Richard Hills facing Guineas dilemma

Classic puzzle: Richard Hills could favour Tabassum in the 1,000 Guineas
Simon Milham
13 April 2012

Richard Hills admits he is spoiled for choice as he ponders which of Sheikh Hamdan's two top-class fillies he will ride in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday week.

Feilden Stakes winner Rumoush was the subject of a major gamble last night, amid upbeat reports from trainer Marcus Tregoning. She was slashed to 9-1 from 16-1 with William Hill.

But Hills hinted he could opt to ride Sir Michael Stoute's Tabassum, currently a best-priced 14-1 with Paddy Power for the mile Classic.

Tabassum won the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket last October but has not been seen since going down by a length to Music Show in the Rockfel Stakes at Headquarters two weeks' later.

Hills said: "There's no question it will be a difficult decision and one that I will leave as late as possible. People forget that Tabassum was odds on to win the Rockfel Stakes. She's a very good filly but Rumoush won easily last week."

The Classic-winning jockey will also partner Awzaan for Mark Johnston in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday week. Unbeaten in three races and showing a good turn of foot in each of them over six furlongs last season, Hills is adamant his mount has the stamina for the colts' mile Classic.

He said: "Awzaan is in very good form and he'll definitely stay the distance. I wouldn't have it on my mind that he won't see a mile out.

"He could probably even get a mile and a quarter. He's a really interesting horse and a typically competitive Mark Johnston type.

"I wouldn't want to swap him for anything and am looking forward to a big weekend."