Returning Nugget lowers track record to set up Champions Day tilt

Nugget missed a large chunk of the season but started to make up for lost time by earning a crack at Qipco British Champions Day with a comeback success in the mile handicap.

On unusually fast ground for this time of year, Nugget bounced off the good to firm surface in a course-record time on his first start in nearly five months.

The Richard Hannon-trained four-year-old had rock-solid form from the start of the season, including winning the Spring Cup at Newbury, and looks primed to take up his entry in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot on October 16.

"The Balmoral is the plan. He's had a long layoff and he'll come on for this," said Jason Fildes, northern racing manager for winning owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

"He got struck into in the Thirsk Hunt Cup when he probably should have won and he's been super consistent."

Educator learning on the job

The mile juvenile track record was also lowered by Educator, who appears destined for a step up in grade, possibly at the highest level.

Trained by William Haggas for the Queen, the Deep Impact colt is entered for next month's Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy and that does not look fanciful given the manner of victory and subsequent words from jockey Cieren Fallon.

"He gave me a proper feel; he's a really nice horse with a good temperament," said Fallon. "He wore cheekpieces for the first time, just to help him travel a little bit better into the race. It took him a while to get going but as soon as I asked him, he picked up well and hit the line very strongly."

Haggas won the race last year with subsequent Group 2 winner Dubai Honour and Educator is clearly heading the right way.

"He's improving with each run and is going to get better with racing," added Fallon. "He's got a big frame to fill and is going to be exciting for next year."

Great Scott!

George Scott maintained his good form when Kick On Girl provided the Newmarket trainer with his third winner in the last fortnight.

The former assistant to Lady Cecil at Warren Place has seen his numbers decrease of late, but he has hit a purple patch with three winners from his last nine runners.

The Ed Babington-owned Kick On Girl built on the promise of her placed efforts on her first two starts to win decisively under a positive ride by David Egan.

"I had a game plan after speaking to George and we thought her experience would stand her in good stead," said the jockey. "She goes out in front on her own every day, so she's comfortable leading."

Brittain savours Mondammej win

Antony Brittain made a rare trip to the racecourse and was glad he did as Mondammej collared old rival Copper Knight by a head in the £35,000 5f handicap.

"He deserved to win another one as he's gone close in a few big sprints," said the North Yorkshire trainer, who usually watches from home.

"The ground was too sticky at Doncaster last time as he's a top-of-the-ground horse. There's the six-furlong Coral Sprint at York in three weeks' time, if the ground is right."

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