Intrepid Jack showed his appreciation for the drying ground when arriving with a late thrust to power home for Hughie Morrison and George Baker in the Uplands Racing Hackwood Stakes at Newbury.

The 12-1 chance tracked uneasy 6-4 favourite Corrybrough and forged two lengths clear, with Balthazaar's Gift just a short head behind.

"He needs a flat track and fast ground and George said he picked-up like a really good horse," said Morrison.

"At home he's just been cantering away, but this morning he had a slightly crusty nose and I nearly didn't run him."

Deauville could be on the winner's agenda and Morrison added: "If I was granted decent ground, I'd go for the Maurice de Gheest, while there's a Group Two at Baden-Baden.

"I'd have been happy to run Sakhee's Secret (today) if I'd been 100% happy with him. He must be good based on what we've just seen happen."

Henry Candy did not put forward the drying ground as an excuse for Corrybrough.

He said: "I told Ryan Moore that the way Strike The Deal had been running we shouldn't let that one get too far away and it was the wrong policy - I should have kept my trap shut.

"In the event we were travelling far too well and it was a very valid excuse, as it didn't suit his father (Kyllachy).

"What he wants is five furlongs and a scenario where he's behind and off the bridle early on."

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