Hills happy with classy Cucaracha

Michael Hills has nominated La Cucaracha as one of his most eagerly-awaited mounts at Royal Ascot.

Last year’s Nunthorpe winner has not raced since finishing second to Goodricke in the William Hill Sprint Cup at Haydock in September.

However, Hills revealed that the five-year-old mare, trained by his father Barry for owner Guy Reed, has been laid out for the Royal meeting.

“I’m really looking forward to riding La Cucaracha. She’s been specifically trained for Royal Ascot,” Hills told At The Races.

“The second half of the season is obviously where the big sprints come up - she looks great. I rode her a couple of weeks ago and she moved like a dream.

“She’s been specifically trained for Royal Ascot and then probably the Nunthorpe after that.”

La Cucaracha holds entries in the King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs and the six-furlong Golden Jubilee Stakes.

She is a best-priced 10-1 for both races.