Charlie Hills hopes for redemption with Cicero's Gift in the Betfair Exchange Superior Mile Stakes at Haydock as the colt seeks victory on soft ground.
Charlie Hills is counting on soft ground to benefit Cicero's Gift as he aims to regain his winning form in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Superior Mile Stakes at Haydock.
Consistently esteemed, the son of Muhaarar competed in the St James's Palace Stakes last year after winning his first three career starts impressively.
He hadn't raced since Royal Ascot until making a striking comeback by defeating the reopposing Holloway Boy at Sandown in July. Although he was later beaten at Goodwood, Hills is pleased with the colt’s progress as he gears up for just his second Group-race outing.
A big win off of top weight! 💪
Cicero's Gift returns from a year out to win the Coral Challenge 🥇#ITVRacing | @Sandownpark | @loughnane_billy | @cbhills pic.twitter.com/8BJ5KP48Lq
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 6, 2024
Hills 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 hoping for 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 after being given ample recuperation time by handler Andrew Balding, she is ready for another run.
'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 if she just gave herself a tweak in the race,' 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 chance at Listed level in the Betfair Daily Tips On Betting.Betfair Ascendant Stakes after going close in a competitive nursery at York.
Charlie Appleby won this with Naval Power two years ago, and this Frankel gelding won impressively on debut back in May before having his sights set on Royal Ascot.
Looks smart!
Son Of Frankel, Age Of Gold soars to victory at @GTYarmouthRaces for the in-form Charlie Appleby and William Buick… pic.twitter.com/pL3ey1Gq6K
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 22, 2024
Age Of Gold shares the top position in the market with Charlie Fellowes' Luther, while Hugo Palmer's Hawksbill recently opened his account over the track and trip.
'He's a horse we've always liked, and I was a bit disappointed it took him three tries to break his maiden,' said Palmer.
'He's been in good shape since, and he has a nice low draw. We’ll see how we go, and I’m looking forward to him.'
