Maltese Cross, previously recommended as an ante-post bet in this column, delivered an impressive performance in the Derby, finishing second to Christmas Day at odds of 12-1. Trainer William Haggas had nearly dismissed his chances before the race due to the soft ground, but the horse still performed admirably. If he gets faster ground in his next start—either in the Irish Derby at the end of the month or the Grand Prix De Paris—he will be a formidable contender.
Recent Winners and Tips
Ciao Capo (11-10) was an easy winner for the column last week. This horse is well ahead of the handicapper and should be followed over 1m2f on fast ground. King's Cavalry, advised two weeks ago as a Future Winner, also won comfortably at Doncaster. He triumphed over seven furlongs but might benefit from a step back to a stiff six furlongs.
This Week's Tips
Amazing Journey is worth close attention at Kempton on Wednesday evening. Jamie Osborne's gelding showed promise as a juvenile and was unlucky in valuable races at Glorious Goodwood and the Ebor meeting, where he was hampered both times. He posted a decent effort on his three-year-old debut at Leicester, where he encountered a real improver in Jazl. Amazing Journey has a useful draw in the Unibet 40,000 Live Streamed Events Handicap at 7.40, and I expect him to return to winning ways.
Jannas Journey won an amazing seven races in 2025 for trainer Jim Goldie. Her improvement saw her rating rise from 47 to 77 until the handicapper finally caught up. The assessor has loosened its grip, and Jannas Journey is back down to her last winning mark of 77. She ran her best race for some time at Carlisle recently. She is entered in the apprentice race that kicks off the York card on Friday and should be noted, especially if there is some ease in the ground. She goes particularly well for Danny Tudhope, and I look forward to him getting back on her soon.
Caragio is an interesting runner if he takes up his entry at Doncaster on Sunday. He bolted up at Yarmouth before failing to replicate the form on the all-weather. Back on turf and with a nice break under his belt, he could return to winning ways given the fast ground that the son of Caravaggio prefers. He is very well handicapped.
Ante-Post Focus
Indalo has attracted solid support for the Royal Hunt Cup and is as low as 8-1 in some books already. It is easy to see why. Roger Varian landed a huge gamble when My Cloud won the race 12 months ago, and he has made no secret of the fact he is targeting the race again with this unexposed five-year-old, who was chinned by a nose in the Cambridgeshire in October.
However, Diego Ventura also appeals in the Hunt Cup at his current best price of 16-1. Wathnan Racing have a load of entries, but this fellow is in great heart, as he showed with a tenacious victory at Hamilton, and he has a touch of class.
Future Winners
Laravie: This mare is on a roll with three straight wins on the Flat, and there could be more to come in races over two miles-plus. She stays three miles over hurdles.
Nostrum: Once touted as a Classic contender when with Sir Michael Stoute, Nostrum badly lost his way. However, he may be about to revive his career with Mick Appleby. His recent second at Sandown was a fine effort, and Nostrum is a well-handicapped horse.
*Prices correct at the time of writing.
