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Williams could Hog the Ripon limelight
Classy hold-up horse Hogmaneigh could be back for the big occasion in Saturday's William Hill Great St Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon.
A leading light of the Stuart Williams stable for the past couple of seasons, the five-year-old was sent off favourite for back-to-back victories in the Dash at Epsom on Derby weekend, but was not able to flash home in front and had to settle for fourth.
Not seen since, he is one of a 49-strong entry for the jewel in the crown at the North Yorkshire venue.
"He is an intended runner,'' said Newmarket-based Williams.
"He just had a little setback after Epsom. He has always suffered problems with his feet, but they were worse than usual after the run.
"We've worked hard to get him back and we are happy he can go there in good form.
"He's won over five and six furlongs and it's not a stiff track at Ripon, so we'll see what happens.
"Later on there's the Portland to look forward to plus the Ayr Gold Cup and another race at Musselburgh.''
Valery Borzov and Bel Cantor, a respective first and second at Haydock last weekend, are also entered in the six-furlong sprint, while another of interest is the Richard Price-trained Cheveton, who is now seeking a five-timer.
Hogmaneigh was quickly installed as 8-1 co-favourite by sponsors William Hill, along with the Dandy Nicholls-trained Valery Borzov and Richard Fahey's consistent top-level handicapper Knot In Wood.
David Hood, spokesman for the Leeds-based bookmakers, said: "The William Hill Great
St Wilfrid is always one of the most competitive races on the British racing calendar and this year's race looks no different.
"This Saturday's race has a nice blend of unexposed horses and seasoned campaigners and at this stage it looks like a very tricky contest to work out.''
William Hill Great St Wilfrid – sponsors bet: 8-1 Hogmaneigh, Knot In Wood, Valery Borzov; 9-1 Conquest; 10-1
Fullandby; 12-1 Baby Strange, Off The Record, Tombi; 14-1 Bond City, Cheveton, Excusez Moi, Tajneed; 16-1 bar.
Seb Sanders is hoping to get a two-week suspension reduced after failing a breath test in Sweden on Sunday.
The joint-champion jockey was due to ride two horses for his retained trainer Sir Mark Prescott at the Swedish Derby meeting, one of which was a winner, but was not allowed to race.
Sanders admits to being embarrassed by the situation and while he is not denying he had had a drink, he is set to appeal against the severity of the ban.
"Unfortunately I tested positive for a breath test which astonished me as I wasn't drinking late or doing anything silly on Saturday night,'' said Sanders.
"It's very unfortunate and I'm very disappointed in myself for letting Sir Mark and the owners down.
"I'm going to appeal and hopefully they will reduce it as it's a very sorry circumstance.
"It's very embarrassing and I can't really tell people how disappointed I am with myself,'' he told At The Races.
"It's just one of those things. The Swedish levels are a lot lower than ours and, to be honest, I don't know how I have tested positive.
"It's quite ironic really, as me and my wife were chatting on the way over and saying this is the first time we've been out in about three months.''
TODAY'S BEST
DUKE'S DOUBLE
Tasheba (6.55 Nottingham), nap and Moorhouse Lad (7.55 Nottingham).
DUKE'S TREBLE
Tasheba, Moorhouse Lad and Hazytoo (5.00 Lingfield).
JULIUS'S DOUBLE
Buddhist Monk (2.30 Lingfield), nap and Befortyfour (7.55 Nottingham).
FORMNAP
Rowe Park (7.55 Nottingham).
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
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