Paco Boy 'most unlikely' to run at Newmarket

ROYAL ASCOT speedballs Scenic Blast and Art Connoisseur feature among 14 left in next Friday's Darley July Cup at Saturday's six-day stage, but, while Richard Hannon confirmed the entry for his Queen Anne Stakes winner Paco Boy, the trainer reiterated that he was "most unlikely to run".

Hannon, speaking on his website richardhannonracing.tv said: "It makes sense to keep our options open, but the ground at Newmarket is good to firm, and, with only light showers forecast for next week, it could well be lightning fast come Friday and there is no way that we would risk Paco Boy in those conditions.

 

"We will probably wait for the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on August 9 - the extra half-furlong will suit us and the going is likely to be more favourable, too."

Successful in that French sprint with Bold Edge in 2000, Hannon stressed that he would have no qualms about returning to 1m with Paco Boy, explaining: "The Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville is the following Sunday and also comes into the mix, while we have certainly not ruled out the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 29. He won the Lennox Stakes there last year."