Lean spell for Top 40

Following an excellent start it has been a lean few days for the Top 40 Prospects in AOTF with Mistral Star failing to live up to expectations at Ayr on Wednesday. Hughie Morrison's four year old had been denied a few opportunities to run earlier in the spring due to the weather but she was strongly supported on her seasonal return in the Listed Rothesay Stakes. Partnered by Jason Hart, she raced prominently and held every chance approaching the two marker. However, the response was limited as she tired late on to finish fifth. Beaten two lengths, the daughter of Frankel would have preferred a sounder surface but will need to improve on this effort if she is to gain more black type later in the year. 

Mahboob reportedly bled when finishing a distant last of seven on his handicap debut at Newmarket last Sunday. Unbeaten beforehand, the John and Thady Gosden trained four year old faded tamely soon after the bushes in the ten furlongs handicap before being eased off by Jim Crowley. Another Top 40 entry Caprelo also made his handicap debut earlier in the week finishing a length second at Windsor on Monday. Lucentio got first run under Kieran Shoemark and that proved the difference with Hughie Morrison's three year old staying on to grab the runners-up berth. Despite a five pounds rise for his win at Kempton last month, he is capable of winning more races off his mark of 74, especially over further. 

In other news regarding the Top 40, Group 2 Dante Stakes winner Economics will miss both the Epsom and French Derby following his connections' decision to give the colt more time. Expected to remain over ten furlongs this year, he is a hugely exciting prospect for the summer and beyond. Stablemate Sea Just In Time misses the Listed Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday. The unbeaten filly could reappear at the same venue though with the ten furlongs Listed Keyser Fillies' Stakes (9th June) expected to be her next target.