Nap of the Day: Joe can do the business

A cracking card at Hamilton forms part of what looks an interesting Sunday on the racing front.

For the NAP, I’m going for a stable who know how to turn out winners, and a horse who certainly wouldn’t be scoring out of turn.

Our selection is a 3-yr-old colt who ran modestly at around a mile early in the season but then stepped up in trip. A typical route for many inmates at the Johnston operation – son Charlie is now the main man but Dad Mark laid down the blueprint over many years.

That step up was transformative, and he’s achieved a level of consistency that should stand him in good stead going forward. BLUE ANTARES ran really well at Musselburgh just one week ago, fading a little close home over 1m 4+f.

He’s a son of Frankel no less, so natural ability is no surprise. He steps down to 1m 3f here, which on recent evidence could be just the job. He’s creeping up the handicap, commensurate with his consistent displays, and runs off 62 on Sunday – same as Musselburgh last week. It’s evidently a workable enough mark, as the horse learns, and improves.

I’m encouraged by the speedy return to action and take that as a positive sign that connections think that this is a prize they can win. It’s ‘only’ a little Class 5 handicap, but in terms of another day at ‘school’ it could be invaluable.

Evergreen Johnston team member Joe Fanning is booked to do the steering, and he’s been in winning action this week.