Hughes hungry for work

RICHARD HUGHES plans to stay as busy as possible ahead of a weekend Classic engagement after making his long-awaited comeback at Lingfield yesterday.

The Irishman would like to be at his peak for Richard Hannon's Trumpet Major in Saturday's Qipco 2000 Guineas, and headed off around the M25 to Kempton's evening meeting after having taken three rides without success at the Surrey course.

Hughes had been forced to serve a 50-day ban handed out by the Indian racing jurisdiction for not following riding instructions, a suspension which was reciprocated by the British Horseracing Authority.

“It's just good to be out of the house,” said Hughes.

“I've been riding out as much as possible as I've always thought that's the only way to get the fitness back.

“I'm pleased they've put a few more meetings on the all-weather this week with the abandonments as I just want to ride as much as possible.”

Hughes missed out on partnering Trumpet Major to an impressive victory in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket and picked him over Hannon's other runners – Bronterre, Redact and Coupe De Ville.

“I was very impressed with him at Newmarket,” he said. “I didn't think he'd go on the (good to soft) ground as he ran once on soft ground last year and ran terrible.

“He has obviously improved a lot from two to three.”

Edward Lynam is praying for a spell |of dry weather for Sole Power ahead of his bid for back-to-back victories in |the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock on May 26.

The Co Meath trainer's star sprinter is most effective on fast ground as he showed when winning the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August 2010 at odds of 100/1.

He is being prepared for the |Group Two on Merseyside, in which |he defeated Kingsgate Native last season, before going for Group One honours in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Sole Power is back in Ireland after spending time in Dubai, where he finished second on both of his starts |at Meydan, the latest coming in the |Al Quoz Sprint.

“He came out of the race well and we're delighted with him,” said Lynam.

“It's just a case of getting the ground for him. Hopefully we'll get it in Haydock for the Temple Stakes.

“Then he'll go to Ascot for the King's Stand.”

Frankel will continue his preparation towards the JLT Lockinge with a |gallop before racing at Newmarket |on Saturday.

Henry Cecil's superstar, the highest-rated racehorse in the world, will be making his first racecourse appearance since an injury scare last month.

Initial reports suggested he would be galloping before racing on Sunday, but he will now exercise 24 hours earlier.

He is scheduled to arrive at 12.30pm and is expected to work with Bullet Train and Jet Away at approximately 12.55pm.