Hannon keen on Canford Cliffs chance

Richard Hannon is in confident mood as Canford Cliffs bids to finally live up to the hype in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh tomorrow.

Having run away with last year’s Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, the son of Tagula has always carried a massive reputation.

He suffered his first defeat on his final start at two when behind Arcano and dual Guineas winner Special Duty in the Prix Morny, but Hannon felt he had genuine excuses.

On his seasonal return he threw away any chance of victory in the Greenham Stakes when drifting across the track, leaving stablemate Dick Turpin to take advantage, while he was also behind his stable companion in the Guineas at Newmarket as the pair filled the places behind Makfi.

Canford Cliffs appeared to stay the trip that day, however, and Hannon hopes if Richard Hughes can settle him better in Ireland, it will bring about a different result.

“I think he’ll give everyone a bit to think about on Saturday,” said Hannon.

“I didn’t think a mile would be a problem at Newmarket. He ran a bit free that day and hopefully that won’t happen again in Ireland.

“I thought he would run them very close at Newmarket and he should have come on a bit from it.”