'She'll make a lovely four-year-old' - Fellowes sweet on Fresh Hope

Thursday: Leicester

Charlie Fellowes said he was willing to take a patient approach with Fresh Hope to see the strapping daughter of New Approach fulfil her potential following a narrow victory in the 7f handicap.

Fresh Hope was making her first start since finishing sixth to Heredia in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot and stayed on well to justify favouritism when pulling half a length clear of Spacer.

Fellowes is confident she will prove a smart filly in time and looks forward to her being the finished article next year.

"She's a really funny filly because she works incredibly well at home which is why she has gone off as such a short-priced favourite on so many occasions," said Fellowes.

"She definitely makes it hard for herself on a racetrack and will be a good filly in time, but we might have to take a bit of heartache on the way because she will get herself beat running like that.

"She's a big girl and there are a lot of physical improvements needed. She'll make a lovely four-year-old next year."

The other £12,000 handicap was won by Hathlool, whose trainer Mick Appleby brought up a double when Babe Alicious took division two of the 6f classified stakes.

Success for former stewards

Becher Chase-winning jockey George Hartigan returned to his old stamping ground to see his Oriole showcase a good turn of foot when landing the 1m2f novice.

Hartigan, who used to steward at Leicester, enjoyed 28 winners during his career in the saddle that included success on Lizawake, a horse he also owned at the time, in the 1963 Becher at Aintree.

The owner said: "I'm thrilled because I used to work here and it's one of our closest racecourses. It's nice to come back with a winner and it's good to be here."

David Oldrey, a former deputy senior steward for the Jockey Club who part-owns Oriole with Hartigan, added: "Oriole's dam [Redstart] was rated over 100 and won the Fred Darling, and now this filly looks really impressive."

Strong connection

Hollie Doyle was pleased to team up with old ally David Evans as Kiss N Cuddle struck for a second successive time at the track in the 7f handicap.

Doyle, who earlier in the week became the first rider to bring up a century for the year in Britain, began her racing career with Evans and developed a strong relationship with the trainer.

"Things are going very well at the minute and I'm getting plenty of opportunities so it's up to me to produce the goods for trainers," said Doyle, who sealed a double on the Michael Scudamore-trained Blazer Two in the 1m4f handicap.

"I have known David all my life," she added. "He gave me my first job in racing and has always looked after me so it's good he puts me up and that I can reward him with winners."

Results, replays and analysis

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets