My Timeform: Three handicappers to be positive about

Giselles Defence (81)

Third, 1½m handicap, Leicester, Tuesday 3 June

Giselles Defence shaped well when third at Leicester and looks in good enough form to take advantage of a favourable mark. Giselles Defence was short of room as they turned into the straight and lost his place as a consequence. That meant he wasn't well placed when the dash for home commenced, but he put in some good late work, and sectionals show he was marginally quickest through the final three furlongs. He was running off a mark 1 lb below the one he defied at Newbury last summer so will be one to note on the back of this encouraging effort.

Indalo (98)

Runner-up, 9f handicap, Hamilton, Thursday 5 June

A handicap that saw the pair of four-year-olds at the head of the market duly fill the first two places, and they're both worth extra credit over the rest, the winner gearing down late on and Indalo meeting trouble in running. Indalo went without his usual hood racing beyond a mile for the first time, and proved himself fully effective on turf at the second attempt, sure to have pulled further clear of the remainder had he not been denied a run when trying to make headway on the approach to the two-furlong pole. He finished well once in the clear and was never nearer than at the line having conceded first run, so he will be high on the shortlist for a similar event next time.

Defiance (108+)

Fourth, 1¼m handicap, Epsom, Friday 6 June

Defiance had finished tailed off in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen almost a year ago, but he shaped well in fourth on his reappearance and handicap debut at Epsom. Defiance was held up and never threatened to land a blow on the impressive winner, Ecureuil Secret, who stormed clear, but he passed enough rivals inside the final couple of furlongs to suggest he's started off in handicaps on a fair mark. He is entitled to be sharper with this run under his belt and has very few miles on the clock for a four-year-old, so he's one to note.