Haggas has a lot to look forward to

There is no doubt William Haggas and the team at Somerville Lodge in Newmarket is one of the best in the business and amongst the strongest yards in Europe. One Master provided the stable with Group 1 glory at Longchamp in October and Haggas sent out 134 domestic winners during 2019. Whilst the majority of us having been in lockdown due to the coronavirus, the Derby winning trainer has already gained two Group 1 wins this year courtesy of Addeybb in Australia during the early part of the spring. I have been fortunate enough to interview William for Ahead On The Flat for the vast majority of the 23 years it has been produced and this season is no exception having visited him in February. Indeed, you won't find another stable interview with him in any publication, which makes his feature in AOTF all the more invaluable. In order to give readers a taster of the 2020 offering, I have listed 10 of William's quotes regarding some of his exciting prospects for the season ahead. 

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

"I am expecting him to be running in the better three year old handicaps later in the season."

"He is talented and a very nice horse. Ryan (Moore) liked him and he is a good type."

"She could be anything and it wouldn't surprise me if she was a Ribblesdale Stakes type."

"We have gelded him and he could be a Wokingham Stakes horse."

"We have gelded him during the winter and he is moving great. Races such as the John Smith's Cup at York will be on his agenda."

"He could develop into a serious contender for the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot."

"A lovely unraced colt..... he could be anything. He will be given some smart entries later on."

"She could be one for the Irish Oaks because she is a very nice filly."

"I think he is well treated and is a solid staying handicapper."

In total, there are 71 horses covered in William's interview, 16 of which are unraced three year olds. There are some tremendous prospects amongst them. Both William and his wife Maureen have offered their horse to follow for 2020, too. If you haven't already ordered a copy of AOTF, please head to the Publications section of the site.