Johnston's record crucial as he bids for third Old Newton Cup

Four-year-olds have taken seven of the last nine runnings of the Old Newton Cup and Mark Johnston’s record with that age group in the last few years reads 1201300.

He saddled the one-two in 2015 (12-1 and 13-2) and a one-three in 2013 (8-1 and 20-1), suggesting that both his runners are worth close inspection. SOLDIER IN ACTION might prove the pick of the pair.

RIO RONALDO needs to arrive late off a strong pace and the race wasn’t run to suit when he was only fourth of six at Newmarket last week. He justified favouritism in a field of 11 at Sandown the time before and can make a winning return to the Esher venue on Friday.