Hot To Trot: No stopping Johnston

Flat trainer: Mark Johnston

As the graph below shows, Mark Johnston’s form levels don’t deviate much, but if last year is anything to go by, he could be about to start turning the screw with his all-weather runners.

There was a steep rise in his run to form (RTF) percentage around this time 12 months ago, so he is worth following in the next couple of weeks. Johnston has two entries at Wolverhampton on Monday, namely Sunbreak and Gemologist. Both will likely have to improve on what they have shown so far but will still need a second look if taking their chance. At Chelmsford on Thursday, the yard could have a better chance with Deep Intrigue, who was last seen winning a minor event at Beverley in May. That form has worked out well and he should have much more to offer. Jafetica could also make her return from an absence on the same card, holding entries in a mile and a mile and a quarter handicap.

Jumps trainer: Lucy Wadham

As the graph below demonstrates, Lucy Wadham invariably does well through the winter months, and her string is going along nicely, both over jumps and on the Flat, highlighted by a treble on Tuesday.

She could taste more success with Mystic Sky at Ludlow on Wednesday, the seven-year-old mare in good form having won at Huntingdon two weeks ago. A 4 lb rise looks fair for that success and she should make another bold bid. Northern Princess can also give a good account in the bumper on the same card, having gone very close on her debut in a similar event at Southwell. Finally, Gregarious could also be of interest at Market Rasen on Thursday. Admittedly, he doesn’t arrive in good form, but his handicap mark continues to drop and it would be no surprise were he to bounce back to form.

Under the radar: Henry Daly

Henry Daly has made a flying start to the jumps season ‘proper’, a 67% run-to-form ratio proving one of his best ever in the last five years. He is relatively quiet over the coming days, but is set to take a competitive string to Ludlow on Wednesday.

Head To The Stars made an inauspicious start over fences at Exeter recently, taking a heavy fall, but he was useful over hurdles, and this rangy gelding could have more to offer provided that hasn’t left its mark. Dauphiness could also take her chance at Ludlow. She was well backed ahead of her return at Warwick on Thursday, but failed to meet expectations, stopping quickly. Something was seemingly amiss that day and connections clearly think she’s on a good mark, so she’s one to bear in mind moving forward. Daly’s best chance on the card could come in the bumper, though, in the shape of Teme Spirit. She disappointed on her return from five months off given the promise she shaped with on debut, but she raced too freely last time, and is certainly worth another chance with that run under her belt.