Intelligent ride by Hughes key to success for Guest

Notable Guest benefited from a fine tactical ride from Richard Hughes to run out the convincing winner of the Petros Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock today.

There was no pace in the Group Three contest with Perfectperformance the reluctant early leader as the eventual winner was settled fourth of the five runners.

Hughes sent Notable Guest up to dispute the lead leaving the back straight and he was soon dictating matters from the front.

The Michael Stoute-trained colt was kicked on over three furlongs out, catching his rivals flat-footed, and the 5-1 shot stretched clear inside the final quarter of a mile to score by three lengths from 4-6 favourite David Junior.

“He settled when I jumped out, that was the plan to sit in behind and get him relaxed,” Hughes said.

“But with the pace they were going, I just let him stride on and he relaxed going up there. I decided to squeeze him along four out and when I picked him up he really flew. Slowly but surely he’s learned to relax and he’s going the right way now.”

Kieren Fallon had the punters cheering again when he brought Courageous Duke from last to first in the £80,000 (€115,000) totesport Stakes.

He dropped the 7-2 favourite out at the back of the field after a sluggish start as Thyolo and Eccentric disputed the lead at a good clip.

There were several horses in with a shout once the runners faced the judge with the market leader making relentless headway from the rear.

Eccentric went on over a furlong out but by now Courageous Duke was in top gear and, bursting through a gap, the Jeremy Noseda-trained gelding hit the front close home to win a shade comfortably by three-quarters of a length.

Rehearsal was a length and a quarter back in third.

“He did well. He missed the break and I thought I might be in a bit of bother,” Fallon said. “He usually breaks a touch slow, but not that slow.

“But they were going very quick and when they go that quick you are usually alright and you can come from that far back. It usually opens up off a good gallop.”