April 25 – Windsor – Deauville Legend – 92

Sent off third best up against two colts with strong early-season form lines, James Ferguson’s colt created a favourable impression with the way he quickened by his better-fancied opponents and on the evidence of this opening gambit of the season, the future looks bright. Likely to go straight to Royal Ascot without another run, he should turn out to be very competitive in one of the handicaps off a mark of 89.

April 25 – Naas – Romantic Proposal – 94

Unable to make an impact on heavy ground in last season’s Abbeye, Edward Lynam’s mare left that run well and truly behind her on her first outing to this campaign and if anything, she looked even better than ever. The way she sauntered up to the front running Geocentric was a sight to behold and then when let off the leash, she found a ready turn of foot to pull clear. Just as effective over the minimum trip as she is over six, both the big sprint contests at the Royal meeting will be under serious consideration.

April 27 – Ascot – Go Bears Go – 98

A terrific start to one of last season’s better juvenile sprinters and based on his time figure, he still appears to be improving. It’s not easy to make all the running at the Berkshire track, so his performance can be marked up and he looks sure to come back to the same C&D in June for the Commonwealth Cup.

April 29 – Goodwood – Rocket Rodney – 88

Having run an encouraging race on his debut, the market very much spoke in favour of George Scott’s colt, but even so, his performance far superseded expectations. Breaking well and bagging the nearside rail, he had no trouble going the sound early pace, and then he was also noticeably strong in the latter stages. Unsurprisingly, his effort on the clock resulted in him lowering the two-year-old track record and this very speedy sort will have the Windsor Castle as his main early season target.

April 29 – Newmarket – Dramatised – 91

Well touted beforehand, Karl Burke’s filly lived up to expectations in taking fashion and she goes down in our book as one of the best juveniles seen so far this season. Very speedy according to the overall time and closing sectionals (33.9), even at this early stage the daughter of Showcasing looks an ideal candidate for the Queen Mary.

April 30 – Thirsk – Redarna – 98

A hugely competitive renewal of this mile handicap was won in some style by one of the most exposed members of the field. That said, the overall time and, in particular, his closing sectionals make for positive viewing and he can continue to pay his way in similar handicaps throughout the remainder of the campaign.