Robinson pleased with initial stint on Tobosa

Philip Robinson was delighted with Tobosa as he teamed up with his Stan James 2000 Guineas mount for the first time.

He partnered the Willie Jarvis-trained colt in a breeze-up at Newmarket in preparation for Saturday’s Classic on the Rowley Mile.

The Tobougg colt failed by just a shot head to peg back Prime Defender in the European Free Handicap over seven furlongs at Newmarket on his seasonal debut.

“I was very impressed with him,” he said.

“This horse is stepping up but he loves Newmarket – he’s won twice there and he was a bit unlucky last time.

“He’s in tremendous form. If there is any chink in any armour I wouldn’t be surprised if he gives them a run for their money.”

Robinson believes that watering, the expected big field and the draw are likely to have a bearing on the race.

“The watering will come into it. A lot of people will be having a close look at that – where the wind’s been blowing and where the majority of the water has gone,” he told At The Races.

“If there’s a big field like they are expecting there’s a great chance they will split. The more runners, the more likely there will be a split.

“A lot will depend on the draw. It’s very difficult in these big races, everybody wants a good position so there will be some hustle and bustle. There’s going to be a lot of hard luck stories and you’ve got to get the run of the race.”