Hannon blown away by piece of work as exciting juveniles prep for Dewhurst clash

Richard Hannon has spoken of the "spectacular" home work of Chindit ahead of the two-year-old's first foray into Group 1 company in Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

The impressive Champagne Stakes winner was among 18 confirmations for Britain's best juvenile contest on Monday, along with unbeaten stablemate Etonian.

Hannon said via his Unibet blog: "On Thursday morning Chindit did an extremely good piece of work, probably one of the best pieces of work we have seen at Herridge for a lot of years.

"He worked with two horses rated 100, good handicappers, both five-year olds and worked extremely well for a two-year-old. Not many juveniles could go with them and he moved great."

Etonian and Pat Dobbs won the Betway Solario StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Both Hannon-trained entries are among only three possible Dewhurst runners who boast undefeated records, and the trainer is bullish about the chances of both.

"I am very happy with both of them going into the race, particularly Chindit, his bit of work was pretty spectacular," Hannon said.

"The ground was pretty quick going into the Champagne Stakes. I don’t think either of them are ground dependent and they will both go on soft ground."

Another with leading claims is National Stakes winner Thunder Moon, whose trainer Joseph O'Brien was forced to withdraw runners over the weekend due to feed contaminated with a prohibited substance.

O'Brien's father, Aidan, was forced to do the same, but has left in Battleground, Wembley and St Mark's Basilica.

Hannon added: "Thunder Moon is obviously a very good horse, but I thought he was a little fortunate the way the race panned out in the National Stakes.

"I think both ours have excellent chances if they go on the track."

Alkumait, who could keep Marcus Tregoning's name in lights following the exploits of Sussex Stakes star Mohaather, has been supplemented for the Dewhurst at a cost of £32,000.

A son of Showcasing – like former stablemate Mohaather who was brilliant in the Sussex Stakes before suffering a career-ending injury he was a winner at Goodwood before the Mill Reef.

After victory at Newbury, Tregoning said: "He couldn't have been more smooth there. He came from last, moving up swiftly and was going away at the end, so I think he's pretty useful."

Dewhurst confirmations

Lucky Vega, who had been a 10-1 chance, will not run, but Alkumait, who won the Mill Reef at Newbury last month, seems set to take his chance after connections decided it was worth a punt.

Vintage Stakes winner Battleground could represent Aidan O'Brien in the DewhurstCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Chindit is the 5-2 favourite with Coral for the Dewhurst, ahead of the Joseph O'Brien Thunder Moon, who has been eased to 11-4, from 5-2, with Alkumait installed at 5-1.

Spokesman Dave Stevens said: "Two unbeaten colts head the Darley Dewhurst betting, but Chindit has replaced Thunder Moon as favourite with the slight ongoing doubt about the participation of horses trained by the O'Brien family in upcoming races."

The Together For Racing International Cesarewitch also takes place at Newmarket on Saturday and leading contenders Verdana Blue and Not So Sleepy remain engaged, but Stag Horn, Imperium and Sayo were taken out.

Coltrane, seeking a four-timer, heads the market with Coral at 7-1 along with the Nicky Henderson-trained Verdana Blue, who finished third in the Ebor.

Cesarewitch confirmations

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