A total of 67 horses are set to face the starter over seven races – starting at 13:50 and concluding shortly after 17:20 – at Ascot on Friday.

One of those is a Richard Hannon-trained juvenile who’s taken to build on a promise-filled debut at York’s Ebor Festival when he lines-up for the 14:25.

14:25 – Dimsons @ 8/1

There’s some lofty reputations on the line here. Roger Varian’s Accumulate cost a cool 170,000gns for ‘The Lads’ as Aidan O’Brien would say, while the latter’s Kestrel boasts a pair of Group 2 entries for later in the season.

However, both are unraced and regular readers will know that, providing there’s a credible opponent, I often take these types on – and I’ll be doing exactly that here with Richard Hannon’s Dimsons.

The two-year-old son of Footstepsinthestand made his racecourse debut at York’s Ebor Festival last month and showed plenty of promise in finishing 8th, just over 4L off the winner.

He travelled with authority that day and was one of the last off the bridle, but he hung badly out to his left when under pressure and it was all hands and heels from Sean Levey once it became obvious he wasn’t going to win.

Exactly as Mr. Hannon said before his introduction, he “will definitely come on for the experience” and can make a bold bid at an attractive price for this 7f maiden.

16:10 – Tafreej @ 15/8

Just under two hours later, I’m backing the in-form William Haggas’ Tafreej to make amends for his defeat in the Mile Handicap at York’s Ebor Festival.

The three-year-old was subject to a lot of support before the off but was fighting a losing battle from the word go as he was extremely slow out the gates and forced to race in rear, which led to him encountering trouble in running.

Once clear, he made stylish late progress to finish a staying-on fourth, beaten just over 1L by the winner. I’m certain he’d have won, and won well, with a clean break.

I’m admittedly unsure this drop to 7f is ideal, but he does boast some good form at the trip and this certainly represents an easier assignment than the one at York.

With more luck in running, I’m expecting a big run from the son of Sharmardal, who can record the third win of his career.