Jason Weaver: This filly won’t be flattering to deceive at Lingfield on Saturday

13:55 Lingfield

Flattering looked in need of her debut run last season but made no mistake seven days ago when bolting up at Cork by a huge looking 10 lengths. Granted, she may be taking on much better opposition but now the penny has dropped she’s going to be high up the ladder. So far the Ballydoyle boys have not produced a rocket ship in the fillies division and she could prove the one.

14:15 Ascot

Thundering Blue quickly made up into a very smart handicap last season, racking up the three-timer at Epsom, Newmarket and Sandown. On his return at Epsom he was short of room at a vital stage and was not knocked about in the closing stages. It looks as if this may well have been the plan for some time.

14:30 Lingfield

I’m not going to hide the fact that I’ve already backed Kew Gardens for the Derby. Admittedly, I was disappointed with his reappearance at Newmarket, however Aidan O’Brien’s horses were needing their initial racecourse returns and I expect him to be no different. He’s got class and quality and a decent opponent in the John Gosden runner, which should help to make a price.

14:50 Ascot

Salouen had very good early season form last term and was arguably very unlucky in the Derby not to finish much closer, having been put down on his nose at a vital stage. The subsequent in France were very solid in good company and this rates a perfect starting point for what could be a big season for him.

15:25 Ascot

The fact Di Fede‘s trainer kept her very busy last year, having eight races and two successes, suggests that she is very tough. Don’t be surprised if later in the season she is tried over much further distances as she is related to plenty of styles. However, this rates a perfect starting point with the champion jockey, Sylvester De Sousa, on board. He can do the feather weight of eight stone four that she has to carry.

15:40 Lingfield

Tomyris made a super start to the 2017 season, quickly proving herself a black type performer. In the later part of the year she shot far too high up in Group One company, but significantly eased in grade she will find this competition a lot less stern – additionally, we also have the services of Frankie Dettori.

16:00 Ascot

Silent Attack looked as if he was treading water in only three races last season, and the team must have been scratching their head with this beautifully bred son of Dream Ahead. However, he showed what he is capable of with a really improved performance at Lingfield on his return, travelling smartly just in behind and then showing a really good change of gear to quickly put the race to bed. He’s an improver, which is needed in these races.