Weather Morning: 8°c Mostly cloudy Afternoon: 9°c Sunny spells

Sport

Richard Hannon
Flying high: Reach For The Sky can score another victory for trainer Richard Hannon in tomorrow’s Super Sprint at Newbury

Sky's the limit as sprint king Richard Hannon bids for super seven

Simon Milham
17 Jul 2009


There is usually a simple solution to finding the winner of the Weatherbys Super Sprint - back a runner from the Richard Hannon Stable.

The only problem is that he has five horses in tomorrow's five-furlong £200,000 feature at Newbury and all of them appear to hold decent claims.

Hannon has won the race six times and stable jockey Richard Hughes will be keen to break his duck in the race for his father-in-law.

He rides the likely favourite Monsieur Chevalier, who looked a very smart juvenile when winning four on the trot before suffering a nightmare run in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Hannon said: "Monsieur Chevalier came back with a couple of bruised ribs, having been bounced around when the American horse [Yogaroo] cannoned into him, but he quickly recovered and has been going well at home.

"He lost all impetus at Ascot and Hughesie sensibly looked after him. Though he will eventually step up to six furlongs, he has won four over the minimum trip and they always go very fast in this race, which will suit him ideally."

Though Hannon has expressed reservations about the draw (stall two), If Paradise and Lady Livius won the race for the stable from stall one.

Where you probably don't want to be is drawn near the middle, because the field usually splits and most horses prefer to have a bit of cover.

Palisades Park, who travelled strongly under Steve Drowne before becoming unbalanced on the undulating firm ground at Chepstow last time, is patently much better than that.

Champion jockey Ryan Moore comes in for the ride and, drawn in stall 21, must have a decent chance if producing his best.

In stall three, the once-raced REACH FOR THE SKY (3.25) is positioned near stablemates Monsieur Chevalier and Chocolate Cookie (five).

According to Hannon, the Elusive Quality filly was not expected to so well her debut.

He said: "Reach For The Sky surprised us when winning first time out at Goodwood and, though another who will be suited by further, she will be picking them up at the end if they go a helter skelter pace."

The booking of Adrian McCarthy is also an interesting one. He is one of the strongest lightweights in the weighing room.

The unexposed Reach For The Sky has plenty of horses with early pace around her, which should see her get a nice tow and help her to finish with a flourish.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Arsene Wenger urges Arsenal to rally for Sunderland clash after 'shocking' defeat to AC Milan Kevin-Prince Boateng Arsene Wenger urged Arsenal to regroup for their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Sunderland after a "shocking" 4-0 defeat to AC Milan shattered...
  • Ryan Giggs could learn the job at Jose Mourinho's side Ryan Giggs Patrick Barclay: The argument for Giggs as Mourinho's Old Trafford assistant is attractive. Jose often has a link with the...
  • Money is only thing that finally brought barking Carlos Tevez to heel Carlos Tevez Dan Jones: Carlos Tevez's absurd reaction to that night in Munich last September has been to undertake a one-man strike...
  • Where was Roger Federer on my horrible Valentine's Day? Roger Federer Lizzie Armitstead: Okay, I know Roger Federer is married and he's a bit old for me but I love the suits that he wears at...
  • Manu Tuilagi ready to make fresh start in England colours Manu Tuilagi Manu Tuilagi has done a lot of growing up in the last six months and now feels ready to make a fresh start with England after overcoming a...
  • Sir Alex Ferguson accepts European failings this season Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded he got it wrong in Europe this season
  • Roberto Mancini will not be distracted by Carlos Tevez saga Carlos Tevez Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is determined not to let the continuing Carlos Tevez saga derail his side's title push
  • Drome from home: Australia's cyclists set for London test Velodrome Australia's in-form cyclists arrive in London for event which will give them a potentially vital feel for the Olympic velodrome
  • Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United and Liverpool need each other Luis Suarez Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his Manchester United side need a healthy rivalry with Liverpool
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •