15:35 Newbury

Saturday 17 August 2024

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:0516:1016:4017:15

BetVictor Hungerford Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:37 | Winning time: 1m 23.46s

(6)

English Oak¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: James Doyle| T: E Walker| OR: 108| D

3/1

Improving 4-y-o who was a striking winner of the Buckingham Palace (Handicap) at Royal Ascot (7f, firm), striding 3 lengths clear in good style. Had excuses in Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last time and is worth another chance to prove himself at Group level.

Form: 82-2114

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(5)

Jumby⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 100| CD

18/1

Winless since landing the John of Gaunt at Haydock last year and, while he got back on track at Newmarket a week ago, others have achieved more.

Form: 9-90003

(2)

Popmaster⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: Ross Coakley| T: E Walker| OR: 105| CD

25/1

Smart and reliable gelding who landed C&D listed event last autumn. Comes here on the back of a lesser effort and has a bit to find, though.

Form: 12-6770

(3)

Tiber Flow¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 110| C| D

4/1

Came down in a nasty incident at York in May but quickly showed himself none the worse when landing the Group 3 John of Gaunt at Haydock (7f, good to firm) in June. Failed to fire in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood 18 days ago but solid claims if he's on his game.

Form: 13-5F16

(1)

Witch Hunter³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: J P Spencer| T: R Hannon| OR: 109| CD

8/1

Won the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot and this event last year. Hasn't quite hit the same heights this term but was better than the result in listed company at Chester last time, so he's one to consider.

Form: 339434

(4)

Kikkuli⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: Harry Charlton| OR: 112| BF| D

7/4

Bred in the purple and has made a highly promising start to his career. Excellent narrow second in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot was followed by a lesser run in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville. That race probably came too soon and he remains with potential, so looks a big player.

Form: 2-1226

(7)

Folgaria⁵⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Hollie Doyle| T: M Botti| OR: 105| CD

11/1

Unbeaten in 5 starts in Italy for Stefano Botti last year and having transferred to Britain, she made a winning reappearance in the Fred Darling. Bit underwhelming since and this is another big ask.

Form: 11-106

Forecasts

Kikkuli (7/4), English Oak (3/1), Tiber Flow (4/1), Witch Hunter (8/1), Folgaria (11/1), Jumby (18/1), Popmaster (25/1)

ENGLISH OAK looked a class act when striding clear impressively in the Buckingham Palace at Ascot and, given his latest effort is excusable, he's fancied to get back to winning ways at the possible expense of fellow 3yo Kikkuli, who boasts a similar profile. Last year's winner Witch Hunter is another definite player.