Racing: Echelon's late run rescues punters

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Louise Thomas

Editor

Echelon, a well-backed 15-8 favourite in the first race here yesterday, looked to be struggling halfway up the straight when trapped on the inside. But Sir Michael Stoute's filly was soon switched to the outside by Kieren Fallon who then weaved the topweight through to hit the front inside the final furlong.

Chris Richardson, for owners the Cheveley Park Stud, said: "I think Kieren likes us to have our hearts in our mouths! She stayed this extended mile well and she'll probably go for the Windsor Forest at Royal Ascot."

Fallon added: "All you need to do here is take your time and relax and, if you do, things will happen for you. I enjoy it and I get lucky here."

The Royal meeting might also be on the agenda for Hinterland, who overcame his unfavourable draw in stall 15 in a field of 16. Philip Robinson had the 7-1 shot smartly into his stride and he was soon on the heels of the leader, Shot To Fame. Hinterland appeared to be making heavy weather of it at one stage but Michael Jarvis's lightly-raced gelding stuck on well to lead inside the final furlong and then hold off the late challenge of Skidrow by a length and a half.

The victory earned Hinterland quotes of between 8-1 and 12-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup, but Jarvis said: "He's got a 5lb penalty for the Hunt Cup but he's a horse who might get a run in that mile-and-a-quarter handicap [Wolferton Stakes] because I think he'll get the extra two furlongs."