Adrian Nicholls is expecting a much-improved show from Regal Parade in the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes at York after the seven-year-old's return to action in Ireland at the beginning of last month.
The dual Group One winner finished a slightly disappointing fifth behind Lolly For Dolly in a Curragh event.
"We were a tad disappointed with his first run but the ground was so bad - I would say it's the worst ground I've ridden on. He likes a bit of cut in the ground, but it was so heavy that day and in hindsight it wasn't such a bad run," said the jockey.
"I've ridden him work the last few weeks and he's come on for that run. I'm glad to see they've had a bit of rain and the ground should be similar to how it was when he won the Sprint Cup at Haydock. I certainly wouldn't swap him."
Rain Delayed has been beaten just half a length on his last two appearances, but his trainer Michael Dods admits being drawn in stall one is a concern.
"He's very well but I'd rather be drawn in the middle than down the outside," said Dods.
"He's a horse who likes to travel in behind horses and get a bit of cover and that is going to be difficult from where he is. You need to make a few manoeuvres and that is not going to be easy in a top-class race like this."
Richard Fahey's Rose Blossom has won twice at the track and champion jockey Paul Hanagan is looking forward to seeing her return to action.
"It's a really tough race but I couldn't wish for her to be in better form and I'm looking forward to riding her again," said Hanagan.
Prime Defender was a surprise winner last year, but his trainer Barry Hills does not know what to expect this year. He said: "He knows more about the game than all of us, so we'll see what happens"
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