CHAMPION jockey Paul Hanagan is preparing to lead unbeaten colt Wootton Bassett to glory at the Poule d'Essai des Poulains – the French 2,000 Guineas – at Longchamp on Sunday.
The Latchford-born jockey will travel to France after spending Saturday racing at Thirsk and Doncaster as he stretches himself thin trying to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
Wootton Bassett was due to take on Frankel in the 2000 Guineas a fortnight ago but was pulled from the race after missing vital build-up work.
But the highly-regarded son of Iffraaj pleased Hanagan in his last run-out before the trip to France and provides him with an excellent shot of their first Group One win of the season.
Meanwhile the Warrington jockey has emerged as favourite to retain his Champion status after pulling a remarkable 20 winners clear of second-placed Richard Hughes following five wins early this week, including a treble at Southwell.
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