Welcome Friend can thwart Ryedale hope Sugarfoot when Newmarket's Guineas' meeting starts tomorrow.

The Hblb Leicestershire Stakes over seven furlongs is the target for Roger Charlton's potentially high-class colt, who was an impressive winner over the course and distance last month.

Welcome Friend will be stepping up from handicaps to Group 3 company tomorrow, but the four-year-old has bags of scope for further improvement and is unlikely to be found wanting in the hands of Richard Hughes.

Sugarfoot, the apple of Langton trainer Nigel Tinkler's eye, failed to cut much ice when sent to race in Dubai over the winter. But he is a proven high-flying performer on turf and I expect him to make a bold bid. Whether he can beat Welcome Friend remains to be seen.

The £60,000 Sagitta Jockey Club Stakes brings together a fine selection of older horses, including Millenary and Air Marshall, who fought out such a terrific finish in last season's St Leger at Doncaster.

My vote goes to Wellbeing, who was defeated only once in five starts last season when he was fifth in the Vodafone Derby after a troubled preparation.

Wellbeing, who ended last term with a gutsy win at Newbury, is reported to have been working really well in preparation for his comeback outing. In the hands of Richard Quinn, Henry Cecil's exciting colt can return to action in a blaze of glory.

Yeast is fancied to rise to the occasion in the Portland Lodge Handicap.

William Haggas's nine-year-old found a new lease of life last season, winning two of his last three races. It would not surprise me to see him return to the fray on a successful note.

In the H & K Commissions (Bookmakers) Handicap, Early Morning Mist should not be underestimated. Mark Johnston's filly won the second of her two races last season and looks set for a profitable campaign.

John Gosden has a powerful squad of horses at his disposal again this season and the Manton trainer saddles a promising filly in Lurina in the Directa Gaffa Maiden Stakes.

An encouraging runner-up on her only start last season, Lurina should not be long in going one better this term and opportunity could well come tomorrow.

Up at Musselburgh, Emperor's Well gets my Nap vote in the Musselburgh Links Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Mick Easterby's juvenile finished fifth over this course and distance last month on his debut when he spoiled his chances by running very green.

That experience will not have been wasted on him and a big run is expected from him this time. Terry Lucas has the mount.

Tomorrow's tips

Newmarket

2.05...........................................Yeast

2.35..........................Theatre Script

3.10...................................Wellbeing

3.40..................Early Morning Mist

4.15..........................Katy Nowaitee

4.50........................Welcome Friend

5.20........................................Lurina

5.45...................................Mesmeric

Musselburgh

2.15...............Emperor's Well (Nap)

2.45......................................Johayro

3.20...............................Tom Dougal

3.50...................................Kid'z'play

4.25....................................Estabella

5.00...........................Nod's Nephew

5.30..................................Encounter

Updated: 12:30 Thursday, May 03, 2001