Ajman King is progressive

Ajman King (9/4) provided the Top 40 Prospects with another winner in the City And Suburban Handicap at Epsom. Roger Varian's lightly raced four year old was progressive towards the end of last season and he continued the trend with a length success at the Surrey track. Held up early on by Andrea Atzeni, the son of Lope De Vega made good headway before quickening up smartly to beat fellow Top 40 entry Dash of Spice by a length. Indeed the pair had met in a maiden over the same course and distance in October and David Elsworth's runner-up found himself ten pounds better off on this occasion. It won't be long before he goes one better, especially when stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time. As for Ajman Bridge, he looks an obvious contender for races such as the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot and John Smith's Cup at York in June and July respectively. Having only raced on an easy surface, it will be interesting to see how he fares on a lively terrain.

Talking of the Top 40, regular readers will be aware that Saint Equiano was featured in last year's Ahead On The Flat. Despite winning at Carlisle, Keith Dalgleish's charge was inclined to spoil his chance by racing too keenly. Gelded during the winter, the four year old made his reappearance at Catterick this afternoon in a seven furlongs handicap. Drawn low and ridden by Graham Lee, the son of Equiano found plenty of trouble in running and never got involved. Beaten seven and a half lengths in thirteenth, he ran better than the result suggests and is one to bear in mind when his trainer hits form. The former Flat jockey's string have given the impression they are needing a run at present. On a positive note, he settled better and is at his best in a strongly run race. He has the ability to win more races.