DUK WITH ANY LUCK

6.15 DUKHAN (nap) has shown plenty of ability in his two runs –both at Newmarket over 7f. Beaten only half a length on his debut when a well-backed favourite behind Tadleel (a win and two seconds since) and probably bettered that effort when 4th to Being There. Keen both starts and if he settles better today this Epsom Derby entry will take all the beating, particularly as the extra furlong he encounters here should suit on breeding. Communique tried to make all at Kempton, but proved no match for the winner, Blue Mist, going down by 3l. Nevertheless that was a promising first effort from Mark Johnston’s colt although the form is yet to be tested. Cracker Factory was a good fourth on his debut and there should be more to come. 7.15 DIAGNOSTIC (nb) justified short odds to score over course and distance earlier this month and can follow up here William Haggas and Ryan Moore. That win was in a four-runner maiden in which Diagnostic was able to take advantage of her 5lb fillies’ allowance. This is a tougher task, but Diagnostic should have plenty of improvement in her after only two runs. The main danger looks to be Ibazz, who will be visored for the first time despite having won last time out. She has a fair record on all-weather surfaces with three wins from 12 starts, but the four-year-old, formerly trained in France, lacks the scope of the selection. Always Thankful has won two of his last four and wasn’t disgraced on his only run on the all-weather a year ago. Could go well. 7.45 Lightly-raced DHALAM looks the answer for the in-form John Gosden yard. He just held on (by a nose) when winning his maiden at Wolverhampton last time. He wasn’t all that impressive that day but should continue to improve and doesn’t seem harshly treated for his first run in a handicap. Musical Terms is in great heart and comes here seeking a hat-trick after scoring at Ripon and over course and distance. Both successes followed a gelding operation. Ryan Moore was seen to good effect here when getting Musical Terms home by a short head from Toga Tiger. Musical Terms came from off the pace that day and it is likely he will be played late in this 16-strong field. Top weight Waarif has a good record on all-weather surfaces and should go well on his second start for David O’Meara, below.