Hanagan aiming to turn back clock in Cup repeat

May 7 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

WITH Greenwich Meantime timing is everything. And Warrington jockey Paul Hanagan is hoping to get it just right again aboard the eight-year-old as they look to clock up back-to-back wins in today’s totesport.com Chester Cup.

It will be the third time the partnership has had a crack at the prestigious opening-day feature of Chester’s three-day May meeting.

And while the first attempt didn’t go to plan in a muddling race when he finished third in 2006, last year’s triumph in a record time of 3 minutes 58.59secs was timed to perfection.

It means the Richard Fahey-trained eight-year-old has a chance of becoming the 10th horse to win Britain’s oldest race twice.

Like 12 months ago, Greenwich Meantime comes here for his first run of the season, but this time he has been given a kinder draw.

His berth in 16 last year seemed to diminish his chance of victory, with low numbers generally at an advantage on the tight turns of the Roodee, even in this long distance event.

But he became only the third horse to triumph from a double-figure stall in the last decade and although he is drawn in stall 10, Hanagan is hopeful that will be perfect.

He said: “It was absolutely brilliant last year because we were very unlucky the year before when we finished third. But this time he is in great order. I think the draw is 10 is good and we are very hopeful.

“It is his first run of the season and he runs well fresh. He looks well in his coat and he seems to be coming just right.”

The 28-year-old rider added: “It is hard to have a plan in a race like that. You obviously know how you would like the race to go.

“Last year I was going to try and get out quick and get handy to give him the best chance, but he flicked his head coming out of the stalls and lost a bit of ground.

“I think the big key to the race, certainly for Greenwich Meantime, is that they have to go a good gallop.

“When he finished third, they went very slowly when Admiral won the race. They went no pace and he was too keen, so providing they go a good gallop he should be fine. There looks like one or two of them will ensure that.”

Hanagan is confident of Greenwich Meantime’s chances of emulating recent double winners Top Cees, Anak Pekan and Rainbow High, but is wary of favourite Highland Legacy.

He said: “He has certainly got the ability to win it again.

“The only horse I feel is the most likely to stop him is Michael Bell’s horse, Highland Legacy. He won very at Ripon and he looks a decent horse.”

The Fahey yard has been in fine form this season as has Hanagan, with the trainer posting 19 wins and his stable jockey on three more with 22.

Hanagan rides Green Park for his boss in the Brietland Watches & Waltons of Chester Handicap and the five-year-old has a handy draw in stall two in the five furlong sprint.

Hanagan said: “It is the best start I have had to the season and all the horses are running really well.

“Green Park ran a decent race up at Newcastle when he was fourth and we are hoping for another good run.

“He is drawn well, but you need a lot of luck and he needs to held up a bit and there is a chance you can get hemmed in on the rail.”

He added: “Being from Warrington I used to go to Chester a lot with my dad and it is always great just to get rides there. It is great track and you always enjoy getting winners.”

CHESTER PREDICTIONS (Day One): 1.45pn Just The Lady

2.15pm Sugar Mint

2.45pm (totesport.com Chester Cup) Greenwich Meantime

3.15pm King Of Swords (NAP)

4pm Moonquake

4.35pm Yes Mr President