Richard Hannon could unleash Mums Tipple and Threat in classy Middle Park

With Pinatubo lurking in wait for those brave enough to line up in next month's Darley Dewhurst Stakes, the Juddmonte Middle Park offers up an attractive alternative Group 1 at Newmarket on Saturday – and it is going to be a cracker.

Earthlight, Mums Tipple and Siskin are set to put their lofty reputations and unbeaten records on the line in the six-furlong contest, while Champagne Stakes winner Threat, a stablemate of Mums Tipple, could add extra spice.

The Richard Hannon-trained Mums Tipple, who is joint-favourite in some lists at 2-1 with Earthlight, delivered one of the most visually impressive performances of the season at York, but he will face a very different task at Group 1 level after his sales race romp.

However, the colt will have top-notch assistance in the saddle, with jockeys' title leader Oisin Murphy in line to ride.

Murphy said on Monday: "Mums Tipple is a lovely horse. He won very nicely the first day and then won well at York. I hope he can run another big race.

"On ratings he's run to a very high level and deserves his chance. It would be nice to land a big race on him. I just hope the weather is kind as he's won very nicely on fast ground twice, so it would be good if we got decent ground at Newmarket."

Murphy, who was aboard for Mums Tipple's debut win at Ascot before Ryan Moore took over at York, added: "Richard is very happy with him and the owners [Marian Lyons and Patricia Zanelli] have been very good to me."

Threat: may also run in the Middle ParkCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hannon could be doubly represented as Threat is also in the mix. A top price 14-1, Threat successfully stepped up to seven furlongs at Doncaster last time, but connections are not averse to dropping back in distance.

Cheveley Park Stud managing director Chris Richardson, representing owners David and Patricia Thompson, said on Monday: "I had a long conversation with the owners this morning and they wanted him put in. We want to take a look at the race.

"I saw Threat yesterday morning and he seems fit and well. The ground is one of the bigger concerns. I think he's much better on top of the ground and if we did get a significant change in the going that would be a factor."

Earthlight: wins the Prix Morny at Deauville in AugustCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It is the track, rather than the ground, that concerns Andre Fabre regarding Earthlight's chances, with the trainer worried the Prix Morny winner could find the course tricky to handle.

Fabre said: "Earthlight is not the most balanced horse, he carries his head a bit low, so his ability to handle Newmarket’s undulations will be something that we will have to discover on Saturday."

The trainer had initially nominated the Dewhurst as Earthlight's likely target but that race is on the agenda for Pinatubo, who is also owned by Godolphin and produced an extraordinary performance to win the National Stakes, which has prompted a change of plan.

Fabre added: "Some of his opposition in the Middle Park, the likes of Siskin and Mums Tipple, look like they may have a little more speed than him as he is the type of colt who might be able to stay a bit further next year."

Aidan O'Brien is the winningmost trainer in the race with six victories and he could have four chances to add to that tally. According to the betting Monarch Of Egypt (8-1) is his best chance.

Ger Lyons, trainer of 5-1 third favourite Siskin, will also be represented in the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes, the preceding race on the card, with Nurse Barbara, who was on Monday supplemented. A total of 15 fillies are in contention for the Group 1.

Caradoc, an impressive winner at Newbury on Saturday, was the most notable absentee from the Bet365 Cambridgeshire. He had been vying for favouritism with some firms.

The ground at Newmarket was on Monday described as good to firm, but rain is forecast this week, though how much is far from certain.

Clerk of the course Michael Prosser said: "We managed to miss most of the rain on Sunday when it was mostly dry. However, there is a band of rain forecast. The heavy rain arrives tomorrow when it looks like we're in line for half an inch.

"There are two further bands of rain on Wednesday and Thursday but after that it appears the blustery showers aren't that intense. It's going to be quite breezy over the three days, which will help nullify the rainfall."

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