Tom Ward faces old boss Hannon as Dirty Rascal chases Listed riches

The pupil will aim to become the master at Newbury on Friday when Tom Ward faces his former mentor Richard Hannon for the first time since striking out on his own in the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes (3.55).

Ward has amassed plenty of experience working for Darley, Mark Johnston, Pat Chamings, and also spent time in France with Alain de Royer-Dupre and Francis Graffard along with a stint in the US with Kiaran McLaughlin.

Following four years as Hannon's assistant, Ward, 29, took out his own licence and saddled his first runner less than a month ago. He will now have his first black-type runner courtesy of former Hannon inmate Dirty Rascal.

Tom Ward: saddled his first runner less than a month ago

The three-year-old won a Goodwood handicap on his final start for Hannon in July, and Ward said: "Dirty Rascal is in good order and it will be tough but he does tend to up his game in better races. I'd hope he has a nice chance of finishing in the first four or five, but Tabarrak will be hard to beat."

The Hannon-trained Tabarrak won the race two years ago, and with an official mark of 112 sets a high standard for the rest of the field.

Cape Palace out to rule in Haynes, Hanson & Clark

Following the debut exploits of Enable at Newcastle, whenever John Gosden sends a newcomer to that track there has been added interest, and Cape Palace made a big impression with an eight-length romp at the course last month.

An entry in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Stakes at Doncaster next month suggests Cape Palace could be a top-notch prospect, and the 300,000gns son of Golden Horn will be all the rage to remain unbeaten in the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes at Newbury (3.25).

Cape Palace: impressive on his debut at NewcastleCredit: John Grossick

Frankie Dettori will be aboard – his only ride on the card – but Cape Palace may not have things all his own way, with five of the nine runners holding Group 1 entries, including fellow debut all-weather winner Acquitted.

Brocklesby winner Show Me Show Me still going strong

As the Flat turf season approaches its denouement for 2019, Doncaster's Lincoln meeting feels a lifetime ago.

The first two-year-old race of the year, the Brocklesby, was won by Show Me Show Me on Town Moor in March, and the colt is still going strong as he bids for Listed success in the Shadwell Stud/EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes at Ayr (2.40).

Although winless since the Brocklesby, Show Me Show Me has progressed through the year, with a narrow second in the valuable Super Sprint along with third in the Group 3 Molecomb at Goodwood.

Richard Fahey, who will also be represented by Dylan De Vega in the race, said: "Show Me Show Me would have a good chance based on his Goodwood run. Dylan De Vega needs to step up judged on ratings. He did a bit too much in the cheekpieces at York, so we plan to hang on to him this time."

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