Jack Hobbs delights Gosden in Newmarket spin

Jack Hobbs finished third in the QIPCO Champion Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day last year. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

Jacks Hobbs remains on course to make his reappearance in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on April 30 – the opening day of the QIPCO British Champions Series – after delighting John Gosden in a workout before racing at Newmarket today.

Last year’s runaway Irish Derby winner had a vigorous seven-furlong spin with stablemate Dick Doughtywylie and came about eight lengths clear in the closing stages under William Buick despite losing focus.

“He hit the front and then played about but I’m delighted with him,” Gosden said of the Godolphin-owned colt, who was bred by his wife, Rachel. “They went a good clip and he picked up beautifully on the bridle before idling, but I don’t mind that at all.

“He had a nice blow afterwards and the plan is to come back for the Jockey Club Stakes on Guineas day."

Gosden described Jack Hobbs as a “big, overgrown kid” last year and is pleased with his development. “He’s put on 40 kilos and physically done very well,” he said.

The champion trainer added that his season would revolve around two races; the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 23 – the fifth race in the Middle Distance category of the Champions Series – and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

Foundation heads six runners declared for the Novae Bloodstock Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.  The Zoffany colt, a leading fancy for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and Investec Derby, won his first three races last year before finishing a luckless third in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October.

“He’s in great form and will handle the [softish] ground but it’s not ideal,” Gosden said.

His five rivals are also entered in the 2000 Guineas and include the Ed Walker-trained Stormy Antarctic, officially rated 2lb superior to Foundation.