Mercurial Hughes works the oracle

Richard Hughes hit such a run of form at Newmarket he was even able to alchemise certain defeat into victory aboard Lion Sands in the betinternet.com Fred Archer Stakes, part of a near-23-1 treble for the jockey.

With two impressive Richard Hannon-trained juvenile winners already under the belt, things looked tough for Hughes even well inside the final of 12 furlongs in the Listed event, with Ted Durcan and 8-11 favourite Tranquil Tiger in full command.