Change of stable paying off as Elhafei lands hat-trick for John Mackie

A switch in yard has been something of a revelation for Elhafei, who landed a hat-trick in dominant fashion under Franny Norton.

The six-year-old moved to trainer John Mackie earlier this year and has since won his last three starts for owner Nick Willis.

Mackie said: "He's just a horse in good form, he's very pleased with himself and it carries through to his racing.

"He settled quite quickly at the yard and dropping him back to a mile and a half has seemed to be the thing to do.

"I think the ability has always been there, he's just running on confidence right now and we're over the moon with him."

Elhafei's first run at Chester for two years was aided by a new partnership with Norton, the leading jockey this season at the course.

"Franny knows every blade of grass here and he's outstanding, he’s won a good few winners for us and is very lucky for us," Mackie said.

"Elhafei has proven he can handle Chester and there's a race here in a fortnight we'll definitely be looking at."

Roman rules for local success

Roman Dragon proved a popular local winner in the 6f novice stakes as the Tom Dascombe-trained runner picked up his first win.

The colt was bred by former footballer Michael Owen at Manor House Stables, and is jointly owned between Owen and Nick Hughes.

The two-year-old held off the favourite Robjon under Richard Kingscote for his first win in three starts.

Results, replays and analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday