Johnston two-handed as he goes for fifth win on the bounce

3.00 Newmarket
bet365 Handicap | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV3/RUK

Mark Johnston has won the last four runnings of this valuable handicap and looks to have a good chance of racking up a five-timer as he sends out the progressive Titi Makfi, who is unbeaten so far this season, and the consistent Monticello for this year’s renewal.

Ryan Moore will take the ride aboard the Paul and Clare Rooney-owned Titi Makfi and she has done nothing but improve with each outing since landing a Hamilton handicap at the beginning of June.

Johnston has booked the former globetrotting champion jockey Gerald Mosse to partner Monticello, who has finished runner-up over the Newmarket course and distance on his last two starts.

The Rooney’s racing manager, Jason Maguire, said of Titi Makfi: “She has done really well in her four starts this season as she started off rated 70 and is now up to 93. She won at Chester last time despite the track not really suiting her and the bigger gallop at Newmarket should play to her strengths.

“Obviously Ryan Moore is a positive jockey booking and we're hoping the filly can take another step up the ladder as, in the much longer term, I'd like to think she has plenty of potential in making a good broodmare in the paddocks.”

Not a great record

Favourites have a distinctly poor record in the race over the past ten years with last season’s winner Ode To Evening being sent off at 25-1 and two other victors in recent runnings returning at 12-1.

Weighty pointer

Horses carrying weights in the range of 8st 7lb to 9st 6lb have accounted for eight of the last ten winners, but those saddled with less weight have accounted for just winner.

What they say

Ian Williams, trainer of Speedo Boy
He has run well in all his starts so far this year and was not beaten that far at Royal Ascot last month. I hope he can be competitive again off his current mark.

Mark Johnston, trainer of Monticello and Titi Makfi
Monticello is in really good form and it is not new territory for him. For Titi Makfi it is a step up in class.

William Haggas, trainer of Daawy
Drying ground will suit him. He stays well and has got a chance.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Cullingworth
He won a decent handicap at the beginning of the season and ran better when stepped up to an extended mile-and-a-quarter last time. He wouldn't be out of it on that run.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Atkinson Grimshaw
He has been progressive of late and track and trip will suit. He has to race a couple of pounds out of the handicap proper but deserves to take his chance off a low weight as he's really well in himself.