Lofty Targets For Hannon Pair

Al Shaqab Racing’s Osaila (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) will bid to get her season back on track in the 
G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot next month. Great things were expected of the Richard Hannon trainee after she made a winning seasonal reappearance in the G3 Nell Gwyn S. at Newmarket in April. Osaila never figured in the G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket May 3 and her owners’ representative Harry Herbert is hoping it was a one off lacklustre display.

Herbert told At The Races Herbert, “She was a real disappointment that day, I don’t know whether she just bombed after winning the Nell Gwyn when she hadn’t come in her coat. The plan is to head to the Coronation at the Royal meeting. She seems in great form. She tried hard but she just had a proper off day. She was quite fractious and keen to post. Something may have just washed over her and set her alight but she’s in great form now.” 

Herbert also had news on another Hannon trainee that carries the same silks. ‘TDN Rising Star’ Moheet (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), an 800,000gns purchase at Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale last year, will be a rare Richard Hannon runner in the G1 Epsom Derby. Breeding would suggest the colt should handle the step up in trip and according to Herbert, the colt is showing all the right signs at home. 

“I realise he’s a long shot, but he is held in high regard by Richard [Hannon] and the team. He ran well in the G1 2000 Guineas. I think the horse is crying out to go further. Whether he wants to go a mile and a half we will have to see, but he’s worked very well.” 

Frankie Dettori has ridden Moheet in all his three starts to date, but Al Shaqab’s retained jockey is teaming up with ante-post favorite Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) at Epsom. Pat Dobbs, who rides Moheet in all his work at the Hannon yard, will be entrusted with the mount on Derby day.