Johnston hoping to step up

Mark Johnston’s Stepping Up heads a list of 14 runners for the Stan James Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The two-year-old, who holds a Vodafone Derby entry, is held in high regard by connections having hacked up by nine lengths on his debut over six furlongs at Newcastle.

However, Johnston expressed his disappointment at the Soviet Star colt’s performance last time when he finished third in the Group Three Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket.

The half-brother to Fly To The Stars was shut away against the inside rail on that occasion and did not get the run of the race, finishing a length in arrears of Aussie Rules.

Johnston admits Stepping Up is still learning his trade but is confident of further progress in the seven-furlong event at the Berkshire venue.

“He’s in good order and we are hoping he learns from his run last time when we felt he was a bit disappointing,” said the Middleham handler.

“We were a bit surprised he didn’t show the speed of his first race and although he did run into bit of trouble, that was of his own doing.

“He was still very green though and hopefully there is plenty more left in him.”

Fierce competition is expected to arrive in the form of the Aidan O’Brien-trained Hurricane Cat.

Ballydoyle look to have unearthed another potential star of the future judged by his eight-length success over seven furlongs at Cork last time.

Godolphin’s Dickensian won well at Leicester last time and will also take his chance, while William Haggas’ ultra-consistent Military Cross is chasing a hat-trick after scoring at Salisbury and Warwick.

Michael Stoute’s Final Verse, who finished second to Prince Of Light at York in August, returns to seven furlongs and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Mick Channon is double-handed with Guest Connections and Yasoodd, who finished fourth in the Tattersall Stakes after he was controversially disqualified when winning the Group Three Prix La Rochette in Longchamp on his penultimate start.

“Guest Connections has a lot of potential but the ground could go against him,” said Channon.

“Hopefully they’ve had their fill of rain up there now but we’ll just have to wait and see.

“Yasoodd’s another one who I’ve got a lot of time for and I’m expecting a big run from him.

“He’s got such a good attacking action and I think he could benefit with a bit of cut in the ground.

“He’s a very versatile colt.”

Jeremy Noseda is convinced Araafa will strip fitter than when he finished sixth in the Tattersall Stakes.

The Mull Of Kintyre colt showed up well for much of the race before running out of gas in the final 150 yards.

“I was satisfied with his last start, especially considering the stable was under a cloud at that point,” Araafa’s trainer told www.jeremynoseda.com.

“He appears to be in good shape and I would hope for a sharper performance than last time.”