Gardens ready to bloom

Mark Tompkins is hoping Franklins Gardens can return to the winner’s enclosure for the first time since May 2005 in tomorrow’s David Wilson Homes Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket.

The six-year-old has not got his head in front since winning last season’s Yorkshire Cup, although he did not reappear until August this year.

Franklins Gardens finished a narrow second behind subsequent Group One winner Sergeant Cecil but he has since failed to sparkle in starts at Longchamp and Ascot.

“He appears to be well enough. Richard Hills has ridden him before and he finished second in the race two years ago,” said Tompkins.

“He was disappointing at Ascot last time but he doesn’t go right-handed. Every time he runs that way he doesn’t run well. I know he has to turn right here, but it is only one turn and he has a mile and a quarter to sort himself out.

“He seems in the same form as when he was second at York first time out.

“I worked him on Tuesday and was very happy. Hopefully he will run a very big race.”

Franklins Gardens will face six rivals in the two-mile event, including Hawridge Prince who finished nearly 60 lengths ahead when winning at Ascot as well as the useful Kasthari and David Elsworth’s Balkan Knight.