Saturday 19th August 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
After a couple of weeks away from the blog, we’re back with a preview for Hungerford Day at Newbury on Saturday where I have four selections to share with you all. So, as ever, if you are having a punt make sure to do it in a responsible manner. All odds are correct at the time of writing on Thursday.
1.50: Geoffrey Freer Stakes: We kick things off with the Geoffrey Freer Stakes which is a Group 3 affair that’s contested over a distance of seven furlongs. At the time of writing on Thursday afternoon, we have a competitive-looking field and I’m taking a chance on Arrest turning up for the Gosden’s and Frankie Dettori. He prefers cut in the ground, so any rain will be welcomed and this represents a significant ease in grade to his last two assignments which came at Royal Ascot in the King Edward VI Stakes and the Derby prior to that. If returning to the form of his Chester success in May I think he has a big chance. Arrest – 4/1 (Win)
2.25: Highclere Castle Gin Handicap: It’s handicap action next over five furlongs and this look to be a tough puzzle to solve for punters. I’m going with Four Adaay here who represents the team of Rod Milman and Oisin Murphy and is currently trading at around 6/1. She arrives here in very solid form and will contest the race of just a pound higher than her last winning mark, albeit that success coming within calmer waters. I still think she is a big player here though as she’s very versatile ground-wise and often gives a good account of herself. Four Adaay – 6/1 (Each-Way)
3.00: Summer Sizzler Handicap: It’s more handicap action at 3 o’clock with a Class 2 affair over seven furlongs taking centre-stage. In this particular contest, I’ve sided with Hectic who can currently be found at 10/1 for the combination of Richard Hannon and Alec Voikhansky, who takes off a very valuable five pounds. He’s been busy throughout the summer and despite not managing to get his head in front he’s been gradually dropping down the weights and will contest this race off a pound lower mark than when he was a neck second at this track back in April, which is theoretically six-pounds lower with Voikhansky’s claim. If getting some luck in this competitive heat he’s got every chance of going well off this mark. Hectic – 10/1 (Each-Way)
3.35: Hungerford Stakes: The feature contest of the day is the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes which is a Group 2 affair that’s ridden over a straight seven-furlongs. In this year’s renewal of the contest, I’ve decided to pledge my allegiance with Chindit who’s set to be the mount of Pat Dobbs and is trained by Richard Hannon. He’s a very likeable horse and I think that Group 2 races are about his level, saying that, he ran a fantastic race in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at this track back in May when just over a length behind the winner Modern Games. He also ran a solid race in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot when he was last seen, finishing sixth of twelve. For me, he looks the most solid option in the race and I think he’s the one they have to beat. Chindit – 3/1 (Win)
