NEWMARKET trainer William Haggas is in good form and landed the Group 3 32Red Mile at Haydock with Al Shaqab Racing’s Hathal, who overcame a long absence and just managed to hold on by a head and a neck from Mitchum Swagger and Convey.

Considering he had not been seen since around this time last year, Hathal hardly looked great value at 11/2.

However, held up just behind the leaders by Frankie Dettori as the enigmatic Convey turned for home in front, he led inside the final furlong and proved just too strong for Mitchum Swagger, who made his effort at the same time.

Unraced at two, Hathal won a listed race on his final outing at three and clearly had more scope for improvement than some of these rivals. With ultra-reliable yardstick Breton Rock back in fifth it looks solid form and a step-up from Group 3 level may be on the cards.

“He’s just had niggly problems and William has been easy on him,’’ explained Al Shaqab representative Alison Begley. “It’s thought a race like the QEII might suit him.’’

That looks optimistic but Hathal will be fresher than some and he showed here that genuinely soft ground holds no terrors for him.

FRANKUUS MAKES ALL

Few great racehorses have made such an impressive start at stud as the mighty Frankel and he was responsible for first and third, Frankuus and Cunco, in the Listed 32Red Casino Stakes over a mile.

A little disappointing at Newbury last time, Frankuus relished the longer trip and was given a positive front-running ride by Franny Norton, who is picking up excellent rides for Mark Johnston.

Soon dominating his field, Frankuus had to contend with several challengers in the straight but kept on willingly and held Star Of Rory by three-quarters of a length with Cunco only half a length behind.

“He’d never run on that sort of ground before so we weren’t sure, but he’s a lovely horse and still a bit green,’’ Deirdre Johnston said of Frankuus. “He has the stamp of a three-year-old about him, so we’re looking forward to next year.”

Kristin Stubbs’ small Yorkshire stable is flying at present and 12/1 chance Soie D’Leau made it five wins in the last fortnight for the yard when taking the Be Friendly Handicap under Tony Hamilton. He may turn out again in today’s Portland at Doncaster.