Trainer quotes

As discussed, there are nine stable interviews in this year's edition of Ahead On The Flat. Below I have listed a number of quotes from the various trainers which will hopefully whet the appetite for the season ahead, whenever it takes place.

"He is a lovely colt who has done very well physically during the winter. He is an exciting horse who should stay a mile and a half." ANDREW BALDING

"Still low mileage, she is our big white hope for the year. She comes from a family who improve with age and I am hoping she will develop into a Group 1 filly this year." RALPH BECKETT

"A very big lengthy horse, he has been immature but is progressing." ROGER CHARLTON

"He is a very nice horse who looks fantastic following his winter break." TIM EASTERBY

"A lovely colt, he was an expensive purchase at the breeze-ups last year and is the pick of our unraced three year olds." CHARLIE FELLOWES

"I think he could be the best we have got and is a possible Derby horse." WILLIAM HAGGAS

"A lovely horse who was never going to be a two year old. He is a big horse who shows plenty at home and I think he will be a progressive type this year." JEDD O'KEEFFE

"He is our number one hope for the year and the fastest horse we've ever had at home." JAMES TATE

"She is a very nice unraced filly. A big powerful filly, she goes well." ROGER VARIAN

"He could be a big improver this year. I like him." JOE FOLEY, Clipper Logistics

Regular readers of Ahead On The Flat will be aware that I get a rundown of Sir Michael Stoute's string during my annual trip to Newmarket in February. This year was no exception and the head of Freemason Lodge has another strong team for the campaign ahead. There is news of the four year old who is considered 'top-class,' while there appears to be some real strength in depth amongst the yard's three year old ranks.