Hannon runs four in Super Sprint

Richard Hannon saddles four of the 25 runners in tomorrow`s Stg£135,000 Weatherbys Super Sprint as he bids to improve upon his already-impressive record in the race.

The Marlborough trainer has already saddled three Super Sprint winners with Lyric Fantasy (1992), Risky (1993) and Miss Stamper (1996), and sent out Elsie Plunkett to finish runner-up to Superstar Leo 12 months ago.

His four runners are - Lady Links (Michael Hills), Partytime (Dane O`Neill), Princess Petardia (Pat Eddery) and Woodsmoke (Martin Dwyer).

Whitbarrow (9st 3lb) will have to give weight to all of his rivals in the contest, for which the weights are decided by the purchase price paid at auction.

The Rod Millman-trained colt, the most expensive purchase in the field at 32,000 guineas, is bidding for a four-timer following wins at Lingfield, Windsor and last time out in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom on Derby Day.

Christophe Soumillon, revealed this week as the new retained rider in France for theAga Khan following Gerald Mosse`s decision to ride in Hong Kong, makes a surprise visit to Newbury to ride Sir Azzaro for American-based trainer Franck Mourier.

Mourier has run the colt three times in Ireland, a win in a Bellewstown maiden being sandwiched by two runs down the field in better company.

Time Royal, who appears to have a favourable draw in stall 23, bids to bounce back after a disappointing run when seventh of 10 in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot on his latest outing.

Time Royal will be ridden by Richard Quinn.

Tweenhills Racing, the ownership group set up by leading bloodstock agent David Redvers, is doubly-represented in the race with the Mark Johnston-trained Falcon Hill, and Michael Blanshard`s Greenhills.

Cockerham trainer Alan Berry is three-handed with Rum Destiny, Sheila Blige and Flight of Eagles.