Stoute aiming for Ascot

Michael Stoute is hoping European Free Handicap runner-up Jeremy can find the necessary improvement to develop into a serious contender for the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The son of Danehill Dancer flashed home late under Mick Kinane in the seven-furlong test at Newmarket on Wednesday but failed by a neck to catch winner Misu Bond.

“He’d been working nicely. But there again he’s a very straightforward horse and he’s never been out of the first two,” the Freemason Lodge handler told Racing UK.

“I think he was a shade unlucky, Mick just couldn’t get going when he wanted to and the winner got first run on him.

“It’s early days. He ran off a mark of 100 and he’s got to improve a stone plus to be a serious contender for the Jersey, but let’s hope he will.”