John of Gaunt Stakes offers ideal trip and conditions for the Victoria Cup winner and John Quinn’s favourite is vulnerable
The Group Three John Of Gaunt Stakes is the feature event on Saturday’s card at Haydock but from a betting angle it looks more like a handicap and Safe Voyage, the likely favourite to repeat his success in 2019, is giving 5lb to his most dangerous opponents.
John Quinn’s eight-year-old has been admirably consistent throughout his career and hit new heights with a pair of Group Two victories last year. He was also within half a length of the winner in a Group One at Longchamp in October. However, he showed little on his seasonal reappearance in the Lockinge and it is a nagging concern that his penalty leaves him vulnerable to a younger, more progressive rival.