Jack Hobbs in trim for new campaign

A glittering support cast for the opening day of the QIPCO British Champions Series at Newmarket will include Jack Hobbs.

The QIPCO 2000 Guineas, the first contest in the 35-race Series, is the showpiece event but many racegoers will also be eagerly looking forward to the return of last year’s five-length Irish Derby hero in the Dunaden at Overbury Jockey Club Stakes.

In between his emphatic triumph at the Curragh he was placed in the Investec Derby (second to stablemate Golden Horn) and QIPCO Champion Stakes (third to Fascinating Rock).

Jack Hobbs is a son of Halling, who Gosden trained to win six races in the first half of his career before he was bought by Godolphin in 1995 and switched to Saeed Bin Suroor.

History has repeated itself to a degree because Jack Hobbs was owned by a syndicate that included Gosden’s wife, Rachel, before being purchased for an undisclosed sum by Godolphin last year. This time, though, the colt has remained with the trainer.

“He’s never going to be a heavy horse, his father wasn’t either, but physically he’s done very well,” Gosden said. “He’s put on 40 kilos through the winter, is stronger through his neck and bigger. He has pleased us in everything he’s done at home – he’s got a very long stride and finds things easy.”

Jack Hobbs looked on good terms with himself in a racecourse workout at Newmarket last week, after which Gosden nominated two principal targets.

“Your big races have to be in England the King George and in France the Arc, and that has to be what the whole year is about,” he said. “It’s a great older horse division. Postponed here in England, Found in Ireland, and New Bay in France. They are fabulous horses.”

This might not be Jack Hobbs’s final season, either, with there already being whispers of a tilt at the Dubai World Cup meeting in 2017. Gosden said: “I try and operate one year at a time but his father raced on a bit and why wouldn’t you if he’s in good order?”

Godolphin could do with a pick-me-up after Emotionless, their principal hope for the 2000 Guineas, was yesterday ruled out of the race. Charlie Appleby says last year’s Champagne Stakes winner needs more time before reaching his peak.