First In Line improving with racing

The well bred First In Line, who is one of the Unraced Three Year Olds to follow in Ahead On The Flat, shaped with plenty of promise on his racecourse bow at Nottingham in April when finishing runner-up. A colt by New Approach, he is out of a Cheshire Oaks winner and is a half-brother to William Haggas' Listed Galtres Stakes winner Our Obsession. John Gosden's charge built on that encouraging start by going one better at Lingfield on Tuesday evening. Despite having to be driven along turning for home by Frankie Dettori, he stayed on well to beat stablemate Harrovian by half a length. Once he got there, the Italian's mount won a shade cosily and he is crying out for a step up to a mile and a half. Another novice stakes with a penalty will be next but I think he is the sort to progress with racing. He has a decent future.

I am continuing to work on the Royal Ascot Update. I am also heading to Haydock Park on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon for Racing TV. Unfortunately, plenty of rain is forecast for Friday so I am expecting the ground to be testing - it is already gooo to soft ahead of Thursday's card. Please head to the Publications section of the site to order a copy of the Royal Ascot Update, if you haven't already done so. I am hoping to speak to a few people regarding the Royal meeting whilst I am at Haydock.