Mark Johnston

Although Mark Johnston has a really big stable of over 200 horses he is not renowned for having too many sprinting stars and most of his success over the years has been built up through his middle and long-distance runners. In addition, he gets plenty of 2 year old and 3 year old maiden and stakes winners and some of these horses end up contesting the best Group races. So there is some quality as well as quantity but it’s a little in short supply in the races that I specialise in. Having said this when a Mark Johnston horse does appear in one of my races it should not be discounted without careful inspection.

From a course point of view have a good look at the Johnston runners at Southwell. He has made a level stake profit at the course in each of the last 4 years. He already has 17 winners at the course this year, of which 5 have been in races in my distance range of 5 to 7 furlongs. From a betting point of view if you had put a £1 on each of these runners you would have made a £25.11 profit.

A second angle that is profitable, especially amongst the sprinters, is when they are dropped in grade. He is not proud when it comes to placing his charges and is quick to pick up small prizes when a horse has been found wanting at a higher level. The Johnston horses always come to the racecourse fit and ready to run for their lives, so pay special attention when one of his horses seems to be downgraded.

Also, watch out for Johnston 3-year-olds when they compete in all-age handicaps. He seems quick to target these races in summer at the first possible opportunity. At this stage the handicapper often hasn’t a grip on unexposed 3-year-olds and the trainer seems adept at exposing this fact. Crimea and Elusive Fame beat older horses as early as July this year.

As far as jockeys are concerned Johnston has several very competent riders at his disposal and the likes of Fanning, Fairley, Ffrench and Guillambert can all be replied upon.

Two to look out for this Winter are Nightjar who won 4 out of 4 at Southwell last Winter and the 4-year-old Naomh Geileis who won well at the same course early in November, has disappointed since, but is still well handicapped, some 30 lbs lower than the beginning of the year and looks sure to win again at some stage.

So, not a trainer whose horses I will have too many opportunities with, but one who I definitely like when they do appear.