Can Hannon keep it in the family with progressive Dirty Rascal in Horris Hill?

2.50 Newbury
Molson Coors Stakes (registered as the Horris Hill Stakes) | 7f, 2yo colts & geldings| ITV4

Richard Hannon and his dad have won the Horris Hill Stakes six times and the family once again has designs on the Group 3 contest at Newbury on Saturday with the progressive Dirty Rascal.

The Acclamation colt appreciated the step up in trip when landing a nursery at the track after a narrow defeat in a valuable sales race at Doncaster.

Hannon won the Horris Hill with Smaih four years ago to emulate his dad, who landed the contest five times, including with subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner Tirol.

He said of Dirty Rascal: “It’s hard not to like this colt, who is ultra-consistent and won very easily over the course and distance last month.

Watch Smaih winning the 2014 Horris Hill

“This is a race we like to win and I see no reason why this horse can’t maintain our good record. He’s got plenty of experience and ability and should go very close indeed.”

Is Chairmanoftheboard destined for much better things?

Chairmanoftheboard looked a horse of great potential when trotting up on his debut at Goodwood and faces a stern test with his rivals, including promising Yarmouth winner Azano, stablemate of leading juvenile Too Darn Hot.

Chairmanoftheboard was snapped up for 27,000gns at the Newmarket sales and is a son of the first-season sire Slade Power.

His trainer Mick Channon said: “He won really well on his debut at Goodwood and we think this is a nice horse.

“But this is a massive step up for him and the jury is out on just how good he is. He’s going well at home but this is a competitive race and we should learn a lot about him.

“His sire was a sprinter but I'm sure the step up to seven furlongs will not be a problem and with the ground on the soft side it should be perfect for him. I’m very much looking forward to him next season.”

Will the switch back to turf pay off for Almufti?

Almufti came good when making all to land a well-contested event at Kempton and his stable is confident he will do even better for the switch back to turf and soft going.

Trainer Hugo Palmer said: “He’s shown up well at home from the start of the year and the first two races simply didn’t work out for him.

“He won well last time and that was his first meaningful race. Seven furlongs and soft ground should be ideal for him at this stage. He’s from an Italian family that I can’t work out stamina-wise, but his sire Toronado was a miler and that will probably be his trip next season.

Hugo Palmer: “A few of the lads had a bit on when he was 20-1”Credit: Edward Whitaker

“A few of the lads had a bit on when he was 20-1 and there is a chance this could be a very good horse.

“You have to take small steps them with and we’ll see where we are, but if all goes well I could see him being aimed at the Greenham or Craven at the start of the next campaign.”

What the others say

Brian Meehan, trainer of Athmad
He's in good shape and should run well. The ground will suit him well.

Paul Cole, trainer of Cool Reflection
He’s only 50-50 to run as he’s been a bit off colour. At home he works like a decent horse. He’s had a palate operation and he’s improved since then.

William Haggas, trainer of Fanaar
I’ve always liked him and the form of his second in the nursery, when he went up 11lb, is okay. He has a lot to do on the figures but he has potential and we’re really just seeing where we are with him. He was ridden a bit differently at Newbury and he got wedged in. He needs a lead but he’s got a bit of talent and should run well.

Clive Cox, trainer of House Of Kings
We’re pleased with him and he’s working well. This is big step up but he’s a progressive horse and I’m quite relaxed about it.

Marcus Tregoning, trainer of Mohaather
He’s been working well and I couldn’t be more pleased with him. The cut in the ground will suit him. It’s quite important to take this step up with him as it will let us know where we are. He’s by the up-and-coming stallion Showcasing and the trip shouldn't be a problem.

Richard Spencer, trainer of You Never Can Tell
This looks a tough race and Mick Channon’s looks a good horse. My horse didn't handle the quick ground last time and we're going there with a chance. I hope he'll run a nice race.

Newbury card

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