Hughes takes Keys from Spencer for Cesarewitch

Richard Hughes will take over the reins on Keys in Saturday’s Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket after Jamie Spencer guided the four-year-old to July victories at Newbury and Ascot.

Spencer is due to ride Dance And Dance in America on the same day and trainer Roger Charlton confirmed Hughes’ appointment via Twitter. Keys’ participation had been in some doubt over the weekend following a dirty scope but Charlton issued an upbeat bulletin on his condition on Monday.

David Pipe also used the social networking site to reveal jockey plans for his three contenders, with William Buick booked for Beyond, Joseph O’Brien taking the reins of Tasheba and apprentice Kieran O’Neill called up for Big Occasion. Pipe’s father, Martin, saddled Heros Fatal (2000) and Miss Fara (2002) to win the famous staying handicap.

Meanwhile, Brian Ellison is in bullish mood as he prepares Ebor winner Moyenne Corniche and stablemate Saptapadi for the Melbourne Cup on 1 November.

The Malton handler has suffered desperate luck on his previous trips Down Under as Carte Diamond and Bay Story were both forced to miss the race. Saptapadi was perhaps unlucky to be beaten into fifth by his stablemate on the Knavesmire in August and is well handicapped for the Flemington highlight. Ellison said: “They are both doing really well and I’m really looking forward to it. Everybody knows we haven’t had great luck out there but I honestly think they both have great chances.”

The Ellison-trained duo feature among 79 remaining horses following the latest forfeit stage.

Also set to travel from Yorkshire are Mark Johnston’s Irish St Leger winner Jukebox Jury and German Leger hero Fox Hunt. Other possible international runners include last year’s winner Americain, and Luca Cumani’s quartet of Manighar, Drunken Sailor, Sahara Sun and Bauer. Godolphin could field Modun and Lost In The Moment.