With less than two weeks remaining of January’s AW Bonus competition, Dartrey, Eagles Whistle and Latin have secured maximum points and guaranteed themselves a share of the £40,000 first prize.
Juddmonte three-year-old Dartrey has looked a reformed character for Ralph Beckett since returning from a gelding operation, with all three of his wins coming at Southwell during the first week of the month.
Eagles Whistle produced a rare feat for Daragh Bourke as she won three classified contests in the space of four days at Newcastle and Wolverhampton. A recent recruit to the Lockerbie trainer, the six-year-old mare had failed to win in 13 attempts in Ireland.
Ex-Ballydoyle runner Latin has made hay at Wolverhampton for James Owen, with two of his three victories at Dunstall Park this month coming by last-gasp verdicts of a nose and short-head.
The win streak has propelled Latin to the top of the overall AW Bonus Horse of the Year standings with 181 points, building on his six other scoring efforts from earlier in the campaign. Francesi, trained by Tony Carroll, is next in on 171 points.
There are four horses with two successes from two starts so far this month, while other contenders are likely to emerge over the coming days as they compete for an overall bonus pot of £105,000.
Horses in contention with upcoming entries/declarations:
50 points (2 wins from two starts)
Spartan Fighter (Antony Brittain) – Newcastle, January 20
Nunc Est Bibendum (Gary & Josh Moore) – Southwell, January 22
Grey Horizon (Scott Dixon) – Lingfield Park, January 24
Rogue De Vega (Antony Brittain) – no entries
