Kokbastau (11/4) another winner for Top 40

In a week which will be dominated by 'Glorious' Goodwood and the Galway Festival, there was some low key domestic action on Monday. However, proceedings were brightened up considerably by Kokbastau's victory in the twelve furlongs novice stakes at Southwell. The Wootton Bassett colt, who is featured in the Top 40 Prospects, returned from a lengthy absence at Yarmouth earlier this month. A staying on third in a steadily run event over ten furlongs, Roger Varian's runner appreciated the step up in trip and was given a confident ride by Ray Dawson. Racing in mid division rounding the hometurn, the three year old was switched to the stands side and picked up strongly before fending off the challenge of Turret. A neck separated the pair with three and a half lengths back to the third. I texted his trainer afterwards and Roger described him as 'still a baby' who can only improve with experience. Capable of winning more races this season, he will make a cracking four year old. Roger was adamant he was a useful type when we spoke in February hence he made his racecourse bow in the Haynes Hanson & Clark conditions stakes at Newbury last term.  

Switching codes, I have been arranging more interviews for the new edition of One Jump Ahead on Monday. Once these have been completed, I will pass on news of those on here. I am delighted to say Irish expert Declan Phelan has sent through his Irish Pointers article. Needless to say, it is packed with some tremendous young prospects who look set for bright futures. The vast majority have already been rehoused in the leading yards on either side of the Irish Sea. One of the most popular articles in OJA, I have maintained throughout that Declan is the best in the business when it comes to Irish pointers.