Piccled can play a starring role tomorrow in the feature race of the day at Beverley's first meeting of the season.

A prolific winner on sand, the sprinter transferred that ability to turf at Doncaster last month when beating Indian Spark and Watching in a competitive five-furlongs handicap.

Preston trainer Eric Alston left nobody within earshot in any doubt after that victory of his high opion of Piccled and predicted that the five-year-old had the ability and potential to develop into a Listed-race performer.

Ryedale apprentice David Allan, who was aboard at Doncaster, and who rode a winner on Cheeky Girl at Pontefract yesterday, takes the mount again on Nap selection Piccled in the £14,000 Philip Grundy 50 Today Classified Stakes. A bold bid is expected.

Mick Easterby, who got off the mark on the Flat with Sporting Gesture at Pontefract yesterday, was also among the winners at Hexham with Noshinannikin.

The Sheriff Hutton trainer can add to his tally, courtesy of Trouble Mountain in the New Look Members Enclosure Handicap.

The six-year-old made a satisfactory start to the campaign when finishing sixth on his reappearance at Newcastle and should be all the better for that outing.

The Racing Here Again Next Thursday Fillies' Handicap over a mile and a half could be a good opportunity for Wasted Talent to break her duck.

Jonny Portman's three-year-old failed by only a short-head to beat Port Moreno at Southwell last month in a race over this trip. Compensation could be on the cards.

At Newmarket, Membership is expected to take all the beating in the Victor Chandler European Free Handicap.

The three-year-old is trained Clive Brittain, who has made an excellent start to the season.

Membership, who has been in fine form on the all-weather tracks recently, lacks nothing in fitness in this seven furlongs event. With Frankie Dettori in the saddle, the three-year-old can show his rivals the way home.

Pablo steps up to Group 3 company in the Weatherbys Earl of Sefton Stakes after his fluent success in last month's Lincoln Handicap.

With trainer Barry Hills in such flying form, Pablo has every chance of crossing this divide into Pattern-race company. Michael Hills again takes the mount.

Banjo Bay, previously trained by Bryan McMahon, but now with James Given, is a horse I have always had a soft spot for, and this smart five-year-old returns to action in the Grantchester Handicap. He should not be underestimated.

Tomorrow's tips

BEVERLEY

2.05 Rymer's Rascal, 2.40 King Tara, 3.15 Piccled (Nap), 3.50 Dubai Dreams, 4.25 Trouble Mountain, 5.00 Spitting Image, 5.30 Marcus Eile.

Newmarket

1.40 Banjo Bay, 2.15 Pablo, 2.50 Membership, 3.25 Sister Sophia, 4.00 Vermilliann, 4.35 Today Tomorrow, 5.10 Sergeant Cecil.

CHELTENHAM

1.20 Desmond Tutu, 1.55 Strong Paladin, 2.30 Dark 'N Sharp, 3.05 Bal De Nuit, 3.40 Jaseur, 4.15 See You Sometime, 4.50 Chief Cashier.

Updated: 12:50 Tuesday, April 15, 2003