Harbour offers view from Cliffs for Hannon

 

Chris McGrath
Friday 29 July 2011 00:00 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Richard Hannon, despondent and defiant after the defeat of Canford Cliffs on Wednesday, can cheer himself up today with a colt who could yet develop into a successor to his stable star. Harbour Watch runs in the same colours, and the early signs are that he will prove another advertisement for the champion trainer's tried-and-tested system. By a young commercial sire, and bought in the middle tier of the yearling market, he made a striking debut at one of Hannon's favourite tracks, Salisbury. He then pulverised some smart types at Newmarket, bursting four and a half lengths clear of Burwaaz.

The runner-up ran very well here earlier in the week, when second in the Molecomb, and it is going to take something out of the ordinary to prevent Hannon celebrating a remarkable fourth consecutive success in the Tanqueray Richmond Stakes. Harbour Watch (3.45) certainly caught the eye on the gallops, when Hannon hosted a press open morning to promote this meeting. And he has every right to be smart, his dam being out of a sister to no less a champion than Dubai Millennium.

The most valuable prize of the day is the Totesport Mile, where a low draw should be a help to the favourite, Green Destiny. He was undeniably impressive at York last time, but this represents a radically different test, down in trip on a sharp track. Though only 12th that day, Pintura (3.10) looks likely to be much better suited by the change in environment. He closed nicely at York, before running out of stamina, and that was by no means the first recent sign that he is feasibly treated.

Western Aristocrat (2.35) looked ready for the extra furlong when running the classy Strong Suit so close at Royal Ascot, while Redwood (2.0, see Turf Account) is rock solid in the opener.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in