Cumani has Xtra Leger contender

Luca Cumani's Xtra lived up to his name in the featured July Trophy at Haydock yesterday and a step up in class at Goodwood or York now beckons for the progressive three-year-old. However, the Sadler's Wells colt, sent off at 11-2, had to dig deep for Jamie Spencer, after briefly being headed by Tramway, before landing the Listed 12-furlong event by a length.

"He's a very nice horse and we've been waiting for some cut in the ground," Cumani said. "He's a very well-bred, good-looking horse and we will look at the Gordon Stakes or Great Voltigeur for him next."

Cumani's charge also holds a St Leger entry and the trainer added: "I don't think a mile and three-quarters will be a problem for him, but we will wait and see how he goes in his next race."

Kieren Fallon was in irresistible form at the Newton-le-Willows track, completing a 26-1 treble on Flak Jacket, Scheming and Sophorific.

Godolphin's Hatha Anna finally broke his duck in division two of the maiden stakes, justifying odds of 1-3 in good style. The colt had finished sixth in the Derby on only his second career start last season and was finishing to great effect at Royal Ascot on his latest start.

* The 7lb claiming conditional rider Lee Vickers was taken to hospital in Warwick last night after being kicked in the back during a crashing fall from Prussia at Stratford.

* The 16-year-old apprentice Kirsty Mullineaux, who was knocked out in a fall at Chester on Saturday, remains in a stable condition in hospital.