Hinterland Enters Royal Equation

Hinterland was slashed in the ante-post betting on the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot after overcoming an unfavourable draw to run out the worthy winner of the Vodafone Mile at Epsom yesterday.

Philip Robinson had the the Michael Jarvis-trained 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 the 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 Royal meeting is now on the agenda for Hinterland, who has had only four starts, although he will not necessarily be aimed at the Hunt Cup.

'That was very pleasing because he hasn't been the easiest horse to train. He's had two operations on his right knee and he's a pretty decent horse when everything is right,' said Jarvis.

'We were very concerned about the draw. Philip said he thought our only chance would be to jump and we knew the horse had plenty of toe to get that position and he was able to get a breather into down the hill.'

The victory earned Hinterland quotes of 8-1 from totesport and 12-1 from William Hill, 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.'

? PA Sport