Memory creates lasting impression

Memory's outstanding turn of foot released her from trouble yet again to maintain a three-race unbeaten record in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cherry Hinton Stakes at Newmarket today.

Slow starts had been the feature of the Richard Hannon-trained filly's previous outings at Goodwood and in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, but this time circumstances dictated jockey Richard Hughes to be more daring than ever.

Memory was last on the rail with one of the six furlongs remaining but such was the 5-4 favourite's acceleration, Hughes had switched across, picked off the entire field and still had time to sit up in the saddle as they crossed the line three-quarters of a length in front.

She is now the general 8-1 favourite for next year's 1000 Guineas, although 10s is available with Boylesports.

Harry Herbert, representing winning owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "The Moyglare in Ireland must be the way we head now.

"I thought it was going to be the classic Newmarket July story when you're penned in on the rail but Hughesie said she almost enjoys the trouble.

"He rode her very confidently - but he's very confident."

Herbert said Memory's performances on the gallops could be staggering.

He continued: "Usually I go and watch them and they work really badly but I saw her with The Queen. The idea was she, The Queen's horse and another were to finish together but she got one squeeze and flew five lengths clear. It was unbelievable and Richard Hannon senior said 'I think we've found an Albany winner'.

"Nothing they work her with at home can go with her."

Hannon added: "The way she quickened up like that, she is obviously very good.

"I think she's a Guineas filly - she'll have no problems stepping up."

All the remainder were left standing still, with Mick Channon reporting of runner-up Soraaya: "We thought she was a decent filly and she obviously is but we've bumped into another one again.

"I would think we'll go to the Lowther next."

There were a couple of interesting maidens and the EBF sponsored juvenile event, taken by the smart Elusive Pimpernel last year, was won in convincing style by the Ed Dunlop-trained newcomer Native Khan (14-1).

"Kieren Fallon liked him and I'd say he will be campaigned sparingly this year," said Dunlop.

William Jarvis caused rather an upset in the Three Chimneys Maiden Stakes for three-year-olds as 66-1 Cotton Mill led them home.

"Many people might be surprised but we have always liked him and he's bred to be very good," said the local trainer.

Roger Charlton has a strike-rate of 40% over the last fortnight and Folly Bridge (17-2) kept up the good work with a narrow success in the Champagne Lanson EBF Fillies' Handicap.

"I had nothing else this week, that's it. It's a good start and a good finish too," said Charlton.

"She looked like she didn't get seven furlongs last year but it suited today and I'll see if I can find a Listed handicap somewhere."

Fireback, backed into 12-1 from more than 20s, put his stamina to good use to take home the £100,000 totesport.com Stakes for Andrew Balding and David Probert.

Balding remarked: "A mile was probably too far but a stiff six here was right up his street.

"We had the option of coming here or going over seven furlongs at Ascot on Saturday and I'm very relieved it has worked out."

Hughes, also on the mark aboard Music Show in the feature Falmouth Stakes, completed a treble thanks to a last-gasp success aboard the Hannon-trained Suited And Booted (9-1).

Part-owner Richard Morecombe said: "He was the highest-rated in the race but was a three-year-old against older horses. We think he's really on the upgrade."