Hills in tune at Haydock
Michael Hills dominated proceedings at Haydock as he hit a hat-trick, including winners for his father and brother.
Mount Athos, who is trained by the rider's brother John, initiated the treble with a bloodless 11-length romp in the Ritec Clear-Shield Handicap.
The 3-1 shot could be called the winner from some way out and he powered clear of Grams And Ounces with favourite Ting Ting only third.
"He did it very well. He's a very likeable horse and I thought he would do it last time at Goodwood, but he got into a pocket and things didn't go right for him," said the trainer.
"Over this kind of distance, we would look at running him again before next Friday but I'm thinking long term as he is a nice middle-distance horse and may get further, but not this year."
Madany (8-11 favourite) made it a proper family affair as Hills steered this one home for his father Barry in the EBF Ronnie Berlyne Memorial Novice Fillies' Stakes.
Hills kicked on a furlong out to claim long-time leader Hortensia and win by a comfortable two lengths.
He then made it three as the William Haggas-trained Green Destiny held the late thrust of 11-8 favourite Official Style in Division One of the Ultraframe Maiden Stakes.
Hills enjoyed first run down the outside as Official Style struggled to find a clear run and Green Destiny had enough in hand to hold on by a head.
Eric Alston expects King Of Eden to improve again after he completed his hat-trick in the Vista Panels Handicap.
The four-year-old was sent off the 11-4 favourite for the six-furlong heat following recent victories at Carlisle and Hamilton.
His supporters must have feared the worst as he was slow to break but jockey David Allan did not panic, biding his time before unleashing a run on the stands' rail.
King Of Eden responded to his urging but after taking up the lead, he began to drift cross the track. However, Allan still had enough up his sleeve to hold Tyfos by a length and a half.
Alston said: "I think there's more to come from him. He just wandered around a bit when he got there, he's just a big baby.
"David said he was just getting a bit edgy in the stalls and he tried to sit down so he just missed the break a little bit and David had to come this side.
"He could be a very nice horse next year and we don't want to overdo him this year. We will just take it race by race.
"We will find some more handicaps for him and just hope he keeps progressing."
Ginger Jack (4-1) reversed recent course-and-distance form with Ezdeyaad as he outbattled Benandonner in the Tuffx Conservatory Roof Glass Handicap.
