The Charlie Johnston-trained Lazy Griff remains on track for the Group 1 Goodwood Cup, following his success in the Listed Coral Marathon at Sandown.

The Johnston family have previously taken the Goodwood Cup on five separate occasions, and whilst the four-year-old colt could face tough opposition in Ascot Gold Cup one-two Scandinavia and Trawlerman, he remains one of the upcoming talents of the division.

A winner of the Group 3 Prix de Conde as a juvenile, Lazy Griff placed in both the Derby and Irish Derby as a three-year-old. He returned at four with a third in the Group 3 Henry II Stakes and showed improved form to defeat Lady Vivian by two-and-three-quarters in the Coral Marathon.

“It was fantastic to get him back in the winners’ enclosure, it had been quite a long time,” Johnston told Sky Sports Racing.

“He ran three great races in defeat last year, but the win he had in France as a two-year-old was actually the last win he had.

“It wasn’t the strongest of contests, there’s no getting away from that, but we felt he needed another stepping stone before stepping up in class again. The race at Sandown served it’s purpose in that respect.

“He is a little ground dependant. He can handle fast ground but he had the knee injury last year, it’s not a question I want to be asking him too often. We’re expecting that they might start [the Goodwood Festival] on good ground and we’ve also got half an eye on the Irish St Leger as a principle target for the Autumn.

“Once you’re thinking of a Leger for a three-year-old, you’re thinking they might shape into an Ascot or Goodwood Cup horse for this year. It’s a good opportunity to move into these kind of races now.”

Lazy Griff is a general 20/1 shot for the Goodwood Cup, held on the opening day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting.

Photo: Steve Hart