THE Flat season may or may not ever happen in 2020, but if it ever does, who or what can we look forward to seeing?
Here are five possibles…
1. Tom Marquand
Of course, as far as jockeys are concerned Oisin Murphy and Frankie Dettori will claim many of the headlines.
Murphy will be keen to be champion again, and I will make sure he takes it seriously, while of course Dettori has the fire power of Johnny G to enjoy.
Of all the other riders about, there is no doubt the man who might just take the season by storm is Tom Marquand. He’s had a fabulous winter, mainly in Australia, and is in the mould of Ryan Moore with a bit more chat about him!
Whether taking up a job with Wiliam Haggas proves a good idea only time will tell, as Haggas will use James Doyle and rising star Cieren Fallon as much as he can. But there is no doubt Marquand is going to make it big very soon in the UK.
2. Saeed bin Suroor
I have a long been a fan of Saeed bin Suroor, who never gets the credit he deserves.
He has a very exciting colt in his hands in Military March, who won twice at Newmarket last season. he slammed his field in his maiden, and then toughed it out to land the Group 3 Autumn Stakes. I have a feeling he is very good.
3. John Gosden’s Stars
Stradivarius and Enable will seem like two long lost friends the time they return (if) in 2020. But when they do we should embrace both as if they are just that.
Stradivarius remains the kind of stayer we all love to watch, as he has a turn of foot and can be played in any way.
Enable of course is back to try and get a third Arc. They have become part of the Flat racing community now, and in the same way National Hunt horses keep us gripped they will again do the same. Enjoy them.
4. Marcus Tregoning
Marcus Tregoning has been in the wilderness for some time now, and his career is a fascinating one considering not so long ago he was banging out huge Group 1 wins for Hamdan al Maktoum and of course scored a Derby success with the now useful sire Sir Percy.
Tregoning might have some fun in 2020 with Mohaather, who landed the Greenham before getting injured.
He came back to finish a fine fifth behind King of Change in the QEII and the way he travelled there suggested he might be top class over six furlongs this term.
5. Sean Levey
And speaking of King of Change, 2020 could be special for that horse’s regular rider Sean Levey.
I am a huge fan of Levey, who has already had a fascinating life but who is also absolutely top class in my book.
He’s not Richard Hannon’s number one quite yet, but he’s certainly good enough to take up that role at some stage. Levey is relatively quiet in public, but is clearly mad behind the scenes and I like that kind of character. Wish him well.
