Johnston’s charge to strike it lucky in Thirsk stakes race
– Lucky Deal can get his season off to a winning start in the Subscribe To Racing UK On YouTube Novice Stakes at Thirsk.
Trainer Mark Johnston thinks enough of this colt to have given him a long-range entry in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, so this 2400m contest could be the springboard to much better days.
This son of Mastercraftsman made a late start to his juvenile campaign, running very green on his debut over 1800m at Redcar at the back end of October. He was all at sea in finishing third that day, but the experience was clearly not lost on him as he then went on to score over 200m further on
London
the Chelmsford all-weather in November.
The form of that win is nothing special, but the second was a previous winner for John Gosden and Lucky Deal impressed in making every yard for a twolength verdict. He shaped like a strong stayer that day and gets a chance to build on that impression as he steps up in trip again.
Feathery lost out by just a head last time but can gain compensation in the Watch Racing UK In Stunning HD Fillies' Handicap. Charlie Fellowes' charge is still a maiden after nine runs but her recent Nottingham effort suggests she does have a race such as this in her.
Having been dropped to 1400m when disappointing at Doncaster in March, switching back up to 1600m showed her in a much better light as she just had to concede to a better-treated rival. The handicapper has left her alone following that run and she can take advantage off a 78 mark.
Elysian Flyer made a promising return off a long break last month and is one to follow in the Watch Racing UK On TalkTalk TV Handicap. He appeared to feel the benefit of the wind surgery he had undergone during his downtime and remains on a reasonably mark having been rated as high as 105 in the past.
Haylah can spearhead a double for Richard Hannon and owner Thirsk (UK) Tuesday Race 1: 14:50 Al Shaqab Racing in the Call Star Sports On 08000 521 321 Novice Stakes at Brighton. A lack of pace possibly scuppered her chances at Lingfield on her latest run, but this daughter of Epaulette certainly appears to have the ability to win when things pan out in her favour. –