of scope for further improvement.