Richard Hannon: “He’s in great form, will love the ground and I can see him running a big race”

EPSOM

2:00 Handicap

Oh Herberts Reign (James Doyle)

He’s always been a decent colt who is very consistent and I think he bumped into a couple of smart unexposed horses at Haydock last time but he still ran a good race and I think he’s ready for a step up in trip. This is another competitive race and he needs to produce a career best but he’s in great form, will love them ground and I can see him running a big race at solid each way odds. 

Unibet’s 15 To Go offer is available on this race

 

4:30 G1 Derby

We had a great thrill when Mojo Star finished second last year and while we don’t have anything to fly the flag this time around, I’m still really looking forward to watching what looks a very strong renewal. Sir Michael Stoute’s colt, Desert Crown, was very impressive in the Dante, on just his second start, and the York race is usually the best pointer towards Epsom. Sir Michael clearly knows how good the horse is and wouldn’t be running unless he’s sure he’s good enough so it’s hard to look elsewhere. But it’s the Derby and still a race full of unknown quantities and I know that Ryan Moore is very excited about Stone Age who bolted up in his trial and he has plenty of race experience which will count for plenty, especially on a course like this, and at this stage of the season, I’d probably want to be siding with Aidan’s horse over the favourite primarily because he might possibly be more street wise than the favourite.

 

DONCASTER

3:41 Handicap

Zoom (Martin Harley)

He definitely improved for the step up to a mile and a quarter at Newbury last time when he was only beaten ¾ of a length, but unfortunately the handicapper has taken no chances and bumped him up another 4lbs which isn’t ideal. This looks an easier race, however, and he should be able to make his presence felt.

Tropez Power (Ben Curtis)

He’s not the most consistent but ran very well at Wolverhampton last time and ten furlongs on ground like this is just want he wants.

 

LINGFIELD

5:40 Handicap

Ciao Adios (Sean Levey)

She ran well enough on handicap debut and first run over a mile at Nottingham last time and this is a similar sort of race. She’s no world beater by any means but has enough ability to win something like this sooner or later. 

7:15 Novice

Revisit (Sean Levey)

She’s a nicely bred filly by Invincible Spirit from a family with plenty of winners and she’s a very capable horse. I think she’ll get further in time but this looks a lovely starting point and I expect her to run well.

 

Stable Update

Mojo Star is coming along nicely and we are definitely looking at Royal Ascot. He’s got a few options in various races but at the moment we’re leaning towards a crack at the Gold Cup. He’s been in great form at home and we’ve given him plenty of time so hopefully he’ll be spot on in two weeks time.

Heredia was very good at York on her first run back where she showed a great attitude to get up on the line and the Sandringham, over a mile, looks the ideal race.

Persian Force is going very well and is such an exciting prospect. The Coventry remains the plan where he looks to have a great chance.

I was delighted with Rich at Newbury on Tuesday and she is a very smart filly. Royal Ascot may come a little soon and there’s a nice Listed race at Sandown on 21st July which is what we’re looking at.