Kinross seeks to deny a Dettori double in wide-open John of Gaunt Stakes

Saturday: 3.30 Haydock
Betfred John of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Frankie Dettori won the John of Gaunt a year ago on likely favourite Kinross but must plot his downfall 12 months on as he switches to the John and Thady Gosden-trained Sunray Major.

James Doyle takes the ride this time on the Ralph Beckett-trained Kinross, who avoids a penalty from his success in the Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last summer.

Sunray Major returned from a long absence to register back-to-back wins at Chelmsford and Ascot last autumn before being drawn on the wrong side when finishing down the field as 2-1 favourite in the Balmoral Handicap on British Champions Day.

The five-year-old faced two tough tasks when returning to action this season, including when sixth behind the mighty Baaeed in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last time.

He ran well for a long way that day but shaped as if this drop back to seven furlongs would suit.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Sunray Major, said: "They've had a bit of rain up there which he won't mind and if it dries back to good it should be perfect for him.

"He ran well for much of the race in the Lockinge and is back in trip. He has experience of going left-handed and this looks the right spot for him."

John of Gaunt analysis: 'This lightly raced type could be the one to follow over the exposed runners' (£)

What they say

David Egan, rider of Catch Twentytwo
He's a Grade 2 winner in South Africa and if he runs to that level he would be competitive.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Happy Power
He's best at seven furlongs and is quite versatile with ground, as we originally thought he wants some cut but he won on fast ground at Leicester last time. Andrew Balding is very happy with him at home and he looks one of the ones to beat in a competitive race.

Roger Varian, trainer of Laneqash
He's done very well over the winter and is ready to run. He's one who wouldn't want any more rain. He never lacked focus and his character was always good, but he was never going to be a stallion so it was right to geld him. I don't know if it will improve him or not and although he's been slow to come to hand this spring he's started to train nicely and hopefully will run a good race.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Misty Grey
He's rated 107 so he can either carry topweight in a handicap or have a crack at this, and if he finishes second he'll earn more than he would have won in the big handicap at Chester. He was beaten a head by Happy Power in March and he's third favourite and we're big odds for some reason, so there could be some value there.

Kieran Shoemark, rider of Pogo
He's back from a break after having a couple of runs in Dubai but doesn't take much getting ready and is in good form at home. Hopefully the ground dries out a bit as his best form is on a fast surface. He should run a nice race and I think the summer plan is to run him in the Criterion Stakes at Newmarket.

Karl Burke, trainer of Spycatcher
He's in great form and I'm looking forward to seeing him run. Seven furlongs should suit him now at this stage of his career.

Read Saturday's race previews:

1.45 Haydock: Will Dragon Symbol's class tell against some in-form Achilles rivals?

2.05 Beverley: 'She has a great chance' - why it could pay to oppose the unbeaten favourite

2.55 Haydock: Can racing's hottest duo Haggas and Marquand keep the winners flowing?

3.15 Beverley: 'He's one of our stronger ones' - quotes and analysis for Two Year Old Trophy

4.00 Navan: Group horse in a handicap? Sun King out to defy big weight in red-hot contest

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