Johnston bids for historic hat-trick with Rebel Assault

2.20 Sandown
Allied World Dragon Stakes | Listed | 5f| 2yo | RUK

Mark Johnston will become the first trainer to complete a hat-trick in the Dragon Stakes if his filly Rebel Assault can land the £26,000 juvenile sprint contest.

Successful with Marina Park in the inaugural running of the 5f event in 1992, Johnston has returned to the winner’s enclosure with Riflescope and The Last Lion in the past two years, although Rebel Assault, who will be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, has to overcome a key trend.

The last ten runnings have been won by colts, with the Jeremy Noseda-trained Bahama Mama the last filly to gain victory in 2006.

Windsor Castle Stakes second Roussel and course and distance National Stakes scorer Havana Grey, who carries a 3lb penalty for that triumph in May, appear the boys to beat in a competitive renewal.

Market guide

Iver Bridge Lad, a 14-1 winner for John Ryan in 2009, was the only victor priced at double figures in the past ten years, with Mick Channon’s Ambiance (7-2) the biggest-priced winner since 2012.

Course success

Charlie Appleby has enjoyed six juvenile winners from 22 runners at the Esher track in the last five seasons. He runs Roussel, the mount of in-form rider James Doyle.

What they say

Karl Burke, trainer of Havana Grey
He was very disappointing at Ascot but we couldn’t find anything wrong with him. He worked as well as ever, if not better, on Tuesday and although he has to defy the penalty, we think he’s up to it. The draw has been kind to us again.

Sylvester Kirk, trainer of Connery
I haven’t spoken to the owners yet, but there’s a good possibility he’ll run. He won comfortably at Bath on Wednesday night, and although it’s quite quick to run him back after that and Ascot, I’m very tempted. Five furlongs is his trip at the moment and he has lots of speed. I’d expect to him run well if we do go for it.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Ivy Leaguer
He's come out of his last race very well and, with this drop in grade, we hope he can be involved at the finish.

David Evans, trainer of Last Page
He ran really well at Ascot and if he runs respectably in this race we’ll go for the Molecomb with him. He’s been very consistent this year and unlucky not to win – apart from his rodeo act at Windsor on his third start.

Roussel (left) goes down to stablemate Sound And Silence in the Windsor Castle StakesCredit: Mark Cranham

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Roussel
We were very pleased with his run at Ascot and he’s come out of the race well. The Dragon Stakes seemed a nice, logical step from there. There are no real negatives to his chance – ideally he could have been drawn lower, but he’s got good gate speed and any rain would suit.

Roger Varian, trainer of To Wafij
He won his maiden in good style at Yarmouth on debut and the ground was too soft for him at Lingfield last time. We’ve given him a break and freshened him up and, while this is a jump in class, the better ground will suit. I’d have liked a lower draw, however.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Formidable Kitt
Unfortunately she had no chance with the draw at Ascot but we’re hoping to pick up some black type with her. She’s good enough to be competitive in a race of this nature.

Allies World Dragon Stakes