Classic ambitions rise again with exciting Elarqam to lead the way in Guineas

Another double century of winners in 2017 confirmed it was business as usual at Kingsley Park and, despite a damp start to the new season, Mark Johnston is confident normal service will soon be resumed.

"Last season was a good one, just missing out on a Group 1 winner but no other complaints," he says. "This season we seemed to be having a great start on the all-weather but the last few weeks have been a bit bumpy on the turf. When the ground is soft everywhere it's difficult for everybody and makes everything that bit more random – the form goes out the window, except for a few specialist horses, and the only people that are happy are the bookmakers.

"It's hard to know where you stand but the horses are well. I have some good three-year-olds and it's fantastic to be shooting at Classics with Elarqam as well as having some live candidates for the middle-distance Classics.