Johnston in dark over Leo`s poor runs

Leo`s Luckyman is likely to run again this season but trainer Mark Johnston is no nearer to knowing exactly why the highly-rated youngster has failed to deliver on his latest two starts.

The son of Woodman won his racecourse debut at Ayr in such impressive fashion that he leapt to the forefront of betting for next year`s Sagitta 2000 Guineas.

But his next two efforts, firstly at Goodwood and then in Saturday`s Futurity Stakes at the Curragh where he finished last of the six runners, have proved a great disappointment to his followers.

Johnston said today: 'I would think he will definitely run again this season but as yet I have no plans and no explanation as to why he ran so disappointingly last week.

'He is a special horse and these things can take time - I won`t be rushing him into anything.'

The Middleham maestro also confirmed that Fruits Of Love is likely to return to the track next month for the first time since last November.

The dual Hardwicke Stakes winner is being aimed at the Irish St Leger, following months of recuperation after aggravating an old suspensory ligament injury when running below-par in last year`s Japan Cup.

'That is what we`re working towards but the horse will tell us if he`s ready,' said Johnston.

'The race is also the target for Yavana`s Pace, he has come out of his last race at Haydock well and I`d like to run him - he has finished second for the last two years.'