Winners in waiting: six horses who could make rapid improvement after Newmarket

After four fantastic days from Newmarket, James Stevens identifies six horses who could make rapid improvement following their first run of the season.

Tactical
Third, Betway EBF Stallions Novice Stakes, Thursday

Keep an eye out for Andrew Balding's colt after he finished third in what looked a red-hot two-year-old event, won by the highly touted Eye Of Heaven.

This was an eyecatching debut from Tactical, who faced trouble in running and suffered a few bumps as well.

It would be no surprise to see him take a big step forward next time and I would expect him to quickly shed his maiden tag.

Delta's Royalty
Second, Betway EBF Stallions Fillies' Novice Stakes, Friday

This filly has huge potential and did nothing wrong with her creditable second in a competitive event here.

Carrying a 7lb penalty following her Kempton win, she was much more mature with this performance but still looked like she had plenty more progress to come. She is far from the finished article.

Delta's Royalty (left): ran a great race to finish second on FridayCredit: George Selwyn / Getty Images

With an outstanding pedigree to match her natural talent – by Galileo and out of a dual Breeders' Cup winner – she looks capable of making an impact at Group level as she develops this season.

Queen Power
Second, Betfair Dahlia Fillies' Stakes, Saturday

Sir Michael Stoute's horses did not quite fire at Newmarket so do not give up on the classy Queen Power, who could thrive as the season goes on.

She shaped really well in a competitive Dahlia Stakes, finishing second to Terebellum, who looks destined to make an impact at the top level.

Queen Power, meanwhile, can certainly pick up a few Group prizes this season, especially against her own sex.

Queen Power (blue): finishing second to Muchly at Ascot last seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Everything about her points to improvement as she ages this season – she is a half-sister to Zabeel Prince, who captured his first Group 1 prize as a six-year-old – and her trainer is renowned for gradually getting the best out of his older horses. She's a real classy prospect and one to keep on your side.

Military March
Fourth, Qipco 2,000 Guineas, Saturday

Military March has been touted as Godolphin's leading Derby horse all through the winter and gave his supporters a lot to get excited about with his fine Guineas fourth.

Bred for Epsom – he is by Derby winner New Approach out of an Oaks third – he was sent off 20-1 on Saturday, emphasising the fact this was always a warm-up, and he is expected to improve for the run.

Military March (left): on the gallops before his 2,000 Guineas runCredit: Edward Whitaker

He probably ran far better than the Saeed bin Suroor team expected, showing a decent turn of foot in the final few furlongs to put himself right in the mix with some top-class horses.

He has three and three-quarter lengths to make up with Kameko, but the Epsom test will be much more in his favour and he looks a real live Derby contender.

Starcat
Seventh, Qipco 2,000 Guineas, Saturday

It was quite a bold move from Hughie Morrison to run Starcat in a Classic on only his second start but he showed a huge amount of promise in seventh.

He gave way to some very smart types in the end, but he had looked a serious contender heading into the final furlong and, bearing in mind this was such a quick Guineas, he must have a good engine to have put himself in that position.

He looks the type to thrive over a mile and a quarter and it will be fascinating to see how far he can go after running such a big race on only his second outing.

Desert Icon
Fourth, Betfair Exchange Bet In-Play Handicap, Sunday

It is only a matter of time before Desert Icon scoops a nice prize and Sunday's effort gave encouragement that day could be soon.

Like the other seven runners, he was no match for West End Charmer, who streaked clear, but he is worth keeping in your tracker.

Watch Desert Icon finish fourth

He started poorly and never got to his preferred prominent position but did manage to make a fair bit of ground in the end to finish fourth. This on a day where almost all the winners came from the front remember.

His mark of 96 will probably remain intact and you can expect to see him scoring off it before too long.

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