Guineas winner Brook can lead charge but Classic generation are right behind her

Richard Hannon's biggest win of 2018 came from an unexpected source but there was no fluke about that victory or the rest of a highly successful fifth campaign for the man at the helm of Herridge Stables.

"Last season began with a bang when Anna Nerium took the Free Handicap and Billesdon Brook surprised everybody – the trainer in particular – by winning the 1,000 Guineas for a fantastic bunch of owners," says the 43-year-old. "We got to 172 wins and topped £3 million in prize-money for the third time in four years and I'd like to think we could have a lovely bunch of older horses to lead the charge this year. I certainly expect to see Billesdon Brook back to her best and there are plenty of others to back her up.

"The early signs are good among the juveniles and Urban Icon and Boitron are among several who could show up well in the first Classic trials. The weather has been fairly kind to us through the spring and we're on track for another productive season."