Racing: Johnston has a lot to look forward to

Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, who is considering a tilt at the Sagitta 2000 Guineas with Love Regardles and York’s Dante Stakes with Fight Your Corner, clearly has plenty to look forward to this season.

And his three-year-olds received a boost when two of his Classic generation scored at Ripon’s opening meeting of the year.

Johnston has a potentially useful performer in the shape of Simeon, who made a successful reappearance in the Galphay Conditions Stakes.

Simeon, sent off at odds-on, justified the support under Kevin Darley with a one-length call over Wing Commander.

Johnston said of the 10-11 chance: ‘‘Kevin said he was very wound up very on edge and he carried his head a bit high.

‘‘He’s obviously got ability if he would put his best foot forward.

‘‘We’ll probably go for a handicap with him. He’s rated 91 so it’s a bit soon to think about anything else.’’

Shanook completed the double for Johnston and Darley with a victory in the concluding maiden.

And with his string already in top form Johnston has high hopes for the season.

‘‘I hope to start Love Regardless off the Guineas,’’ the trainer said. ‘‘We’ll see if we can organise a racecourse gallop at Thirsk in a fortnight’s time.

‘‘We’ve had three run first time up in the Guineas. Mister Baileys won, Lend A Hand was second and Bijou d’Inde third but they were all proven horses a lot different to this horse, who just won his maiden.’’

Shagraan is another three-year-old with a bright future judged on his performance in the 10-furlong Sawley Handicap under 9st 7lb.

The 2-1 favourite came right away in the closing stages to score by four lengths from Polish Corridor for jockey Pat Eddery and trainer John Dunlop.

Ex-jockey Willie Carson, representing the winning owners The Thoroughbred Corporation, said:

"He was bought as a staying horse and he obviously needs a trip. He’s out of an Alysheba mare so an extra couple of furlongs will help him.’’