Sprinting godfather Brando bids to build on successful 2016

Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes | Group 3 | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Last year Kevin Ryan did not attempt to complete an Abernant hat-trick, not sending a runner for the race, but he is back this time to bid for a third victory in four years and according to the betting has the likeliest winner in Brando.

Hamza and Astaire gave Ryan victory in the race in 2014 and 2015, and Brando is no stranger to the Craven meeting, having won a 5f handicap here last year.

Last year Brando was a big improver, winning the Coral Charge and Ayr Gold Cup, then finished his campaign with a fine length third to The Tin Man in the sprint on Champions Day at Ascot.

Aeolus is another who has become a regular at the Craven fixture, finishing third in the Free Handicap in 2014, then was fourth in this race 12 months ago.

Robert Cowell's reputation of improving the fortunes of sprinters who come under his stewardship is well-documented, and Ornate makes his debut for the yard having made the short journey from fellow Newmarket trainer William Haggas, who is represented by Tasleet.

Very consistent

Mick Channon's Kassia comes into the race having finished last season with a course and distance victory, and she rarely runs a bad race, with six wins from 12 career starts.

Another for Spencer

Joe Mercer is the leading jockey in the race with four wins, but Jamie Spencer could join him if successful aboard Aeolus. His previous winners were Zidane (2008), Hamza (2014) and Astaire (2015).

What they say

Ed Walker, trainer of Aeolus
If you take out Brando then it's wide open. With him in there it looks very tough. You can never be scared of one horse but he is pretty scary. We have to start somewhere and he is in good form. He is just about coming in his coat so I think he will improve for the run and as long as the ground doesn't get soft I think he will run well.

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Brando
He had a great year and has done well over the winter. This is a nice starting point and we're hoping he can go on to bigger sprints through the year.

Robert Cowell, trainer of Ornate
He's come to me from William Haggas and is in good order. We're a little unsure about his trip, he could come back to five, but we'll learn a lot more tomorrow.

William Haggas, trainer of Tasleet
He's the most charming horse. He's not very big, but he's terribly genuine and he will run a good race. He probably wants seven furlongs and Brando will be hard to beat.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Windfast
The ground became too soft for him at the back end of last season after a great win at Newmarket. He has been working really well all spring and unfortunately he had a foot abscess last week which meant he couldn't start at Bath but he is ready to run and we think he can go very close.