Joe is Fanning flames of hope for Maputo

The leading course jockey has won the race twice in the past, while Maputo’s trainer Mark Johnston bagged the £40,000 contest fours years on the trot between 2007 and 2010. Fanning said: “He’s been impressive pretty much all the way through this season, including when winning that handicap at Newmarket last time. I don’t know what went wrong in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot but it could all have been a bit sharp for him.”

Johnston also saddles Mister Impatience and Alta Lilea, while Pat Shanahan has sent Tadhg O’Shea-ridden Hold The Line over from Ireland to complete the four-runner line-up and O’Shea said: “He was a little below par at Leopardstown but he’s in good form at home. He will love the track and trip  but Maputo will take a lot of beating.”

The other feature, the £33,000 John Smith’s Scottish Stewards’ Cup, has attracted 14 runners, including Storm Moon – partnered by Fanning. He added: “He won nicely at Ayr earlier in the month and is a sharp horse. His form all season is pretty solid and he has a chance.”

O’Shea, who rides first-time blinkered Scotland Forever for Shanahan, said: “For whatever reason he didn’t run his race at the Curragh last time. He worked especially impressively in blinkers at home the other morning and, on all known form, he has a massive chance.”

Paul Mulrennan won the first two races yesterday at the Lanarkshire track aboard Boogangoo and Hopes N Dreams for Keith Dalgleish and Kevin Ryan respectively. Speaking about Hopes N Dreams, the jockey said: “He got a flyer and he loves this place as that’s his fourth win here.”

And Shanahan and O’Shea landed the totepool.com Handicap with Prince Jock, who shouldered 10st to victory to give the trainer his first Hamilton success. O’Shea said: “If my memory serves me right my last winner here was Hoar Frost for Mick Channon in 2008.”

Jim Goldie’s Hawdyerweehst followed up a recent Ayr success in the Racing UK This Way That Way Handicap under Graham Lee. Owner Stuart Morrison said: “There is a 1m 6f at Musselburgh on 9 August and then he could come back here for the Lanark Silver Bell. He’s suddenly become the horse he was as a two-year-old and Jim seems to have found the key to him.”

At Leicester yesterday, one-time Derby hope Telescope got his season up and running with an impressive return to action in the Conditions Stakes. Facing just two opponents, the 1-2 favourite galloped on strongly to win by 24 lengths.

Meanwhile, Jamie Piggott, son of the legendary Lester, was well beaten on his first ride in public at Killarney.

The 19-year-old partnered  Pivotal Rock for Tommy Stack but the 6-1 favourite faded and came home in midfield.