Turner shines on Tregoning newcomer

Hayley Turner’s progress into the top level of British jockeys took another leap forward at Newbury toay as Marcus Tregoning entrusted her with the ride on a colt he regards as a possible Derby candidate.

The Lambourn trainer used the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes as the starting point to the career of four-time Group One winner Nayef in 2000 and it appears Taameer is considered in a similar light at this nascent stage.

Former joint-champion apprentice Turner has started to enjoy better mounts for her boss Michael Bell, as well as patronage from the likes of Richard Hannon, and she impressed from the saddle to push the 20-1 shot ahead of the racecourse-hardened Full Toss and 10-11 favourite Palavicini in a tight finish.

“This is the perfect race to introduce potential Classic winners,” said Tregoning, now four times triumphant in the mile event.

“I hope this one might be, although there’s a long way to go.

“He’ll go for the Autumn Stakes at Ascot next – the Nayef route.

“He’s bred to stay a mile and a half and is only going to get better, especially with a winter on his back.”

Of the rider, he added: “I try to put Hayley up if she’s available. Michael Bell has done a great job of backing her and putting her up on good horses and she’s making the most of her opportunities. She’ll be riding more winners for us.”

Taameer was quoted at a general 33-1 for the 2009 Derby.

Just as exciting could be Huntdown, who tore the track up in division one of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup Maiden Stakes.

The chestnut, an unopposable 3-10 favourite after suffering a narrow defeat on his debut last month, was adding to trainer John Gosden’s strong hand of youngsters as he accelerated seven lengths away under Frankie Dettori.

“He’s a lovely horse – Frankie liked him and there’s a lot to like,” said Gosden’s travelling head lad Les Reynolds.

“They got stuck up the middle of the track last time and the one that beat him had previous experience.”

Dettori also took division two through Wave Aside (9-1), who brushed off the attentions of 8-11 favourite Invincible Heart.

“He did it well and we’ll play it by ear now, but he might be one for the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy,” mused handler Brian Meehan.

Blue Monday (15-2) returned from his round-the-world ventures to reclaim the feature Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial he won in 2006.

The seven-year-old has rejoined Roger Charlton this season after a spell in Australia and the trainer was delighted to see his charge back on song.

The 6-4 favourite Multidimensional had plenty of time to assert himself but weakened into a distant third spot and Steve Drowne just got the better of Ryan Moore on Spanish Moon in a lengthy tussle.

“It’s just great to see them come back like that,” said Charlton.

“He went to David Hayes to run in the Melbourne Cup but he came back and we had to remove chips from his joints in the spring.

“He got knocked about coming from the stalls and squeezed up.

“We’ll look for more mile and a half Group Threes now. Not the Arc anyway.”

Drowne got a two-day riding ban (October 6 and 7) for his troubles.

Dettori tried to dictate things in the Dubai Duty Free Cup but his mount Il Warrd did not have the determination to match Kalahari Gold (9-2), who has risen quickly through the handicapping ranks and was trying Listed class for the first time.

“He’s improving rapidly and is going to be a really smart horse,” said winning trainer Andrew Balding.

“He goes on every ground, will stay a mile and I thought Liam Keniry gave him a really cool ride.

“We’ll go for the Challenge Stakes next, unless we get any crazy offers for him.”