IN-FORM Scorton handler David Barker has a great chance of maintaining his recent purple patch courtesy of Secret Conquest (3.15) in the Anderson Barrowcliff Fillies' Handicap at Redcar today.

Barker's stable has been firing on all cylinders lately, the yard's most recent victory coming via the fast-improving Tiyoun in a competitive contest at Ripon on Sunday.

Rather conversely, Secret Conquest's fortunes have somewhat nose-dived since her two-year-old campaign when she won twice at Catterick and once at Haydock.

As a direct result of those three wins her handicap mark went off the radar, sky rocketing at one time to a heady 82. Ultimately it meant she simply had too much weight to carry and subsequently the filly's strike-rate suffered badly, only once managing to reach the frame in nine visits to the racecourse during the year 2000.

But nearly all clouds have a silver lining and in tandem with her fall from the grace the Official Handicapper took pity and relented to such a degree that she now races off a mark of 48. There is also further encouragement to glean from Secret Conquest's latest two starts, particularly her latest sixth at Ayr where she was denied a clear passage at a vital stage.

Another member of the fairer sex seemingly about to hit top gear is Cynara (4.45) in division 1 of the Salmanazar Handicap.

Cynara's trainer George Moore is by far and away best known for his exploits in the National Hunt field nowadays. However, those readers with long memories will recall George used to train some pretty decent flat performers, including Wensleydalewarrior and Northumberland Plate hero, High Flying.

Cynara's a big strapping sort who has taken a while to come to hand this term, nevertheless the way she shaped at Newcastle 19 days ago suggested her turn was near.

Fellow Middleman trainer Mark Johnston has division 2 of the race in his sights with Atlantic Eagle (5.15), a truly handsome son of the successful USA sire, Mt Livermore.

Atlantic Eagle was last seen in action at Ayr late last month where he finished a close fourth to Stormy Crest. The colt is gradually getting the hang of things and doesn't look badly treated off a mark of 65.

Bags of runners to delve through at Salisbury where the fast ground conditions traditionally favour those drawn high at distances of a mile or less.

Of the two main protagonists in the Nathan's Handicap, Inchdura (3.30) from stall 15 has fared considerably better than Ryan's Gold in stall number 9.

Inchdura, who is related to a whole of host of winners, so nearly upheld the family tradition when second at Newbury, just losing out in a thrilling nip-and-tuck duel to the line with Analyser.

As far as the nap selections went, last season was a real nightmare for this column.

In mitigation one of the major contributing factors was a succession of photo-finishes just going the wrong way.

A particularly painful instance was that of the the 25-1 shot, Brevity, nailed right on the wire by Bintang Timor at Yarmouth in October.

Without the burden of carrying Janus' vote, Brevity (4.00) has prevailed no less than five of his latest six races, including another dazzling win at Epsom's weekend Derby meeting.

He's out to make it six from seven in the Tote Jackpot Stakes, an event well within his range judged on the sort of high spirits he's in at present.