FAST-IMPROVING Red Imp (3.10) should not be missed in the Conference Centre Handicap Hurdle at Leicester this afternoon.

Owned and trained by the season's leading permit holder, Brancepeth-based Norman Mason, Red Imp romped to an impressive track and trip victory four weeks ago, claiming the notable scalp of David Gandolfo's useful timber merchant Balanak.

Balanak simply had no answer to the selection's scintillating turn of foot over the last two flights, Red Imp's jockey Richard Guest even enjoying the luxury of easing his mount right down in the closing stages.

As an extra insurance, Guest now gives way to the smart conditional pilot Peter Ryan, who takes a further crucial 5lb off the gelding's back in what looks a pretty competitive heat.

Another north-eastern raider, Lord Lamb, will be hard to beat provided he stays on his feet for the Dick Christian Novices' Chase.

Mary Reveley's classy ex-hurdler showed plenty of promise on his chasing debut at the course this month when finishing fourth to Mr Percy over two miles.

As ever, just reeling off the final placing of the individual concerned only tells half of the story because Mr Lamb (3.40) came within a whisker of falling at the first fence after making terrible hash of the obstacle.

Not surprisingly he took his time to get a modicum of confidence back after that early fright and there wasn't any real fluency about his jumping until much later on in the contest.

Lord Lamb is sure to have benefited from the experience as well as being far more suited by today's extra half mile.

In the Brook Selling Handicap Hurdle, Harem Scarem (2.10) bids to follow up his recent course and distance success.

Normally it doesn't pay to play in such lowly events, but on this occasion it might be worth making an exception since the ten-year-old won with a ton in hand.

Ayem (2.50) is an infrequent visitor at best to the racecourse so his appearance following a 486-day absence in the Hunter Mews Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell is bound to stir up interest in the betting ring.

His supporters landed a nice tickle when the six-year-old last prevailed at Plumpton in September 1999, and I expect the bookies to be running for cover again if a similar gamble is re-enacted.

Mark Johnston's all-weather team is nothing like as numerically strong as it used to be, however that is not to say his runners shouldn't be followed on the sand.

The Middleham trainer has a superb record at Wolverhampton, where Forum Finale (2.00) and Stanza (3.30) both hold realistic chances.

The former won in gritty style over an extended mile on her last sortie to the Midlands venue. And with the Silver Hawk filly returning on such a favourable mark she is confidently expected to poach one or two more sand starts prior to going back to the turf in the Spring.

Stanza's (3.30) smashing pedigree stands out a mile against some very ordinary rivals and she would not have to be anything special to make a winning debut in the Sulky Maiden Stakes.