Cliffs scope comes back clear

Richard Hannon is keen to put the disappointing effort of Canford Cliffs in the Prix Morny down to the fast ground after a scope revealed nothing abnormal.

Although he was only beaten half a length into third by Arcano and Special Duty, Hannon is certain his charge was not at his very best and is confident the Tagula colt will bounce back on a more suitable surface.

“Canford Cliffs’ tracheal wash was OK and everything else is fine but having watched endless replays it is noticeable how he lugged to the left and I am convinced that he was feeling the firm ground,” the trainer told his website www.richardhannonracing.tv.

“It was soft when he won on his debut at Newbury and Royal Ascot produced beautiful ground, but Deauville are coming to the end of a month’s racing and it was very firm – and rough in parts – there on Sunday.

“By hanging to his left Canford Cliffs also ended up racing on his own up the stands rails, which certainly did not help, so I am inclined to forgive and forget and write off the performance.

“He was a bit stiff when he arrived home, but it is nothing major and he’ll be fine in a few days.

“We will talk to the owners about his next race but while the Dewhurst remains very much an option there is also the Middle Park Stakes which is also a Group One and an important race in its own right.”