Lazy Griff set for big-race entries after Coral Marathon success

Charlie Johnston is eyeing up some major staying prizes with Lazy Griff after he enjoyed a well deserved day in the sun with victory in the Coral Marathon.

It is fast approaching two years since the son of Protectionist last visited the winner’s enclosure, having last season been placed in the Chester Vase, the Derby at Epsom and the Irish Derby behind Aidan O’Brien’s Lambourn before injury robbed connections of a long-planned tilt at the St Leger.

Following a pleasing return from 11 months on the sidelines when third over Sandown’s two miles in the Henry II Stakes in late May, Johnston and the Middleham Park Racing team resisted the temptation to bid for Gold Cup glory at Royal Ascot and instead opted to send him back to Esher for this easier assignment.

Soon bowling along at the head of affairs in the hands of Billy Loughnane, Lazy Griff was pushed clear with over two furlongs to run and despite running around in front late on, he had plenty in hand and passed the post with two and three-quarter lengths in hand over the outsider of four Lady Vivian.

Johnston said: “It’s been a long old road and he hasn’t won since September 2024, so it is nice to get back in the winner’s enclosure.

“It was probably never going to be a race that would see him at his very best, but it was another stepping stone for him and I didn’t feel I learned enough from his race here in the Henry II Stakes to jump straight in at the highest level (in the Gold Cup). I felt we needed another run and this provided that and it is a case of job done.

“He looks to be getting a bit cute in his old age, or whether that is just because he has only had four runs in 20 months.

“Billy said he nearly ran out at the top bend and all I could think going round is this horse is well named because isn’t he lazy! Billy was just having to be at him the whole way and I think there was plenty more in the tank if it was needed.”

Lazy Griff’s big-race entries include the Goodwood Cup on July 28 and the Irish St Leger on September 13, with ground conditions likely to play a part in what races he will ultimately line up in.

“You wouldn’t be in a rush to make the running again in a small field and I think we might only have so many days on this kind of ground,” Johnston continued.

“We will try and avoid it the best we can. If it comes up quick somewhere like Goodwood then you would roll the dice, but you know if you run him regularly on this type of ground you won’t get much life out of him and you could see all the way up the straight he was climbing on it.

“He’s going to be a better horse in a better race with a gallop to aim at and some dig in the ground. The Irish St Leger is still probably his race and where you think he is likely to get his ideal conditions in terms of ground, track and the gallop Coolmore will set for you.

“I’m sure we’ll aim to go to the Goodwood Cup in the interim, but the Irish St Leger looks sure present his optimal conditions.”