Hot to Trot: King for a day

Jumps Trainer: Alan King

Along with Nicky Henderson, Alan King currently tops our list of in-form jumps trainers, though it should also be pointed out that he continues to have the occasional runner on the all-weather this winter too (backers of Ardamir will be all too aware, that horse having had no luck in running when beaten at Wolverhampton on Tuesday). King has two entries at Plumpton on Monday, led in the opener by Bastien who made a winning start over hurdles, eventually scoring with a fair bit in hand, when winning at Fontwell last month. Though that looked a messy race, Bastien looks one to follow. Also entered at Plumpton, Bulfin Island, who had a ‘p’ attached to his rating after catching the eye on his hurdling bow at Worcester back in October 2014 and then finished third at Chepstow four months later, could make a belated return to action. Amongst a host of interesting entries at Exeter (Tuesday) and Newbury (Wednesday) are Sir Antony Browne, Hidden Cargo, Cosmeapolitan and Perfect Harmony. The first trio have already shown their hand on the racecourse, however Perfect Harmony is set to make his Rules debut. In the same colours as the yard’s Annacotty, Perfect Harmony looked an unlucky loser when falling at the last in a Dowth Hall point in October and can make amends at Newbury with no obstacles to get in the way.

Flat Trainer: Richard Hughes

Richard Hughes didn’t enjoy a great end to 2016, recording just four winners in the three months of September, October and November. However, after three winners in December, he now has his horses in good form, an upturn not dissimilar to his favourite football club Manchester United whom he watched beat Hull City on Tuesday in the company of Sir Alex Ferguson. The former manager has several horses in training, including with Hughes, however none are entered up over the coming few days. Hughes does have some interesting entries, though, including recent runner-up Debonaire David who could spearhead a strong Wolverhampton challenge on Monday. The two-year-old was easy to back at Kempton and left the impression that there is probably an even better performance in him when everything drops right. Believe It won on that same day at Kempton but didn’t run to form a fortnight later at Lingfield; he will appreciate the drop back in trip. Other interesting entries include Hathfa, who has re-found her form in headgear on her last two starts, and Ocean Promise, an unexposed three-year-old filly who wasn’t suited by the longer trip last time out.

Under the Radar: Rose Dobbin

Rose Dobbin has far fewer horses in her care than the other two trainers in this feature this week, however those that she does have been running well of late, including a win for Some Reign in a Wetherby bumper earlier this month. One horse who was in a rich vein of form before the turn of the year is Bako de la Saulaie, a six-year-old who recorded wins at Kelso and Wetherby in December. He's progressing well now handicapping and faced with the sort of test that he needs and there's further improvement in him; he can win again at Ayr on Monday. Wicked Games and Smuggler’s Stash finished fourth and fifth respectively in the same Wetherby race on Boxing Day, both catching the eye for varying reasons. Should conditions come up very testing, Smuggler’s Stash could reverse the placings if both line up once again. Elsewhere, recent Catterick fifth Professor Plum has an entry at Market Rasen on Wednesday. Having been off the track for 484 days prior to that effort behind Tuscan Gold, it may be that he is given a bit more time to get over his exertions, however if taking his place he cannot be discounted too readily.