Imbongi primed for Ascot exam

Mike de Kock expects Imbongi to have improved from his win in the Criterion Stakes as he steps up in class for Saturday's totesport.com Summer Mile at Ascot.The South African challenger drifted alarmingly in the betting before his first start in England, but Kevin Shea brought him home for a length-and-a-quarter win. He faces genuine Group One form this time with Cesare and Aqlaam in the line-up, but the master trainer believes he has not stopped improving.De Kock said: "I was delighted with him last time, it was a hell of a win I thought. We feel that he has come on a little bit and he is better in his coat now. He has got solid Group One form of his own back home."The handler added: "I think William's (Haggas) horse, Aqlaam, could be the one to beat as he ran really well when he was third in the Queen Anne. I couldn't believe how much we drifted in the betting last time but there you go, everyone is entitled to an opinion."He's not a horse that gives you a great amount of confidence in the paddock because he always gets a little sweaty but that is just the way he is. We've got a chance, he's fit and he's well."Andrew Balding's Dream Eater is consistent at this level but is without a win since his two-year-old days. He looked to have a viable opportunity last time to get back on the scoresheet but could only finish fourth - behind Imbongi.Balding said: "There is no question we were disappointed with him at Newmarket but the horse takes his racing very well and seems in decent form at the moment. He seems to enjoy his racing and wherever he goes he's picking up decent prize-money."He deserves a win and his turn will come, but I doubt it will be Saturday."