Newmarket Start For Jack Hobbs

Jack Hobbs is set to start his four-year-old campaign in the G2 Jockey Club Stakes at the Guineas Meeting on Newmarket's Rowley Mile.

The Irish Derby winner, owned by Godolphin and partners, has wintered well and trainer John Gosden is eager to give him a seasonal pipe-opener prior to his first major target, the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom in June.

John Ferguson, Godolphin's chief executive and racing manager, said: "I spoke to John (Gosden), who also said he wanted to have Jack Hobbs running in Dubai this time next year, in the mile and a half race at Meydan (G1 Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup day)."

That long-term plan seems feasible for this talented colt, who has won 4 of his 7 starts, and never been out of the first three. He was also runner-up to Golden Horn in the G2 Dante Stakes at York and the G1 Investec Derby at Epsom.

Ferguson also revealed plans for Godolphin three-year-olds Birchwood and Ribchester, who are both trained by Richard Fahey.

"Birchwood could go for the German 2000 Guineas, and Ribchester for the English or French 2000 Guineas," Ferguson said.