Leicester preview: Double chance for jockey Paul Hanagan

In-form jockey Paul Hanagan looks to hold major claims of landing a double on today’s card at Leicester courtesy of the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum owned Massaat and Mazaaher.

Massaat runs in the 7f maiden (15.00) and is going to be very hard to beat if building on a highly promising debut run.

The well-bred son of Teofilo shaped like a sure fire future winner when head second of nine to Cymric in maiden at Sandown after losing vital ground when getting hampered at the start.

Massaat made good headway from the rear to throw down a determined challenge inside the final furlong without being unduly knocked about, and the winner is a useful sort who has since gone on to finish third in a Group 3 at York befoire landing a conditions’ contest at Sandown.

That is strong form, and Massaat looks sure to come on a bundle for the experience.

Connections have also made no secret that the colt is held in the highest regard, and Massaat can take this with the minimum of fuss before going on to much better things.

Mazaaher was a big eye-catcher when last seen in action and looks weighted to get back on the winning trail in 1m handicap (17.00).

The Barry Hills trained gelding was last successful when landing a class 4 contest at Wolverhampton 13 months ago off a mark of 71, and went on to finish a solid 1/2 length third at the same venue off 74.

Mazaaher is now able to race in this lower grade class 5 affair off 72, having gradually worked his way back to form in three runs this season.

Those runs have all come in the hands of inexperienced claimer Tommy Connor, and in the last of them Mazaaher was given far too much to do before staying on staying on strongly to finish a 1 1/4 length second to Cricklewood Green in a “hands and heels” apprentice contest at Salisbury.