Mike Handed Abbaye Aim

Michael Bell was thrilled with Hoh Mike's effort in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and is targeting the three-year-old at another Group One prize.

It was the Intikhab colt's first attempt at the highest level on the Knavesmire, and after being well behind early, he made late headway to be beaten just three lengths in sixth.

Combined with the fact Bell believes Hoh Mike is better with cut in the ground, connections have been left full of hope for the future.

'I was delighted with him,' said Bell.

'It was his first time in a Group One and the ground dried up throughout the meeting.

'They went off really fast and just didn't come back to him, but if it had been run on the Tuesday I think he would nearly have won.

'The plan now for him is the Prix de l'Abbaye (October 7) and he will probably go straight there.

'However, I will give him an entry for the Prix du Petit Couvert at Longchamp on September 16 and see how strong that looks like being first.'

(C) PA Sport