Hanagan looks to forge clear in title race at Musselburgh

Tallahasse clinches the EBF Aaron Moon Novice Fillies' Stakes at Haydock yesterday to maintain her unbeaten run Picture: John Grossick

CHAMPION jockey hopeful Paul Hanagan has found Musselburgh a rich source of winners in previous visits this summer and is back at the East Lothian course tonight with a full book of fancied mounts.

Hanagan can be confident in increasing his lead at the top of the jockey's championship table and should win the opening 7f Scottish Racing Selling Stakes on Fujin Dancer. Last time out the Kevin Ryan trained gelding was a close second behind subsequent winner Eijazz at Redcar and the five-year-old has previously run well at Musselburgh.

Hanagan partners Arctic Feeling for his boss Richard Fahey in the featured Investec Investment Banking Conditions Stakes (7.05) with every chance of success. With strong chances on both Doctor Parkes for Eric Alston in the 5f Handicap (7.35) and Arriva La Diva (8.10 handicap) the north's top rider has real prospects of a valuable and lucrative four-timer.

Meanwhile, Alan Swinbank could barely contain his excitement as his filly Tallahasse maintained her unbeaten record in the EBF Aaron Moon Novice Fillies' Stakes at Haydock.

The North Yorkshire handler is more renowned for his exploits in training bumper horses than precocious juveniles, but feels Tallahasse is ready to test her powers at a higher level following this second triumph.

Sent off at 3-1 on the back of a debut win at Beverley, the youngster was sent straight to the head of affairs by PJ McDonald and got the better of a protracted duel with easy-to-back favourite Sweetie Time by a neck.

"She's as tough as old boots and really started coming to herself about a month ago," said Swinbank. "She'd been working with another good juvenile of ours called Silvertrees, who won here last month. She's been giving him a lead so we knew she was very good.

"She might have only won a neck today, but the second horse is pretty good as well and you can tell how good a race it was as they've pulled seven lengths clear. We'll see what sort of mark we get but I would say we'll probably go for a Listed race somewhere over the next six to eight weeks, possibly over seven furlongs.

"She's still learning, but I think she's a very special filly and genuine good ground would suit her best."

There was a thrilling finish to the Betfred Handicap with 10-1 shot Uphold and Robert Winston securing a narrow verdict over Dolphin Rock.

The latter made much of the running in the one-mile heat but his less experienced rival got on terms at the furlong marker and after a tense photo-finish, Barry Hills' colt was named the winner by a short head.

The trainer's son and assistant Charlie said: "He's battled all the way to the line and has done very well for a horse who is still very lightly raced. We're still learning about the horse, but he seems to handle that softer ground well."