Mark Johnston believes he has a strong hand with Captain Webb and Age Of Reason as he attempts to improve an impressive record in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Mark Johnston has his string in good nick and he advertised the fact with a short-priced double at Ripon today.

Despite it being only the first meeting of the year at Brighton, regulars are unlikely to see a more progressive horse all season than Captain Webb.

It is a long way from Middleham to Brighton but Captain Webb appeared none the worse for the journey on a bright autumn afternoon on the South Coast.