3 minute read

Free Handicap would have been likely starting point for Ropey Guest.

George Margarson is looking to Ropey Guest  and Protected Guest  to fly the flag for his stable when the Flat campaign eventually gets under way.

Although Ropey Guest failed to get his head in front in 10 starts last term, he performed with great credit and was placed at Group Three level four times – culminating with a half-length defeat in the Horris Hill on his final start.

Margarson had hoped to kick off his campaign at Newmarket's Craven meeting – but with all racing on hold until at least May 1 due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ropey Guest's agenda is less certain.

He said: "He has a rating of 101, which looked very good for the Free Handicap, but obviously Newmarket is cancelled next week. We could look to Royal Ascot with him.

"The plan was to go for a trial and see how he shaped up, but it's a bit hard to plan anything right now. He's done tremendously well over the winter and it's getting a bit hard now to keep a lid on him.

"We have to wait and see what happens next."

When the season does click into gear, Margarson has high hopes for the five-year-old Protected Guest, who won one of his five starts last year and starts on a handicap mark of 99.

"We've got some nice horses to look forward to – I really like Protected Guest," the Newmarket trainer added.

"We tried a few different trips with him last year, he won over 10 furlongs but also ran well over a mile and a half and a mile and six.

"We're looking towards the Ebor at York in August with him, although you can't plan too much at the moment.

"It's a tough situation for everyone right now, but you've just got to get your head down and keep going."