Richard Hannon: “A decent pace will ideally suit and, on form, he’s the one they all have to beat”

WE had a day of mixed emotions at Epsom last Saturday when Percisa got the ball rolling nicely in the 10f Handicap, for which he got put up 9lbs to a mark of 101. Royal Ascot could be on the agenda with the Hunt Cup a possibility or the Britannia, where he’d be close to the top of the weights. There’s also the Golden Gates Handicap, over 1m2f, so we have a few options. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan for Voyage in the Derby after he stumbled coming out of the stalls and unseated Dobbsy, who had no chance whatsoever. I had plenty of texts after the race congratulating me on training the first past the post in the Derby but unfortunately there’s no prize money for ‘winning’ without the jockey! It was a bitter disappointment for everyone, not least Julie Wood who has always wanted a Derby runner, but the horse is absolutely fine, and is definitely heading to Ascot for the King Edward VII Stakes.

The team from Unibet were at the yard this week filming a full Royal Ascot preview so be sure to check out all our social media platforms to keep up to date with our scheduled runners.

HAYDOCK

3:35 G3 John Of Gaunt Stakes

Witch Hunter (Sean Levey)

I was delighted with his run in the Lockinge, and this is obviously a couple of steps down in grade. He’s fully effective at seven furlongs and a mile and there will be absolutely no excuse ground-wise. A decent pace will ideally suit and, on form, he’s the one they all have to beat.

 

4:45

Gisburn (Sean Levey)

Everything went wrong at Newbury last time, so draw a line through that, and I’m hopeful he’ll run a much better race here. Any rain will definitely be in his favour and he’s gradually coming back down the weights.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

 

5:52

Christian David (Joe Leavy)

He’s a very capable colt and is better than he’s shown so far. The cheek pieces will keep him focussed and Joe’s 5lbs claim will come in very useful. If it rains, he has an even bigger chance.

Unibet are BOOSTING the price of the favourite in this race!

 

CHEPSTOW

7:00

Sighcastle City (Sam Hitchcott)

He got caught on the wing at Newmarket last time and raced too freely, so hopefully Sam will be able to get some cover and the drop back to seven furlongs will help.

Unibet are BOOSTING the price of the favourite in this race!

 

LINGFIELD

I’ve been slightly disappointed with Morcar so far this season, because he’s a horse with plenty of ability, so I’m hoping the first-time blinkers and drop back in trip do the trick in the Handicap at 6:45.

Western made a pleasing seasonal debut, but was disappointing at Newbury last time, so needs to step back up to figure in the 7:15.

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