Hat-trick seeker Brando out to give Kevin Ryan fifth Abernant in six years

3.00 Newmarket
Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes (Group 3) | 6f, 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Brando has already been well backed to land this early-season Group 3, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Winner of the race for the last two years, he boasts a 100 per cent record on the Rowley Mile, having also landed a sprint handicap at this meeting in 2016.

Trainer Kevin Ryan has made a happy habit of landing the Abernant – he also won it with Astaire in 2015 and Hamza in 2014 – and is seeking a fifth victory in the last six years.

A proven performer at the highest level – he won the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville in 2017 – Brando has pleased connections in the build-up to his seasonal debut.

The trainer's son and assistant Adam Ryan said on Tuesday: “He’s going for a hat-trick in the race, which is a big thing. It would mean a lot if he could do it.

“He’s fit and well, and clearly enjoys going to Newmarket. There’s something about the characteristics of the Newmarket tracks which bring out the best in him. He’s also placed in two July Cups on the other course there.”

Ryan added: “Brando is the one to beat on form, and we’re very happy with him. He’s a proven star. Everything has gone to plan.

“I imagine he'll take the same sort of route through the season as in previous years. It would be great if he could win a Group 1 in Britain this season. He's gone agonisingly close before and surely deserves to win one.”

The 116-rated Brando, owned by Angie Bailey, is 6lb superior to nearest market rivals Dreamfield, Yafta and Gifted Master based on official marks. Regular partner Tom Eaves is in the saddle.

What they say

James Doyle, rider of Dreamfield
I haven’t sat on him this year but the trip and ground should be fine for him and we know he handles the track as he won on the Rowley Mile as a two-year-old. He’s a speedy horse and this looks a good starting point for him.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Equilateral
He’s a big price but I’ve been very happy with his progress since Doncaster.

Tim Pinfield, trainer of Sir Thomas Gresham
He's relatively unexposed and is at a point in his career where we need to take a chance in a race like this. He ran better at Lingfield than his finishing position suggests, and there were reasons why he didn’t perform to his best at Wolverhampton. It’s a tough race and there are some really good horses in there, but Sir Thomas Gresham is in really good shape and we’ll give it a go.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Yafta
He's been a yard favourite for a long time and has come back better again this year. He managed to bag a Group 3 last year, and I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t do the same again. Brando deserves to be favourite, but if Yafta can run up to his form at Newbury last year he should be very competitive.

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