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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Richard Hughes Treble Re-Ignites Title Race
26/10/10

Richard Hughes' hopes of becoming champion jockey this season looked all but over a couple of weeks ago but the Irishman is clearly in no mood to stop pushing and a treble on Monday has seen the deficit reduced to just 8-winners.

Title rival Paul Hanagan had to sit the day out and must have had better days off than watching Hughes ride 3-winners. Mick Channon supplied all of Hughsie's succesful mounts and there are still 12 racing days left this turf season.

Coral's David Stevens said; "Richard Hughes has taken advantage of Paul Hanagan's one-day suspension to get the gap back down to single figures, and with 12 days of the season remaining, the title race is far from over". The firm have trimmed the odds on Hughes to 9/2 from 8/1.

Midlands trainer Ian Williams has a weekend to look forwards to with some decent entries at Wetherby. In the John Smiths Hurdle, both Wayward Prince and Baddam could run, although perhaps one or the other depending on the ground.

Williams said: "Baddam would want slightly quicker ground and Wayward Prince would want slightly easier ground, so it would all depend on how the weather goes. Wayward Prince will go chasing and this might be his one hurdle run before he goes over fences."

Stable star Wierd Al could also be heading north for the prestigious Charlie Hall Chase.

Williams revealed: "Weird Al's entry in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase is a provisional entry at this stage - it's an option. We are also looking at a graduation chase at Carlisle on Sunday. We need to consider the opposition and see what the ground is like before making any decision. The Hennessy is an option we are looking at but that all depends on what happens this weekend. He has done well through the summer, we are pleased with him and he is ready to make his (seasonal) debut."