Seven pounds rise for Mickley

I was disappointed with the Top 40 runner on Tuesday and, while his dam handled easy ground, it is hoped the rain softened conditions was the reason for his below par effort. I received some information on Monday evening that the three year old had made a noise in his work at home which could also explain his performance. The step up in trip ought to have suited and this represented a step back from a promising run on his previous start.

Talking of the Top 40 Prospects, Mickley has been raised seven pounds for his win at Doncaster last Friday. Ed Bethell's gelding scored readily off a mark of 83 on Town Moor which now leaves him officially rated 90. He looks ready for a rise in class - I will get in touch with his trainer and find out what the plans are. Those will be revealed in the Royal Ascot Update.

Earlier the same evening, Indelible made it two out of three in the one mile novice stakes. Reportedly slow to come to hand during the spring, the well bred daughter of Shamardal responded well to pressure to beat some highly regarded rivals by upwards of half a length. The handicapper has allocated Ralph Beckett's filly an opening mark of 91. The Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot (21st June) is a possible target.

Please head to the Publications section of the site to order a copy of the Royal Ascot Update, which is due to be published on Sunday 16th June.