A slightly quieter week in store with regards to the fact there is no major festival like we’ve had with Chester and York. But some good action nonetheless with Sandown’s Brigadier Gerard evening on Thursday which will be shown on ITV4 and also the Temple Stakes at Haydock on Saturday which will hopefully feature the return of the explosive Battaash. It’s Irish Guineas weekend at the Curragh as well which will be full of quality!
Trainers
- Mark Johnston – Managed an exceptional 12 winners last week which included a 4-timer on Saturday and also 3 ‘1-2s’. Over 65% of his runners placed and he’ll likely have plenty of contenders in the coming days, but the yard is flying.
- John Gosden – It seems like he’s had his horses spot on from the first day of the season, added another 9 winners to his tally last week. Stable appear to do no wrong at the moment. Has just the 1 runner at Windsor on Monday (where he is 2 from 2 this season) which is interesting.
- Tom Dascombe – Had a quiet week at Chester but hit back with 3 winners this week from just 6 attempts including an 11/1 shot. May not have loads of runners this week, but they’re going well.
Jockeys
- Joe Fanning – 5 winners last week and a further 7 places from just 17 rides giving him a 29% Win strike rate and 70% Place strike rate. Goes especially well from the front on Mark Johnston horses.
- Richard Kingscote – Racked up 7 winners last week, each of them for a different trainer, versatile jockey who’s very consistent. Does especially well at Haydock, has 54 winners there in the past 5 years (more than double his nearest rival) and teams up very well with Tom Dascombe. Both have +£78.39 and +£129.86 level stakes profit respectively in the past 5 years at Haydock.
- Robert Havlin – Picks up some good rides, particularly for John Gosden (32% strike rate when teaming up this season). Had 4 winners last week and is ticking along nicely.
Horses
- Without Parole – Produced an excellent time-figure on his second appearance and has looked seriously impressive winning both starts by 6-lengths each, son of Frankel could be anything. Entered at Sandown on Thursday.
- Raa Atoll – Made an eye-catching debut at Newmarket before winning stylishly at Nottingham. Holds an entry at Goodwood on Friday and interesting that he has Royal Ascot entries.
- Elarqam – Ran a great race in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and goes for the Irish equivalent on Saturday. Still lightly raced, beautifully bred and this more conventional track should help him.
- Poet’s Word – Typical Sir Michael Stoute improver who is very consistent, three Group 1 seconds in his last 4 starts including when behind Cracksman in the Champion Stakes. Deserves to get is head back in front and could go to Sandown on Thursday or the Curragh on Sunday.
