Brighton Preview: Hannon and Hughes a deadly duo

Trainer Richard Hannon and jockey Richard Hughes have tremendous strike rates at Brighton, and look to have leading claims of landing a double on this evening’s card with Fair Ranger and Guilty.

Hannon has struck with 40% of his runners at the seaside venue in the past 12 months, whilst Hughes has been successful on over 44% of his mounts in the same period.

In Fair Ranger they have a horse that has become potentially very well-treated and seems to have been found a nice opportunity to take advantage in the 6f handicap (6.10).

The gelding had some useful form as a juvenile in the early part of last season, winning twice and beating the now 105-rated Brazos on the last occasion.

That is strong form, and makes Fair Ranger look handicapped to take all the beating off a career-low mark of just 74.

The son of Bushranger also comes into the contest on the back of a good third on seasonal reappearance at Chepstow, and connections could not have found a more weaker class 6 contest for Fair Ranger to get back on the scoresheet.

Guilty left his debut run behind when a solid third at Windsor last time out and can make it third time lucky in the 7f maiden (6.40).

The son of Fast Company showed plenty of early dash before keeping on at the one pace to be beaten 1 /2 lengths by Louie de Palma, and the front three pulled five lengths clear of the fourth home to give the form a solid look.

Judged on that effort, Guilty will appreciate the step up to 7f and his form is the best on offer in the line-up.

In the 1m handicap (7.40), Hawk Moth looks weighted to go well having shaped as if coming back to form last time out.

The John Spearing trained gelding registered his last success over a mile at Lingfield on quick ground last January off a mark of 57, and is now running off just 52.

That gives the six-year-old a big shout at the weights, and Hawk Moth hinted that he could be ready to take advantage when a good 1/2 length third of eight to Fairy Mist over course and distance two weeks ago.