Even though Champions Day has now been and gone, it’s not quite the end of the flat turf action as the final Group 1 of the season is at Doncaster on Saturday. The Vertem Futurity Trophy (formerly the Racing Post Trophy) has an exceptional role of honour and with the 1-2 from last year being Saxon Warrior and Roaring Lion, who won five Group 1’s between them this season, it’s worth keeping the winner of this race onside next season. Racing also returns to Cheltenham on Friday and Saturday for their season opener as the National Hunt season begins to get into top gear.
Trainers
- Nigel Twiston-Davies – Had 5 winners last week which included a treble at Carlisle on Thursday, won’t be short of runners at Cheltenham later this week.
- Oliver Sherwood – Only sent out 4 runners last week, but 3 of them won. Not got a whole host of entries this week, but given his form they should all be noted.
- John Gosden – Nearly everything went to plan on Champions Day as he had 3 of the 6 winners and has operated at a 24% strike rate in the past couple of weeks. Plenty of entrants at various tracks this week.
- Richard Hughes – Impressive 33% strike rate last week with 4 winners from his 12 runners, has a sole runner at Kempton on Tuesday.
Jockeys
- Jason Watson – Had 6 winners last week from his 21 rides and was crowned Champion Apprentice on Saturday, already booked in for a few rides this week.
- James Doyle – A seriously impressive 41% strike rate last week with a treble at Nottingham on Wednesday. Gave Sharja Bridge a brilliant ride at Ascot on Saturday and interesting to see who he rides in the big races this weekend.
- Sam Twiston-Davies – Rode 7 winners in the past 7 days and rides plenty for his in-form father and also combines very well with Dr Richard Newland.Â
Horses
- Manuela De Vega – Made a highly encouraging debut when staying on strongly to win over 7f at Salisbury, suggesting further will suit. She’s also a sister to a Listed winner from the same yard. Runs in the 3.30pm at Pontefract on Monday.
- Glenamoy Lad – Serious eye-catcher in the Stewards Cup when not getting a clear run and is now 2lbs lower. Runs in the 3.10pm at Newcastle on Tuesday having won over the course and distance previously.
- Winds Of Fire – Drastically improved since stepping up in distance having won 2 of his last 3, strong form behind Surya on penultimate start. Only raised 3lbs for winning last time and could easily have more to come. Entered in the 4.10pm at Doncaster on Friday.
- Herculean – Beautifully bred son of Frankel whose well-related, strong form with Wadilsafa and could have been let in lightly off a mark of 90 on handicap debut in the 4.45pm at Doncaster on Friday.
