HOOF PRINTS

CLASSIC form came to the fore at Ascot yesterday as St Leger runner Scope returned to winning ways in the Harrogate Water B Corp Noel Murless Stakes.

At Doncaster Ralph Beckett’s charge completely blew the start and from then on was always on the back foot, eventually staying on with purpose to finish sixth being Arc contender Hurricane Lane.

This time he also had plenty of ground to make up when William Haggas’ Chalk Stream shot 10 lengths clear at halfway.

But then Scope (13-8 favourite) and

Rob Hornby were in full flight and the Teofilo colt powered away to win by seven and a half lengths.

“I was keen to go to the St Leger and that was the right thing to do,” said Beckett. “But unfortunately he was slowly away there. He was better again today.

“I might have a think about the Prix Royal-Oak for him, it’s not until three weeks on Sunday so that wouldn’t be impossible."

ANDRE FABRE may not run Raclette in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp tomorrow if the ground is too soft. The Chantillybased

trainer is likely to make a late decision on her participation.

Should the highly-regarded daughter of Frankel miss the Group One, she is likely to be rerouted to the Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

“She is stepping up in class and I have a concern about the ground, because if it becomes too soft she might switch to Newmarket. I will decide at the last minute if she runs or not,” said Fabre, who has previously described his charge as “probably one of the best fillies I have ever trained”.