Sport

The Fly can win for Hills

The Fly has proved difficult to win with but has an ideal opportunity of getting his head in front for the first time in two …

Thu May 27 1999 - 01:00

The Fly has proved difficult to win with but has an ideal opportunity of getting his head in front for the first time in two seasons in the Mobilefone Group/Pertemps Conditions Stakes at Newcastle today.

The Barry Hills-trained five-year-old led until a furlong out when fourth to Sadian in the Group Three Ormonde Stakes at Chester. He will be a tough nut to crack over this slightly shorter trip.

The Fly was just below top class as a three-year-old, finishing fifth to Benny The Dip in the Epsom Derby and third to Silver Patriarch in the St Leger after demolishing a field of handicappers at York on his seasonal debut.

Sunset Harbour can take the Spoton Distaff (Showcase Handicap) after winning the equivalent race on the card 12 months ago. Steve Kettlewell's charge has had a nice break since being campaigned on the all-weather during the winter and she has the advantage of a high draw.

READ MORE

King Of Peru, backed at long odds when second to the gambled on Uplifting at Goodwood last week, can go one better in the Offon Handicap at Brighton. With trainer Nick Littmoden's runners in fine form at present, the six-year-old sprinter can end a losing spell going back three seasons and 33 races.

Myttons Mistake did not have the run of the race at Goodwood when 15th of 18 to Oriental on his latest start, having looked a shade unlucky on his previous outing here when a close fourth to Dark Menace earlier this month.

Granted a trouble-free passage this time, the Ron Hodges-trained six-year-old will be hard to beat in the Hewitt International Classified Stakes.

Lycian looks the pick in the one mile BT Paging Handicap. A staying-on fifth at Bath recently, James Toller's charge looked to be giving notice he was back to his best.

Only one and a half lengths off the winner Twin Time as they crossed the line, Simon Whitworth's mount looks tailor made for this track and is the pick to land first prize.

There is a tremendous end of season NH programme at Uttoxeter which sees the battle between Martin Pipe and Paul Nicholls for the championship.

Pipe can strike with a double through Enipeus in the Pertemps Novices' Hurdle and Strong Tel in the Orange Novices' Chase.