Lazy Griff

Trainer Charlie Johnston, based at Middleham Moor in North Yorkshire, clearly has serious plans for Lazy Griff. Johnston's yard has sent out 131 winners already this season, so he knows what he is doing, and his comments reveal a horse that had to overcome real adversity to get back here: knee surgery in September put Lazy Griff out of action until Christmas, yet he has returned to racing form and his recent record shows 2 places and a third from his last four runs, suggesting he is building back to his best.

The distance sweet spot of 7 furlongs to a mile suits him best — he has won 1 in 3 races at that trip. Where he struggles is the very top level: in three attempts at top-class races he has not won, though Johnston's post-race observations after his Epsom appearance hint at a horse whose temperament and constitution are his real strengths. He described Lazy Griff as "tough" and "honest," the kinds of attributes that win races on big days when it matters. With a recent win still fresh and form that suggests he is only now getting back to full fitness, Lazy Griff looks a horse on an upward curve.