Hughes hoping Saturn is out of this world

Richard Hughes has been booked to ride Saturn for Michael Bell in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday.

The Marju colt finished fourth to Hurricane Alan on his reappearance in the Craven Stakes, although he pulled very hard early on and Bell had warned that he would come on significantly for the run.

Champion jockey Kieren Fallon had the option of riding the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned horse but opted instead to partner their Audience in the race.

Hughes told the Racing Post: “It’s not an easy choice. It’s just a mater of getting on the right one on the day, and I hope Kieren has chosen the wrong one!

“I hope he settles better in the Guineas – he pulled in the Craven, they went slowly and he obviously blew up.

“I was impressed with him when he won quite a good race at Newbury last year and he would definitely have a chance in a wide-open race.”

Saturn is a 33-1 chance with Ladbrokes for the Guineas.