Hughes keeps up the pressure in title race.

RICHARD Hughes continued his relentless charge towards a third jockeys' championship with a treble on an informative card at Newbury While Ryan Moore still holds an advantage of four, he has already stated that in the closing weeks of the season he will be chasing big races all over the world rather than getting involved in a dog fight with Hughes.

On the other hand, Hughes is keen to notch a third straight championship.

The highlight of his three-timer was undoubtedly Marsh Hawk, an impressive winner of the Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises EBF Fillies' Conditions Stakes and set for a crack at the highest level.

Sent off the 4-7 favourite, Hughes kept things simple and she pulled three and a half lengths clear of Timba.

Paddy Power introduced Marsh Hawk into their 1000 Guineas betting at 25-1 but she is not finished for this year yet.

Hughes' brother-in-law Richard Hannon said: "I'd like to be able to compare her to Sky Lantern (same owner's 1000 Guineas winner), although I wouldn't say she's as obvious as that filly was.

"She'll go for a Group One now, it will be the Fillies' Mile or the Prix Marcel Boussac. She's definitely entered in France but may have to be supplemented for Newmarket where the track would suit her.

"She's very relaxed and is a filly that doesn't always show you much at home, reserving her best for the track."

Hannon's Desert Force (8-1) appeared to appreciate getting his toe into the ground in the Al Basti Equiworld EBF Maiden Stakes.

He held off the William Haggastrained odds-on favourite Foreign Diplomat by a length.

Hannon said: "He was a lovely yearling and always on the big side, he was impressive and I would say that wasn't a bad maiden.

"He appreciated the cut in the ground. I'm not sure what he'll do next but it wouldn't bother me if I put him away for the rest of the year."

Hannon's father, Richard senior, said: "It was an expensive night for us as storms washed away some of our all-weather gallop which will cost PS25,000 to put right. Maybe this will alleviate a portion of that bill."

Hughes also won the three-runner Dubai Duty Free Conditions Stakes as 10-11 favourite Code Of Honour got back on the winning trail in the blue of Godolphin.

The winner was having his first run since being gelded and Tommy Burns, representing Saeed bin Suroor, said: "This should have done his confidence the world of good and although there are no definite plans I would think he'll be one for the Dubai Carnival."

Rhombus advertised his claims for the Betfred Cesarewitch when coming from last to first to win the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Handicap.

Ismail Mohammed's stayer badly missed the break under Cam Hardie but he always looked likely to collar Saab Almanal in the final furlong.

The 2-1 favourite was cut to 12-1 from 16s by the sponsors for the second leg of the autumn double.

Niall Collum, the trainer's representative, said: "He's in the Cesarewitch and soft ground is the key for him. If he gets it the plan is to run at Newmarket."

The Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes has been won by some of the greats of the game down the years and John Gosden's Snoano (3-1) added his name to the list.

Paul Hanagan was happy to take a lead in the early stages and was the last horse off the bridle, suggesting he possesses a fair amount of class.

"You are always facing a bit of trouble when Ryan (Moore) is alongside you in a photo finish, but occasionally you get it right," said Gosden.

"This colt is out of a Pivotal mare and the ground is soft. The favourite (Gibeon) was in trouble some way out because he couldn't go on the ground.

"This is a grand little horse with a wonderful temperament and we'll put him away until next year now for something like the Sandown Classic Trial."

Lady Lara gained a deserved win in the Dubai Duty Free Cup, handing trainer Tim Jarvis his first win at Listed level.

A winner on the corresponding card 12 months ago, she has mixed it in some lofty company this season.

Having narrowly failed to get up in a Group Three at York, Luke Morris was spotted going better than anything a furlong out before kicking clear on the filly to win by half a length from the fast-finishing Jallota.

CAPTION(S):

Richard Hughes and Marsh Hawk yesterday

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Title Annotation:	Sport
Publication:	Evening Gazette (Middlesbrough, England)
Geographic Code:	7UNIT
Date:	Sep 20, 2014
Words:	760
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