Top 40 Kokbastau completes hat-trick

If anyone is in any doubt as to how informative stable interviews are, my visit to Roger Varian's yard in February is a prime example. Despite only beating one rival in the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes at Newbury in September, Michael Jarvis' former assistant was adamant that Kokbastau (9/2) was a very good colt describing him as 'a proper horse' on page 109. Reported to have suffered a fracture soon afterwards, he was given plenty of time and has rewarded his connections this term. Rusty on his belated reappearance at Yarmouth in July, the son of Wootton Bassett hasn't looked back since winning three times in space of 33 days. Workmanlike in victory at Southwell next time, he made a mockery of his opening handicap mark of 88 when trouncing eleven rivals by upwards of five lengths at Kempton less than three weeks later. Then, despite a fourteen pounds hike in the ratings, the Carlburg Stables runner won a competitive ten furlongs handicap against older horses at Sandown on Saturday overcoming trouble in running in the process. Racing off a mark of 102, Ray Dawson's mount squeezed through a gap to lead close home. An exciting prospect, he has been a tremendous addition to the Top 40 Prospects. 

Switching codes, thank you very much to those clients who have pre ordered One Jump Ahead and the Updates during the last few days - the response has been tremendous and very much appreciated. The addition of Nico De Boinville's exclusive interview appears to have been extremely well received judging by the emails I have received. In addition to triple French champion jockey James Reveley's comments regarding the French recruits, they are unique insights about high quality horses who could be the stars of the season this winter. The Talking Trainers section is as strong as it has ever been - where else will you read a 120 horse guide re Dan Skelton's team for 2026/2027?

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