MILITARY Order (94+) took a tentative step towards the Epsom Derby on Friday, although he was upstaged on the clock by Gather Ye Rosebuds (109+) who clocked a faster time on debut for fledging trainer Jack Channon.

The 33/1 shot was not unsupported in the market prior to the maiden, pointing towards her showing positive signs in her homework.

Although slightly over racing through the early stages, the daughter of Zoffany found plenty for pressure when asked and surged clear of her field, stopping the clock at 40.42secs for the final three furlongs.

A comparison with Military Order, who covered the same ground in 38.31secs, showed the Godolphin colt finished quicker against the slow early gallop which jockey William Buick set for himself.

The more telling comparison, however, is with Novel Legend (93+) who completed his race in 40.75secs.

The finishing data would suggest the Jack Channon-trained three-year-old is likely to be more of a staying type, with a step up in trip likely to yield further improvement.

Novel Legend was equally as impressive and is set for Chester for his next assignment; the Chester Cup may be just out of range given his current handicap rating, so the consolation race is more likely for James Fanshawe’s gelding who lists a victory on the Roodee amongst his successes.

Dapper Valley (97+) was a convincing winner of the opening two-year-old maiden with his final three-furlong split catching the eye. Richard Hannon’s colt clocked 37.29secs, the only winner on the card quicker was Fakhama (81+) who covered the same ground in 37.06secs as he benefitted from a slow early pace which resulted in his race being the slowest on the card when adjusted for distance.

The National Stakes at Sandown, prior to Royal Ascot, is on the agenda for the son of Dandy Man.