Palmer targets Royal Ascot

Hugo Palmer admits he is still to decide on Not Never’s options for Royal Ascot after his win at Chester on Wednesday.

The three-year-old showed up extremely well on his seasonal reappearance, storming home by five lengths ahead of Hernandoshideaway to make a triumphant start to the campaign.

Having won on two of his three career outings, Palmer is hoping for big things from his charge, with Royal Ascot now his main goal for the summer.

Both the Queen’s Vase and the King George V Handicap look like they could suit the gelding and the Newmarket handler now has his eyes firmly fixed on his preparations for next month’s meeting.

“He’s come out of the race well, we’re very happy with him,” Palmer said. “Royal Ascot is an obvious target.

“I should think the handicapper will hit him hard enough, but over a mile and a half on soft ground, sometimes distances can be exaggerated. There aren’t many options for a horse like him, so Royal Ascot has to be firmly on the agenda.”