Mark Johnston bids to add another victory to remarkable record in hot handicap

1.50 Newmarket
bet365 Handicap (Heritage Handicap) | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV3/RTV

Mark Johnston has a remarkable record in this three-year-old handicap and will be bidding to make it seven wins in the last nine years when he saddles King Frankel and Headingley.

Only two of his previous six winners had competed at Royal Ascot – both finishing well beaten in the Britannia – and King Frankel performed better when fourth in the Golden Gates Stakes last month. That race was only inaugurated last year, so it is a new path to tread.

King Frankel was three and three-quarter lengths behind winner Foxes Tales on that occasion and the pair reoppose with King Frankel 9lb better off at the weights. It is hard to pick between them because Foxes Tales is unexposed in comparison and open to more progress.

Andrew Balding saddles Foxes Tales and from six runners in the race in the last ten seasons, the trainer has had one winner and one place. His victory came with Stature nine years ago.

Dubai Honour represents the Britannia form. He was fourth behind Perotto in that mile handicap and it looks another typically strong running. The race has already thrown up three subsequent winners and Dubai Honour was ahead of all three. Can he boost the form again?

King Of Clubs beat four subsequent winners when landing a maiden at Nottingham two outings ago but could not justify heavy support when turned over at 11-10 on his handicap debut at Sandown last time.

He made good late headway though, so should improve for the step up in trip and trainer Hughie Morrison was on target at Royal Ascot with Quickthorn.

Sir Michael Stoute saddles Inigo Jones, who was third of four behind the classy Mohaafeth on the Rowley Mile last time and is a dangerous handicap debutant. The same can be said about Peter The Great, who is 2-3 and represents the John and Thady Gosden team.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owner of Foxes Tales
It was an exciting win at Royal Ascot. He did it very well, though he was a little bit green at the end wandering around. He's a progressive horse. He has top weight in a competitive race but he has form on fast and soft ground and the track should suit. He'll be a worthy favourite.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Mohammed Obaida, owner of Dubai Honour and King Frankel
Dubai Honour won his race on the far side when fourth in the Britannia and William Haggas feels he’ll be better at this trip. King Frankel also ran fourth at the royal meeting when he may have found the ground slow enough for him, so he should appreciate this surface if it stays quick.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Peter The Great and Highland Rocker
Peter The Great is a course-and-distance winner but is in the handicap ranks now. This could be a bit different as he’s not as experienced as some in the race, but he’ll like the ground if it stays fast. Highland Rocker has a bit to prove, but he hated the slow ground at Newbury last time and this should be better.

George Scott, trainer of Too Friendly
He didn’t stay the mile and a half at Royal Ascot last time so we’re dropping him back in trip. It’s a big ask, but he’s in such good form at home that we think he’ll run well.

Mark Weinfeld, spokesman for Castle Down Racing, owners of King Of Clubs
He’s an improving type who Hughie Morrison quite likes and this looks the right race for him. He’s well rated on Racing Post Ratings, so we’re hopeful.
Reporting by David Milnes

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