Charlie Johnston followed in his father’s historic footsteps as he landed the German 1000 Guineas with Timeforshowcasing. Mark Johnston won the contest in 2018 and 2019 with Nyaleti and Main Edition.
The daughter of Showcasing was a three-time winner last season, culminating with success in a valuable fillies contest at Goodwood. She won the Listed Burradon Stakes on seasonal debut, before finishing down the field in the English 1000 Guineas. Sent off the favourite, she bounced back under a prominent ride beating Indifferente in the German equivalent under Jack Mitchell.
Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing TV, Charlie Johnston said: “It’s brilliant and after she won at Newcastle I thought this was the perfect race for her really.
“We’ve won it a couple of times with Main Edition and Nyaleti. I thought this was a filly in a similar mould who would come here with a favourite’s chance. I’m delighted she has got the job done.
“In a way she might be difficult to place now as she’ll have a penalty in a lot of places. We might have to roll the dice in a big one again. But today was D-day in her season and she’s gone and won nicely.”
Step up in trip not ruled out down the line
Timeforshowcasing began her career exuding the speed of her sire Showcasing, but stepping up in trip may unlock further improvement. Her modest dam showed her best form to come over middle distances. She’s a half-sister to two winners over further, and from the family of smart National Hunt stallion Elusive Pimpernel.
Charlie Johnston continued to discuss further plans for her, stating: “We’ll have to see about Ascot and she’s also won an automatic entry to the Falmouth Stakes today.
“I’d also not rule out going up to 10 furlongs if we wanted to. I think she’s probably better with a bit of ease in the ground which she has had here. The ground was probably a bit too quick for her at Newmarket, certainly down the hill.
“Ground therefore might be something we have to consider going forwards, but now she has won a Group Two, I’m sure she will be rolling the dice in a few Group Ones at home during the summer.”
Timeforshowcasing’s success will hopefully be the beginning of a big week for the yard, as they saddle Listed winner Ancient Egypt in the Betfred Derby on Saturday.