Harbour offers view from Cliffs for Hannon

(GETTY IMAGES)

Richard Hannon, despondent and defiant after the defeat of Canford Cliffs on Wednesday, can cheer himself up today with a colt who could yet develop into a successor to his stable star. Harbour Watch runs in the same colours, and the early signs are that he will prove another advertisement for the champion trainer's tried-and-tested system. By a young commercial sire, and bought in the middle tier of the yearling market, he made a striking debut at one of Hannon's favourite tracks, Salisbury. He then pulverised some smart types at Newmarket, bursting four and a half lengths clear of Burwaaz.

The runner-up ran very well here earlier in the week, when second in the Molecomb, and it is going to take something out of the ordinary to prevent Hannon celebrating a remarkable fourth consecutive success in the Tanqueray Richmond Stakes. Harbour Watch (3.45) certainly caught the eye on the gallops, when Hannon hosted a press open morning to promote this meeting. And he has every right to be smart, his dam being out of a sister to no less a champion than Dubai Millennium.

The most valuable prize of the day is the Totesport Mile, where a low draw should be a help to the favourite, Green Destiny. He was undeniably impressive at York last time, but this represents a radically different test, down in trip on a sharp track. Though only 12th that day, Pintura (3.10) looks likely to be much better suited by the change in environment. He closed nicely at York, before running out of stamina, and that was by no means the first recent sign that he is feasibly treated.

Western Aristocrat (2.35) looked ready for the extra furlong when running the classy Strong Suit so close at Royal Ascot, while Redwood (2.0, see Turf Account) is rock solid in the opener.