Frank Sonata has been the stable star but the horses are generally not blue bloods

Before considering the new NH season there is one flat trainer worth a mention. Mick Quinlan is still a relative newcomer to Newmarket but certainly one who looks as though as he is here to stay.

This could be described as a ‘gambling stable’ though 2006 has been somewhat frustrating with almost twice as many seconds as winners. However a 50/1 Group 3 winner in September has now resulted in a profit to a level stake.

How then to increase your chances of winning with this stable. The simple answer is often to ‘follow the money’ with few of the winners going unbacked. Bearing this in mind, if you prefer trading then there is often the chance to take a price on Betfair and trade it at a lower one when the money comes in. The older horses are often ready first time out but the two year olds need a market check and usually come on for a run.

Frank Sonata has been the stable star but the horses are generally not blue bloods. Considering this most of them seem to pay their way and any horses running for the stable over a length of time are almost certainly doing it because they think they can still win with it.

Tom Queally rides most of the winners but the booking of Ryan Moore (2 wins from 8) is also significant. Dominic Fox is a good three pound claimer who is probably unlucky in 2006 (1 from 21) – his booking should not be a deterrent to backing (though the stable doesn’t have winners in apprentice races).

Most of the horses are sprinters and milers but those that do race further have an equally good strike rate. The stable does have a few hurdlers, usually this is after lack of success on the flat and they are held up to get the distance first time out. Any that continue over hurdles (usually no more than three or four runs) often win and level stakes usually show little profit or loss.

After their ‘seconditis’ so far this season I believe Mick Quinlan is a good trainer whose luck should certainly change for the better in the remainder of this season and beyond.