MAN OF LETTERS (3.20) can take full advantage of his lightweight by winning the Jaguar Handicap at Beverley.

According to my calculations the Official Handicapper has dropped an almighty clanger by allotting the Mark Johnston-trained raider just 8st 4lb to shoulder.

Analysis of his previous efforts demonstrates clearly that Man Of Letters has run three promising races to date, notably when a close-up third in a red-hot one-mile maiden at Warwick a fortnight ago.

In that particular contest the selection led at the furlong pole, prior to being worried out of the first two places in the final 100 yards. If, as anticipated, Man Of Letters is suited by the today's slight drop back in distance, he stands a great chance of improving his trainer's already superb strike-rate at the track.

The later Racing Again Fillies Handicap is not any easy event to evaluate, but a runner with decent each-way prospects - and at potentially rewarding odds - is the long-distance traveller from Newmarket, Olivia Rose (4.20).

Olivia Rose ran a succession of good races during 2003 without ever getting her head in front. Having to operate on predominately firm surfaces was probably the reason for her undoing, a situation Olivia Rose does not have to face at present following a spell of ubiquitous wet weather up and down the country.

During the course of his interview for this year's Racing North supplement, Brian Smart passed on some encouraging words to readers about Adees Dancer (2.50), fancied to open her account in the Constant Security Maiden Stakes.

"She's out of a mare who has bred Group 3 winners, so has the right pedigree for the job and could be our "dark horse" for the season," said Smart.

Brian has certainly unearthed a fairly run-of-the-mill affair for his daughter of Danehill Dancer to make her reappearance, and if all goes well, Adees Dancer could be destined for bigger and better things as the year progresses.

Laura Pike is a young rider worth taking note of and she could make her presence felt aboard Fearby Cross (8.00) in the seven furlong Axminster Carpet Apprentice Handicap at Salisbury.

Fearby Cross sometimes has his own ideas about the game, therefore perhaps he's better off being partnered by a pilot prepared to give him the kid gloves treatment, rather than the more agricultural approach adopted by some of the less cultured jockeys in the weighing room.

* Salisbury have been forced to call an inspection for 7.30am after heavy rain at the track yesterday.

The Wiltshire course is due to race this evening, but had 15 millimetres of rain with more expected overnight.

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