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Charlie Johnston picked up a decent bonus on top of the trainer’s share of the prize money after backing Timeforshowcasing for the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle on Friday at prices up to 25-1, and could now fast-track his filly into Classic company at either Newmarket or the Curragh next month.
Timeforshowcasing was up against some promising colts and geldings in the Listed contest over a mile but travelled easily through the early stages before taking it up at the furlong pole and holding off the late challenge of Padraig Dawn by a neck.
“All day I’ve been thinking, ‘what do people know that I don’t?’, because this filly worked last Thursday and I thought she was in phenomenal order,” Johnston said.
“She was 6-1, went out to 10-1, then 16s and she’s won at 25-1. I hope my bookmaker gives best odds guaranteed. I backed her, twice, because I couldn’t believe how much she drifted.”
Timeforshowcasing has entries in both the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas next month, and Johnston added: “She won’t be out of place in a Guineas, albeit she’d have a bit to find.
“If all the big guns bang heads at Newmarket, the Irish Guineas might be an option as she won with a bit of dig in the ground at Goodwood last year.”
American Affair, the winner of the Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap at Musselburgh last season, went on to land the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot less than three months later. While it seems highly unlikely that another Group One winner is lurking in this year’s field, the 2025 form does highlight the strong claims of Jer Batt (3.42) at around 6-1.
David and Nicola Barron’s gelding was less than a length behind American Affair 12 months ago, when he was getting just 2lb from Jim Goldie’s fast-improving sprinter, and can race off a 7lb lower mark on Saturday.
The six-year-old was admittedly a frustrating horse to follow over the remainder of the season and failed to register a win in nine starts, but Jer Batt has often produced his best form after a break, has had a wind operation over the winter and has also drawn well in stall nine.
Musselburgh 1.25: Strength Of Spirit has been gelded over the winter and has scope for further progress from his current mark.
Musselburgh 1.55: The lightly-raced Midnight Gun remains fairly-weighted on the pick of his best form last year.
Greg Wood's Saturday tips
ShowCarlisle 12.43 Tap Tap Shamie 1.13 I Wish You 1.48 Dr Seb 2.23 Sattam 2.57 Shouldvebeenshav 3.27 Girls Best Friend 4.05 Two Brothers 4.40 Devon Skies
Musselburgh 1.25 Strength Of Spirit 1.55 Midnight Gun 2.30 Al Qareem 3.05 Gambino (nb) 3.42 Jer Batt (nap) 4.12 Super Alpha 4.45 Thecoffeepoddotco
Haydock 1.37 First Candidate 2.12 We’re Red And Blue 2.46 Walden 3.20 Genois 3.55 Count Adhemar 4.30 Brookside La 5.05 One Last Glance
Newton Abbot 2.00 Hardly Surprising 2.35 Begin The Luck 3.10 Reel Orange 3.49 Calimystic 4.20 Call Me Legend 4.55 Guste’s Dance
Huntingdon 3.47 Is This For Real 4.17 Taxus Baccata 4.50 U S Marshall 5.25 Park Annonciade 6.00 Hello Sweety 6.30 Island Getaway
Wolverhampton 5.15 Chasing Time 5.50 Coloane 6.20 Rogue Desire 6.55 Punchbowl Flyer 7.30 Charmaine 8.00 Phoenix Beach 8.30 Zoustellar
Haydock 2.12: A good opportunity for We’re Red And Blue to confirm his recent improvement.
Musselburgh 2.30: The ever-dependable Al Qareem will be a warm favourite to register a 13th career success.
Haydock 2.46: Walden looks overpriced at around 8-1 having posted a strong time when successful at Ascot in February.
Musselburgh 3.05: With the jumps trainers’ title all but wrapped up, Dan Skelton could bag a useful Flat prize with the race-fit Gambino.
Haydock 3.20: Genois could be the safest bet in a closely-handicapped field of veterans.
Haydock 3.55: A continuation of his steady progress so far this season should see Count Adhemar lose his maiden tag.
