Two names to note

Arabian Crown kicked off his three year old campaign in the best possible manner when making all and landing the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown in convincing fashion. Charlie Appleby's son of Dubawi won three of his four races as a juvenile, including a Listed and Group 3 at Salisbury and Newmarket respectively. A three and a quarter lengths scorer at the Esher track, he gives the impression he will be even better over a mile and a half - he looks a strong galloper rather than a colt that quickens instantly. Yet to encounter fast ground, it remains to be seen whether he runs again before the Epsom Derby (1st June). 

Charyn followed up his victory in the Listed Doncaster Mile last month by staying on strongly to win the Group 2 Bet365 Mile under Silvestre De Sousa. The four year old chased home Paddington on three occasions last season and he is ready to return to Group 1 company with the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury (18th May). Despite the fact both his wins in 2024 have been gained on soft ground, Roger Varian is adamant better ground brings out the best in the Dark Angel colt. His form figures at the highest level are 84383 and, while those statistics suggest he needs to improve to win at the Berkshire track, he will have a fitness advantage next month, plus he is thriving at present. 

The Talking Trainers section in Ahead On The Flat had a successful afternoon at Newbury with Equity Law (15/2), Charyn (9/4) and Arabian Crown (5/6) scoring. There were a couple of eyecatching performances on Friday worth noting.

Firstly, Stanage is featured in the Unraced Three Year Olds section of AOTF and the John and Thady Gosden trained colt made a pleasing start to his career in the seven furlongs novice stakes at Doncaster. A son of Kingman, he is a full-brother to the stable's Royal Ascot winners Calyx and Coppice. Reported to have been working well beforehand without setting the world alight, the Juddmonte owned runner was patiently ridden by Robert Havlin before staying on well inside the final furlong and a half. Even though he was no match for the all the way winner Balmacara, he filled third position and ought to take some stopping next time. The ground on Town Moor was soft and it is worth remembering both Calyx and Coppice were at their best on fast ground - their younger sibling could be similar.

The ten furlongs three year old handicap which rounded off Sandown's excellent card was famously won by the subsequent Irish Derby winner Jack Hobbs off a mark of 85 in 2015. It is most unlikely the 2024 renewal featured such a well treated youngster. However, I strongly suggest keeping an eye on the Jedd O'Keeffe trained Monsieur Melee who was unlucky not to finish closer. A gelded son of Intello, who is rated 71, he failed to win as a juvenile but his pedigree suggests he will make a better three year old. Significantly, he was partnered by Oisin Murphy and he stayed on well on the far rail until meeting trouble in the closing stages. Beaten around three lengths in fifth, he is bred to stay twelve furlongs and is more than capable of winning middle distance handicaps this spring/summer. He is better than his current mark and is owned by Ellipsis (Jack Ramsden's son is in charge) - the same patrons were responsible for the progressive Hilt who won three times in 2022, including the Edinburgh Cup at Musselburgh. 

Switching codes, the curtain comes down on the British National Hunt season at Sandown on Saturday with Harry Cobden crowned champion jockey for the first time and, barring a miracle, Willie Mullins will become the first Irish trainer to win the British title since Vincent O'Brien fifty years ago. Break My Soul provided the Top 40 Prospects with its 51st winner of the season in the second division of the maiden hurdle at Chepstow on Friday evening. The former Irish pointer had flattered to deceive all winter but finally got her act together with an all the way win scoring by 25 lengths. There is one more week to go in Ireland, with five days at the Punchestown Festival starting next Tuesday. Once that fixture is complete, I will publish the final statistics re the featured horses in One Jump Ahead. 

I am working at Haydock Park on Saturday and Wetherby on Sunday and will therefore update the Diary early next week. Enjoy the weekend.