Superior chance for lightly-raced Cicero’s Gift

But suitable ground will be key at Haydock.

Charlie Hills is banking on soft ground coming to the aid of Cicero’s Gift when he attempts to return to winning ways in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Superior Mile Stakes at Haydock.

Always held in high regard, the son of Muhaarar took part in the St James’s Palace Stakes last year after impressing in winning the first three starts of his career.

He was not seen again after Royal Ascot until returning in style to down the reopposing Holloway Boy at Sandown in July, and although beaten at Goodwood most recently, Hills has been happy with the colt’s progress leading into what will be just his second run in Group-race company.

He said: “I’ve been happy with the way he’s been training. Hopefully there’s been a bit of rain up there, which will be handy.

“We will see what the ground is like, and if it’s suitable for him we’ll run him. If not, we won’t. Absolutely, we know he needs a soft surface.

“It is the right sort of race for him, the track will suit him well. It is nice to see him get back on track.”

Also favouring a light shower or two at the Lancashire track are the connections of Clove Hitch who dazzled when breaking her duck at Newbury, but somewhat underwhelmed when upped in grade at Sandown for the Coral Distaff.

She returned from that race sore and having been given plenty of recuperation time by handler Andrew Balding, is ready for another run.

Andrew Balding is the trainer of Clove Hitch
Andrew Balding is the trainer of Clove Hitch (Zac Goodwin/PA)

“We always thought she’d like soft ground, so I don’t know whether it was naturally the soft ground in Sandown that was the issue or she just gave herself a tweak in the race or what,” explained Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“She came back from it quite sore, so Andrew has given her a bit of time since then and is happy with her again now.

“Oisin (Murphy) always said she wouldn’t mind a little bit of cut in the ground, but hopefully they don’t get too much rain.”

Godolphin’s Age Of Gold is given a second opportunity at Listed level in the Betfair Daily Tips On Betting.Betfair Ascendant Stakes after going close in a hot nursery at York.

Charlie Appleby won this with Naval Power two years ago and this Frankel gelding won handsomely on debut back in May before having sights raised at Royal Ascot.

Age Of Gold is disputing matters at the top of the market with Charlie Fellowes’ Luther, while Hugo Palmer’s Hawksbill opened his account over track and trip not so long ago.

“He’s a horse we’ve always liked and I was a little bit disappointed it took him three goes to break his maiden,” said Palmer.

“He’s been in good shape since and he has got a nice low draw. We’ll see how we go and I’m looking forward to him.”

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