Maidens In Waiting winner Kurakka (9/2)

There were two runners from the Maidens In Waiting section in Ahead On The Flat on Friday - ironically, the pair had run in the same one mile novice stakes at Kempton in December last year. Noble Horizon had run on into third position on his reappearance over a mile at Newmarket a fortnight ago. By Kingman out of an Irish Oaks winner, William Haggas runner was expected to be suited by an extra couple of furlongs in the ten furlongs maiden stakes at Chepstow. Ridden handily, he fought off the challenge of the warm favourite Sea of Kings but couldn't resist the challenge of the twice raced Rogue Millions. Denied by a length, he qualifys for a mark now and is one to look out for in middle distance handicaps this summer. Stamina rather than speed appears to be his forte and he ought to have no problem staying a mile and a half. He could even be one for the Melrose Handicap Stakes at York in August.

The Alan King trained Kurakka (9/2) had impressed when winning a ten furlongs novice stakes at Chelmsford at the start of the month. Allocated an opening mark of 82 for his handicap debut at Haydock, he was suited by running over a mile and a half for the first time at the Merseyside track. Well positioned on the outside in behind the leaders, Rossa Ryan's mount made his move inside the final quarter of a mile before hitting the front with less than a furlong to travel. Pushed out for a length and three quarters victory, he almost certainly booked his place for the King George V Handicap Stakes at Royal Ascot (19th June). A progressive type, he will stay further if necessary.