One of the biggest weeks in the flat racing calendar with both the Oaks and the Derby taking centre stage at Epsom on Friday and Saturday respectively. Cracksman returns in the Coronation Cup at the same venue and hopefully, another scintillating performance is on the cards for the exciting son of Frankel.
Trainers
- Richard Fahey – A stable that is rarely short on runners, but even so to get 12 winners in a week is some effort no matter how many darts you throw. That’s what Fahey did last week and with his string flying, he’s a trainer to keep onside over the next 7 days.
- Hughie Morrison – Finally starting to hit his stride this season, he’s had 10 flat winners so far in the campaign and 4 of those were last week with 16/1, 14/1, 12/1 and 10/1 successes. Add in a further 4 places and a jumps winner, he’s one to watch.
- Roger Fell – Out of his 11 runners last week, only 2 failed to make the frame and 3 of them won. Has a good few entires on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
- Mark Johnston – After picking him out for last weeks column, he went on to saddle 12 winners so I can’t leave him out this time around! On an excellent run and I can’t see that stopping anytime soon.
Jockeys
- Silvestre De Sousa – A man who is in red hot form after riding an impressive 15 winners last week. Will be in high demand once again and has a strong book of rides both Monday and Tuesday already.
- Jim Crowley – 5 winners last week and a further 9 places make for good reading, has some nice rides at Leicester over the next couple days. Will be on some good horses for a powerful retainer.
- Tony Hamilton – Boasted an impressive 29% strike rate last week which is 20% better than all of this season so far. Shows he’s got plenty of confidence and rode winners for both Fahey and Fell.
Horses
- Najashee – Gelded over the winter and very well-bred, disappointed on handicap debut but has definite potential off a current mark of 78. Runs in the 4.40pm at Leicester on Monday.
- Come On Come On – Unexposed dual winner for Clive Cox who was a close second on handicap debut, first and third have both won since. Entered in the 8.05pm at Doncaster on Friday.
- Wild Illusion – Group 1 winner who wasn’t disgraced in the 1000 Guineas, but looks to be crying out for a step up in trip which she gets in the Oaks.
- Almoreb – Progressive last season and came on plenty for his reappearance to be second at Newmarket earlier in the month, not getting the run of the race. Remains on a decent mark and holds multiple entries this week.
