More Thunder (closest) has been tipped to win The Hungerford Stakes (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)
Newbury Saturday Formguides And Selections
1 2:50 PM SA Time – Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 3)
Epic Poet has solid claims if reproducing his second in a Group 2 at York in May. Candleford landed a Listed contest over 1m4f at Beverley last month and could also feature representing last year’s winning yard, but it could pay to stick with the progressive PINHOLE. The son of Frankel built on a respectable effort in the Queen’s Vase at Ascot with a facile victory back at the same track on his handicap debut and has plenty of scope for further improvement at this higher level.
Top Tip: Pinhole (6)
Watch out for: Epic Poet (3)
2 3:25 PM SA Time – D&H, Excellence In Nutrition Handicap
RHYTHM N HOOVES bounced back to something like his best when caught close home at Ascot last time. This looks less competitive and Robert Cowell’s charge is taken to confirm running with King Of Stars (third). That was the latter’s seasonal reappearance, so he could prove a more potent force on this occasion, while it would be no surprise if Getreadytorumble has more to offer off his current mark off the back of finishing a creditable second at Goodwood.
Top Tip: Rhythm N Hooves (2)
Watch out for: King Of Stars (4)
3 4:00 PM SA Time – TPT Fire Handicap
CLASSIC arrives at the top of his game, having landed a tough contest at Sandown before just missing out in the International at Ascot. Beaten only a neck by the subsequent Stewards’ Cup winner Two Tribes last time, a similar effort from Richard Hannon’s charge may well prove good enough in this company. Jumby will be winning soon based on his recent placed efforts and looks more favourably handicapped than the likes of Cracking Gold and Havana Pusey.
Top Tip: Classic (3)
Watch out for: Jumby (5)
4 4:35 PM SA Time – Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes (Group 2)
William Haggas can enhance his good record in this race with the recent Bunbury Cup winner MORE THUNDER. That was the progressive colt’s third win from just four starts since moving yards and he looks ready for a crack at this level. The class-dropping Spy Chief is also open to improvement regarding the distance and merits serious thought, while Lennox Stakes winner Witness Stand also rates a key player. The first two home in the Hackwood over 6f here, Rage Of Bamby and King’s Gamble, add further spice to a strong renewal.
Top Tip: More Thunder (4)
Watch out for: Spy Chief (9)
5 5:10 PM SA Time – Tattersalls 40,000 EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
As a half-brother to five winners, including Fillies’ Mile winner Quadrilateral, there is a lot like about the pedigree of SLIGHT OF FOOT, who debuts for high-profile connections and could make a big impact on his racecourse debut. Richard Hannon also introduces a notable type in the form of Law Court, while betting market support for Edwin Hubble, a half-brother to an Australian Group 1 winner, would also be highly noteworthy. Nova Centauri is another with a captivating profile to bear in mind.
Top Tip: Slight Of Foot (7)
Watch out for: Law Court (4)
6 5:45 PM SA Time – Chapel Down Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Three-year-old’s have won both renewals of this contest and that trend could continue courtesy of AL WASL STORM. Outclassed in both the Derby and the Queen’s Vase, Owen Burrows’ colt now goes handicapping from what looks a workable mark. Renato bumped into an improver at Southwell latest so must be of real interest, as is the case with Byblos, who didn’t need to come out of first gear to break his maiden tag recently.
Top Tip: Al Wasl Storm (2)
Watch out for: Renato (4)
7 6:20 PM SA Time – Grosvenor Sport Double Odds Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
It is impossible to rule out any of these, so only a tentative vote can go to SKIMMER. Now two from two having after winning at Kempton last month, Harry Charlton’s colt could be a cut above in time and this lofty opening mark might not stop him. Organ completed a hat-trick at Goodwood in June so remains of interest, despite a further 5lb rise, while Night Step seeks a hat-trick of his own having won at Lingfield and Newmarket recently. The unbeaten Hopewell Rock hasn’t been seen since last October and the market can guide.
Top Tip: Skimmer (1)
Watch out for: Organ (4)
