DESERT Creek showed a good level of ability as a juvenile and looks certain to make his presence felt on his return to action at Windsor.
The son of Refuse To Bend was not unfancied for his racecourse introduction at this venue last October, and there was plenty to like about the way he stayed on in the closing stage to fill the runner-up spot.
Unsurprisingly, he was sent off a warm order to go one place better at Yarmouth a couple of weeks later and did not let his supporters down as he readily scooted clear of a Godolphin inmate to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
His breeding suggests he can only improve as he continues to step up in trip and although the Wycombe Wanderers FC Handicap is a competitive heat, time could prove Sir Michael Stoute’s colt is a cut above this level.
It could be a good afternoon for his jockey, Ryan Moore, who also gets the ride on Zouk in the Amelia May Laye Hurst 91st Birthday Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
Walter Swinburn’s chestnut gelding went down as an eyecatcher on his introduction at Ripon last month as he finished strongly to take fourth.
This fast ground should not prove a problem and the booking of Moore has to go down as a positive for his chances.
Desert Dreamer does not know how to run a bad race and few would begrudge him victory in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap at Beverley.
The eight-year-old owes his connections nothing, having already won three times since the turn of the year. He has actually finished in the first three on each of his last 12 starts.
His staying-on second at Windsor last time suggested this return to seven furlongs will give him a helping hand.
Favourite-backers had their fingers burnt when El Loco Uno was beaten into second on his debut, but he should reward those who keep the faith in division one of the Turftv Maiden Stakes at Kempton.
The Henry Cecil inmate had clearly been lighting up the Newmarket gallops prior to his first racecourse visit to Ripon as he was sent off the 5-4 favourite – but had to make do with minor honours behind Mister Dee Bee.
Although disappointing for his supporters, he clearly has a good level of ability and would not have to improve massively to win this.
Saeed bin Suroor does not have many runners at Newcastle, so the hint should be taken as Taarab makes the long journey north for the millvolvo.co.uk Maiden Stakes.
The three-year-old ran second to a stablemate on his debut at Yarmouth but faces what looks an easier task in this heat.
His entry in the Derby at Epsom also catches the eye.
Maxwell Hawke won with a bit up his sleeve at Warwick last month and can make a winning return to the track in the Betfair Handicap.
The Rock Of Gibraltar colt was not beaten far by 2000 Guineas runner Ouqba on his debut at Newmarket in July and confirmed that promise with a half-length success here on his return. He can only continue to improve and should make his mark in handicap company this season.
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