Francesco Guardi (right)
Francesco Guardi (right)

Flat horses to follow: Trainer James Ferguson with five to follow for the 2021 season


Trainer James Ferguson provides Oli Bell with five to follow for the 2021 season.

FRANCESCO GUARDI

He's rated 93 and ran very well to finish third in the Listed Denford Stakes last year (Newbury) over seven furlongs having won his maiden nicely at Salisbury.

We know that the step up in trip is going to extremely beneficial. The plan with him is to run him in the next few weeks and, depending on how good that first run is, we'll aim for a handicap around Guineas time.

Hopefully we can get him to Royal Ascot as I do think he's a very nice horse and hopefully an opportunity to win a Group race at some stage.

ZOETIC

She won the St Hugh's Stakes at Newbury last year, the first Listed win for the yard, and she's rated 99.

The plan with her is to build on that black type for her pedigree and if we could improve on that it would be great for the owners. She's training well and has definitely come on again. She'll be ready to go in a few weeks' time.

COPINET

She ran very green last time at Nottingham, it was her first run on the turf and she maybe just got a little bit intimidated. She's rated 80 now and she may go up again.

The way she won her two races before that on the all-weather means that she might be a very nice filly to follow. Hopefully we can get some black type for her too, her owner-breeders are big supporters of mine and it would be great if we could.

FIORDLAND

I think he's a nice horse, given the way he won at Wolverhampton. He's still a bit raw and has a lot to learn but the move up to a mile looks to have helped.

He looked awkward when he won at Wolverhampton but is still going the right way and was staying on quite well when third at Windsor. If we could get him to Royal Ascot it would be an absolute dream, but it's never easy.

COZONE

Cozone is a horse I like a lot. He's still yet to win for me after three runs but he's very consistent and I think he's got plenty in hand when he gets his day.

Hopefully he's a horse we can run throughout the year as he seems to come out of his races well. He could go to the Silver Bowl at Ripon if it rains but he's certainly one I've got hopes for as he's so genuine.


More in the series...


More from Sporting Life


Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.


Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo