Hughes to play Tamburlaine late

Richard Hughes admitted today that he will have to deliver Tamburlaine with as late a run as possible when they line up in the Entenmann`s Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

Hughes was on board the Richard Hannon-trained colt when they finished second to Golan in the English version of the Classic at Newmarket earlier this month.

And he is hoping to go one place better on Saturday, where Cork layers Cashmans quote Tamburlaine as their 7-4 joint-favourite along with Minardi, fourth at Newmarket.

He has been let off his domestic responsibilities as number one rider for Khaled Abdulla and given permission to make the trip to Ireland.

Hughes told the BBC: 'I`ll just have to make sure I don`t get there too soon.

'I got there too soon at Newmarket because we were a different class on the day, myself and Golan, and I had to try to let Golan go first and follow him through.

'Hopefully I`ll be just that length further back and be able to get a lead.'

Hannon is hopeful of a big showing from his charge.

'It looks as if things have come in his favour,' he said.

'It should be fast ground, even good ground wouldn`t matter, he looks as if he`s in to run a hell of a race.

'I just want to say thanks to Prince Khaled for allowing Richard to ride him.'

Ben Hanbury`s Mugharreb, a son of Gone West out of brilliant miler Marling, was highly impressive when winning a Newmarket maiden and was the best-backed horse with Cashmans today, being cut from 7-1 to 9-2 to make a successful step up in grade.