Pogo out to continue trend of first-timers in Listed King Richard III Stakes

Elusive Bloodstock EBF Stallions King Richard III Stakes (Listed) | 7f | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

Since 2014, all six winners were making their seasonal reappearance after winter breaks of 175 days or longer. Runners with recent starts under their belt hold a sickly 0-23 record.

Pogo, a four-time winner whose best form has come over a mile, is the only runner coming off a winter break. Versatile in terms of ground and tactics, Pogo has the characteristics of a crowd favourite and, providing he is primed for his return and handles this trip, he is the one to beat.

Shine So Bright is the pace angle for trainer Andrew Balding and he didn't run too badly when fourth in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket nine days ago. However, he's on a ten-race losing sequence and this trip tests his stamina.

That leaves the Richard Hannon-trained pair Mums Tipple and Beat Le Bon. The latter is a talented sort but has been below-par this season, while Mums Tipple has to carry a 3lb penalty for his Listed victory at Wolverhampton in March.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Mums Tipple and Beat Le Bon
Mums Tipple is back on grass after his second on all-weather finals day and should run a decent race, although he has a penalty to carry. Beat Le Bon was a bit unlucky when fifth at Newmarket last week and should also be on the premises.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Pogo
We’ve been happy with him at home in the past fortnight and this looks the right spot to start him back. He’s top rated in the race and will like the ground. He could well go up to a mile next time but he’s not short of speed.

Alastair Donald, spokesman for King Power Racing, owners of Shine So Bright
He was slowly away at Newmarket last time, which may have cost him the race, but if he jumps well he should be bang there. He’s effective at six or seven furlongs and has plenty of toe.
Reporting by David Milnes

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