Tobosa on course for Guineas tilt

William Jarvis is hoping the step up to a mile will bring about the requisite improvement in Tobosa when he lines up in the Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday week.

The Tobougg colt was beaten a short head behind Prime Defender in the Sporting Index European Free Handicap on the Rowley Mile course last week.

A 66-1 chance with the sponsors for the colts’ classic, he stayed on well for Kerrin McEvoy in the Listed event over seven furlongs, offering Jarvis every hope a move up in trip will suit.

The trainer said: “He has come out of the race very well. Provided everything goes OK for the next 10 days, we are looking forward to him lining up in the 2000 Guineas.

“In the Free Handicap, it was there for all to see that Tobosa was a bit unlucky.

“Nevertheless, it was a fine trial and I would like to think that we can find a bit of improvement with stepping him up to a mile and by putting a fitness edge on him.

“Whether that will be enough to have him taking a hand at the business end of the 2000 Guineas remains to be seen.

“But he is a straightforward and tough horse and if he gets into a battle, you can rest assured the other horses will know they have had a race.

“Between now and the 2000 Guineas he will have one bit of work but he is pretty much spot on,” Jarvis told www.newmarketraces.co.uk.