My Timeform: Three to be positive about

Jer Batt (Timeform rating 103)

Fifth, 5f handicap, Chester, Thursday 8 May

The runner-up soon had them strung out in a competitive affair taken by a course specialist and, as is the norm in sprints here, little got involved from further back than mid-field, but the well-supported Jer Batt can have his effort marked up. He had gone very close at this meeting in 2023 and confirmed the impression that he's returned in top form, but a difficult draw meant that he was caught further back than ideal and he wasn't given a hard time when his winning chance had gone. Jer Batt is one to follow in the coming months, very much the type to bag a top-end five-furlong handicap this season.

Brave Mission (101p)

Runner-up, 7f handicap, Ascot, Friday 9 May

Power Fizz was well in for this handicap and had the run of the race, setting moderate fractions in front, and with that in mind, the runner-up, Brave Mission, can have his performance upgraded. He'd done well from two to three physically - he's a tall colt with plenty of scope - and he showed improved form on his handicap debut after eight months off. Brave Mission did race prominently, but it is still a performance to view favourably, laying down a challenge to the well-treated winner but just unable to quicken in the closing stages. He will come on for the outing and can go one place better in the coming weeks.

Skukuza (108)

Sixth, 7f handicap, Newcastle, Sunday 11 May

Skukuza had shaped as if retaining all his ability when fifth on his return from a ten-month absence at Haydock a couple of weeks ago and he also produced a promising effort when sixth at Newcastle on Sunday, leaving the impression that he's coming to the boil nicely ahead of Royal Ascot. Skukuza was poorly drawn towards the centre of the course in a race that as usual developed towards the near side, but, having been patiently ridden, he put in some good late work to pass rivals and looks set to benefit from a return to a mile. He was runner-up in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last season and should be ideally suited by the demands of the Hunt Cup over the same course and distance.