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Hannon's happy after Cliffs-hanger in Goodwood's biggest race
Richard Hannon's fantastic season continues apace as Canford Cliffs struck a blow for the younger generation in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
With Derby winners Workforce and Cape Blanco well beaten at Ascot on Saturday, some were ready to write off this year's Classic crop as average at best.
While Hannon's Tagula colt may have been eclipsed in the Guineas at Newmarket, he has since shown in the Irish equivalent and in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot that he is right out of the top-drawer.
Last year's winner Rip Van Winkle tracked his pacemaker Encompassing into the straight, and appeared to get first run on the 4-6 favourite.
However, once Richard Hughes pressed the button, Canford Cliffs quickened up in scintillating style to win going away by a neck.
Hannon said "I was a little worried at the gates as he took him (Hughes) back leaving the stalls, but he was soon in a good position.
"The way he has improved has been unreal. Richard rode him in work the other morning and said he had come on 7lb from Ascot.
"He picked up again going to the line and he was very impressive.
"I think he will be even better on a good galloping track like the Curragh.
"The QEII and the Jacques le Marios are obvious races but if we can get a deal done with a stud for them to allow us to race him next year I will be happy to finish him now for the season as he has won three Group Ones.
"If we can keep him then I think he will be an awesome horse next year."
Hughes added: "He's a superstar. He's improved by 10lb and he actually ran a bit rusty there, he never got into full flight.
"I didn't want them to half-jump because we were downhill, so I missed the break completely because there were only seven of us and I could get him in behind.
"We weren't going that fast - the pacemaker was, we weren't.
"Rip Van Winkle nicked a length out of me, but I know how good he is.
"My horse pricked his ears in the last 100 yards and was in command."
O'Brien said of the runner-up: "He was a bit further back than we wanted him to be for Ascot and obviously we hoped that he would progress for it, and there was lovely progression there.
"This year we decided to go steady early and progress as the year went on as last year his form tailed off a little as he had a tough early part of the season so we've decided to go gently.
"We were a little bit further back than we wanted to be at Ascot.
"He could run over a mile, 10 furlongs or even 12 - all those race are open to him as he's very versatile.
"He travels very well and quickens very well but he just got a little bit tired in the last half furlong.
"York (Juddmonte International) is a possibility. Usually after these races we sit down and if the horse is OK we make a plan and hopefully pick the right target."
Chris Wall said of the third home, Premio Loco: "He's been placed again and beaten by two very good horses.
"It was worth the run - the owner has got his money back with interest for adding the horse to the race, and Dream Eater looked to be as far behind him as he was at Ascot last time so he has run to form.
"It's very hard to win a Group One and it was either this or wait for the QEII, but the ground might have gone then.
"He probably needs a short break, then he has options in Germany or maybe to come back here for the Celebration Mile."
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Weather for Chichester
Thursday 09 February 2012
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