Richard Hannon: “He is a high-class colt and on his Royal Ascot run, he deserves to be bang there”

NEWMARKET

3:25 G2 Superlative Stakes

Son (Pat Dobbs)

He got the job done nicely at Newbury last time and the second has come out and won since so the form is pretty strong. This is obviously a big step up, but he’s a colt we like a lot and this will tell us a lot more about where he is in the pecking order.

Haatem (Sean Levey)

I was delighted with his run in the Coventry where he put up a brilliant effort and finished the race well. The step up to seven will definitely be in his favour and he comes here with plenty of experience. He is a high-class colt and on his Royal Ascot run, he deserves to be bang there.

ASCOT

1:45

The Big Board (Jefferson Smith)

She was impressive at Doncaster last time, for which she went up another 5lbs, and she might not be particularly well treated bearing in mind Alec was also claiming off her, but she’s a consistent horse, will like the ground and this is her trip. 

2:55

Romantic Samurai (Richard Kingscote)

He ran well on debut at Haydock despite needing it badly and will have learnt plenty from it. His work has been good and he can improve for the step up to seven. 

YORK

3:10

Dawn Of Liberation (Jason Watson)

He was a little disappointing in the Hunt Cup last time but the ground was plenty quick enough and I think he’s ready for a rise in trip. The Handicapper is giving him no leeway whatsoever, so I can’t be confident he’s up to winning this off his current mark, but he’s in good shape and could go nicely on ground that will suit.

CHESTER

2:42

Macanudo (Jack Mitchell)

He’s a very pacey colt so I think the drop down to five and running around this tight track will be a big help and he’s not drawn that bad in four. He’ll have a Handicap mark after this but nevertheless I’m still quite keen on his chance here. 

3:17

Lulworth Cove (Hollie Doyle)

She’s a tough filly with a lovely attitude and always tries her best. She lost her race at the start last time, so draw a line through that, and stall one is ideal, therefore I’d be expecting her to go nicely. 

4:27

Witch Hunter (Sam Hitchcott)

He’s been in good form of late and ran a nice at Newcastle last time. I think seven furlongs is his trip and we’ve don’t very little with him at home so he arrives here nice and fresh. He’s also run well over course and distance in May.

SALISBURY

We’ve got a few runners down at Salisbury including Mafnood in the 5:40. He shaped with plenty of promise on debut at Newbury and has come on a lot for the experience so I’m expecting a good show from him. The ultra consistent Lexington Knight bids to follow up his Newcastle victory in the 8:15 and is, in theory, off the same mark taking into account Alec’s 5lbs claim.