Luckyman could be Goodwood bound

Leo`s Luckyman could follow in the hoofprints of Classic winner Mister Baileys after his impressive debut victory at Ayr, Mark Johnston hinted today.

He may go to Goodwood for the Lanson Champagne Vintage Stakes, a race the trainer`s subsequent 2000 Guineas victor took back in 1993.

The colt is quoted at just 25-1 for the Newmarket Classic himself after living up to his reputation as the yard`s best two-year-old with an eight-length triumph in a seven-furlong maiden on Saturday.

Johnston said: 'I am not worried about those quotes but I was delighted with him yesterday. It is nice to have home opinion vindicated. He has always been our best two-year-old - so far.

'He has come back fine. Now we need to sit and take things as they come but the first race that comes to mind for him is the Lanson Champagne Stakes at Goodwood.'

Johnston admitted he had not expected Leo`s Luckyman`s current place at the top of his juvenile pecking order.

'It is a bit of a surprise as he is a huge, big horse who doesn`t look an early type,' he said.

'But basically he has been out on his own at home. Takes Tutu has been the only one who can work with him but he has disappointed and been beaten three times so that threw us.'

Also heading south is Gold Cup winner Royal Rebel, whom Middleham-based Johnston has earmarked for the Goodwood Cup.

But closer to home recent Kempton scorer Virgin Soldier will have another tilt at the Foster`s Lager Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday, having finished eighth when favourite 12 months ago.

Hopes remain high that stable-companion Fruits Of Love can tackle the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes after missing his bid to complete a Hardwicke Stakes hat-trick due to a setback.