One Jump Ahead Update

I have now completed nine interviews for One Jump Ahead, namely Harry Fry, Warren Greatrex, Philip Hobbs, Malcolm Jefferson, Alan King, Paul Nicholls, Ben Pauling, David Pipe and Harry Whittington. I am hoping to conduct another three next week, plus there are other trainers I need to speak to regarding certain horse’s plans and well being etc. I will keep readers informed.

When interviewing Luca Cumani for Ahead On The Flat in February, he nominated the Al Shaqab owned El Vip as his horse to follow. Unfortunately, he picked up another injury a few weeks later and Luca changed his selection to Four On Eight. However, he left me in no doubt that the Pivotal colt is a very useful sort having produced some ‘very nice pieces of work’ as a juvenile. From an excellent family, the 250,000gns yearling makes his belated racecourse bow at Doncaster tomorrow (2.55), having been plagued with physical problems. I have no idea how tuned up he is and the John Gosden trained Stratum sets the standard with a rating of 84. However, I have taken a chance and backed El Vip at 3/1. The enthusiasm with which Luca spoke about him implied he is a fair bit better than an 84 rated horse. If he wins, Toofi (Stewards’ Cup) and Gamesome (Stewards’ Cup consolation) oblige then it really will be a day to remember. Mind you, the last two named could be drawn on the wrong side, if today’s King George Stakes is anything to go by. Fingers crossed.