Tahreek proves well handicapped

Tahreek (3/1), who is featured in the Maidens In Waiting section of Ahead On The Flat, received a favourable mention on page 7 of the Royal Ascot Update and Sir Michael Stoute's charge scored on his handicap debut at Nottingham on Thursday. The son of Dansili was stepping up to a mile for the first time and, having been given a patient ride by Kieran Shoemark, quickened up well to win decisively by a length and three quarters. Racing off a mark of 75, he had been let in lightly and it will be a surprise if he can't follow up.

Having been heavily supported on his racecourse debut, it was disappointing to see the highly regarded Axe Axelrod only finish second at Hamilton. Richard Fahey's well bred colt showed his lack of experience during the first half of the race and was unable to land a telling blow. Staying on in the closing stages, he found the 75 rated Howzer Black a length too strong. Compensation awaits but it is no consolation for those who backed him first time out.

I am heading to my local track Cartmel tomorrow and then again on Sunday. I will therefore be back to update the Diary at some stage over the next few days.