Prince targets Newmarket Cup double

Rod Millman hopes the virus-hit Hawridge Prince is back to his old self as he bids for a repeat victory in the Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket on Saturday.

The seven-year-old was completing a hat-trick when he trotted up by six lengths 12 months ago but has not won since and has had missed a lot of this campaign, having been laid low with a bug.

“He’s had an interrupted season as he had a setback in the spring with a very bad virus. Obviously we are trying to catch up again,” said the Cullompton trainer.

“I’m hoping he’s going to be a little bit sharper for this race than he was the last time he ran, so we will have to see.

“It really was a bad virus he had – we are lucky to have him alive. He actually spent time at the vets on a drip for a while.

“Last year we had him in exceptionally good order. He’s got to come back to that again.”

Among Hawridge Prince’s nine rivals are last year’s third, the David Elsworth-trained Balkan Knight, Sir Michael Stoute’s Distinction and French raider Royal And Regal from Andre Fabre’s stable.

A field of 10 were declared for the Group Three heat over two miles, but Souvenance is doubtful.