Richard Hannon relies solely upon Dubawi Gold in Saturday’s Hungerford Stakes at Newbury after deciding against running Strong Suit and Dick Turpin.
Dick Turpin is the yard’s star older miler following the retirement of Canford Cliffs and is due to travel to France to take on Goldikova in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Monday.
Strong Suit was in line to run this weekend, but connections have had a change of heart.
He will instead step back up in trip for the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, where he was so impressive in last month’s Lennox Stakes.
“Strong Suit is fine, but we have decided to return to Goodwood – he was so impressive there last time and we think he’ll get the mile (1600m) around there in the Celebration Mile,” Hannon said.
“Dubawi Gold has enjoyed a nice break since he ran at Royal Ascot, and he looks absolutely magnificent.
“He needed a little holiday as he has had five races, but since coming back he has worked really well and, having been second in two Guineas, he deserves to get his head in front, though we are under no illusions that it will be tough against the older horses,” the Wiltshire handler told www.richardhannonracing.tv.
Twelve runners have been declared for the seven-furlong (1400m) prize, with Marco Botti saddling his stable star Excelebration as well as likely pacemaker Ceremonial Jade.
Clive Cox has a strong hand with Balthazaar’s Gift – the 2009 Hungerford winner – Beacon Lodge and Perfect Tribute all declared.
Other interesting contenders include Mike de Kock’s Musir and Dever Dream from the William Haggas yard.
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