The John Of Gaunt Stakes (Saturday 9 June) is a group 3 race that is open to horses aged three and upwards. It is run at Haydock over 7 furlongs and 37 yards. It first took place in 1986 and has been won by horses such as Decorated Hero, Sleeping Indian, and Home Of The Brave.
John Of Gaunt Stakes 10-Year-Trends
- Five 4-year-olds, three 5-year-olds, one 7-year-old, and one 8-year-old have won
- SP’s have ranged from 10/11 to 33/1
- Three favourites and one joint-favourite have won
- Winners have been rated between 107 and 117
- Andrew Balding, David O’Meara, Hugo Palmer, Richard Hannon, and Charlie Hills have all trained a winner in the last 10 years
John Of Gaunt Stakes 2018 Main Contenders
Emmaus
Four-year-old who has had just four runs so far, producing three wins over seven-furlongs at Leicester. The last of those was a listed race and it’s hard to gauge just how good he could be. That last win did come on heavy ground though and good-to-firm ground is forecast. Rated 110 and is held in high-regard by his trainer.
Tabarrak
Two of his four wins have come in listed races over seven-furlongs, with the last of those coming over course and distance. However, he just came up short in a group 3 race when last tried at this level and overall form doesn’t currently look as good as that of some of his opponents.
D’Bai
Trained and ridden by the new Derby winning partnership of Charlie Appleby and William Buick but his most recent wins have come in handicaps. That last win was in Meydan, whilst his last run was an excellent second to the top-class sprinter The Tin Man over six-furlongs in a listed sprint at Windsor.
Dutch Connection
The winner of three group 3’s and a group 2 in a career that has produced five wins from nine runs at seven-furlongs. One of those wins also includes a beating of the 2016 winner Home Of The Brave. He loves fast ground and his fourth in the group 1 Lockinge Stakes last time also suggests he’s in great form as he doesn’t really stay a mile but finished in front of several useful milers. Highest-rated on a mark of 113.
So Beloved
Group 3 winner at his best and he has run several decent races over course and distance including recording two victories. However, he looks held on several form-lines having been beaten by the likes of Tabarrak, Home Of The Brave, and Donjuan Triumphant.
John Of Gaunt Stakes 2018 Summary
Tabarrak and D’Bai should run solid races, whilst the other may be playing for second-best if Emmaus is as good as his trainer thinks he is. However, the form-book points straight at Dutch Connection. He’s the highest-rated horse, has the best form in the book, and proved his well-being in group 1 company last time. Rain would be a worry for this fast ground loving 6-year-old but only showers are forecast.
John Of Gaunt Stakes Tip: Dutch Connection