Top 40 Prospects winner Lionel (17/2)

Lionel confirmed the promise he had shown on his reappearance at Newbury last month when emphatically turning the tables with Natural World in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on Friday. David Menuisier's colt appreciated the rain softened ground as his stamina kicked in during the closing stages. Given a strong ride by Jamie Spencer, the son of Lope De Vega wore down the well supported Aldous Huxley in the shadows of the post to register a neck victory. Entered in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and Irish Derby, Lionel is bred to stay longer distances and looks every inch a St Leger candidate. The 20/1 available with Unibet is unlikely to last much longer.

Along with Lionel, the third home Lysander is also featured in the Top 40 Prospects and William Haggas' colt also ran well producing a career best. A wide margin winner at Newcastle last time, he held every chance staying on at death. Beaten less than a length, he is another who is blessed with plenty of stamina and should have no trouble staying further in the future.

Talking of William Haggas, there isn't a stable in better form at present with 19 winners during the last fortnight (54%). Sea Silk Road and Sense of Duty provided the yard with another couple of Listed victories at Goodwood and Haydock respectively on Friday. Indeed, Haggas has trained 10 Pattern winners during the last fourteen days which is an incredible achievement. His interview in Ahead On The Flat has unearthed 27 winners and counting already.

Hannibal Barca (7/4) is included in the Significant Sales section in AOTF and the Zoffany colt made a winning start to his new career with Joseph O'Brien in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh. Fourth in Group 1 company as a juvenile for Brian Meehan, he changed hands for a lofty 500,000gns in October. Entered in the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Irish Derby, he looked at home over ten furlongs here travelling strongly before being pushed out for a length win. Expect him to come on plenty for the outing and hopefully make his mark at an even higher level.

As discussed earlier in the week, James Couldwell of Value Racing Club was busy at the Goffs UK Spring Sales at Doncaster on Wednesday and Thursday. His new purchases included Had To Be Hugo and Only The Bold - both cost £30,000. The former is a five year old by Ocovango who finished a neck runner-up in his only Irish point for Donnchadh Doyle. The latter also began his career in Irish points for Warren Ewing. Indeed, he beat subsequent 155 rated hurdler Tommy's Oscar by nine lengths before being bought by Evan Williams for £215,000 in February 2020. The Jeremy gelding won over hurdles for the Welsh handler and is currently rated 118. Yet to jump fences under Rules, he will be an interesting prospect in a 0-120 novices' handicap chase this Autumn for his new connections. Only seven, he has time on his side. Please head to the ValueRacingClub website to get involved - you won't be disappointed because James provides an excellent service.