The Group 2 Hungerford Stakes has attracted only five runners which is a bit of a disappointment. Perhaps there are just too many Group races at a mile at this time of the season? Last weekend we were treated to an exciting clash of the generations when Moonlight Cloud just got the better of Olympic Glory and Intello but this is certainly not in that league.
Soft Falling Rain comes here unbeaten and with a big reputation after reeling off a hat-trick of wins in Dubai in the spring. If he is rusty at all then he may struggle to cope with a rejuvenated Caspar Netscher who was a shade unlucky to be run out of it in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood. If the favourite is as good as they say he is, then he should win this but there isn’t any great value at around 6-4 and it might be worth taking some of the 7-2 about Caspar.
Newbury maidens are always worth watching and Richard Hannon’s Tea In Transvaal looked like a ready-made future winner when finishing fourth on her debut at Ascot last month. A couple of fillies have come out of the race and run well and her experience should be enough to get favourite-backers off to a good start tomorrow.
The Geoffrey Freer Stakes has been a bit sub-standard in recent years but has attracted a decent field tomorrow. Regular readers of this column will know that I’d follow Lost In The Moment over a cliff quite happily and there was little wrong with his effort behind Forgotten Voice at Goodwood. Aiken must be a threat as Gosden’s horses are winning all over the place at present and I’d fancy Biographer if the heavens opened.
The French raider I’m Your Man looked a little unlucky not to beat Lost In The Moment at Newmarket but it is worth considering that the winner was virtually brought to a halt in a sandwich as well as smacked over the head with a whip before renewing his effort. I cannot really desert him can I?
Glen Moss ran a cracker at Ascot behind Galician last time and the booking of Johnny Murtagh can help him secure a well-deserved victory at Newbury tomorrow. It’s anybody’s guess whether stall one will prove to be good or bad but he should give a bold run.
Finally, Mr Gosden’s Thomas Hobson won easily last time and should follow up in the handicap later in the card. I’d be surprised if he returned as high as 9-4.
Tea In Transvaal 7-3 Betfair
Caspar Netscher 7-2 Stan James
Lost In The Moment 11-2 William Hill
Glen Moss 11-2 Bet Victor
Thomas Hobson 9-4 Bet Victor
