"Given the way that Hawk Mountain finished his race, he would appear to be the Ballydoyle number one for the Prix du Jockey Club".

"He is just about the best of the 3-year-old Colts in France, but he certainly isn’t out on his own, so I will hold on before I pencil him in as a Classic winner".

"As fillies trials go, this looks to be one of the better ones and she must now rank amongst the favourites for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches".

Not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but once we get into April it is time to accept that the Flat racing is now centre stage.

It can be a long winter if you're not a fan of small field graded Jumps races or Heavy ground, so I have put together this mini-series.