Saturday’s racing programme promises a full day of flat action across several venues, including Deauville, Doncaster, Lingfield, Newbury and Ripon, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the afternoon at Newbury is the highly anticipated Hungerford Stakes, a competitive feature that pits two strong contenders, Never So Brave and Coppull, against a solid field of seasoned campaigners. Never So Brave arrives as the clear favourite, having enjoyed a very successful 2023 campaign that featured a win in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, a victory in the Summer Mile, and a crowning achievement in the City of York.
The Andrew Balding‑trained gelding has not yet taken to the track this year, but his recent run in the Sussex Stakes demonstrated that he remains in good form, finishing respectably against top‑class opposition. Given his proven ability over a mile and his consistency at the highest level, punters are expected to back him heavily. Coppull, by contrast, is a lightly‑raced youngster who showed a glimpse of brilliance in his most recent outing in the July Cup, where he fought valiantly to finish a close fourth in a field of eleven. Today marks his first attempt at seven furlongs, a step up in distance that could suit his developing stamina.
If he can replicate the turn of foot he displayed at sprint distances, he may well prove a serious threat to the older horses in the race. Also stepping up in trip is Symbol Of Honour, who has not contested the seven‑furlong distance since his three‑year‑old debut. The horse boasts a solid Newbury record, having won both of his starts at the course, most notably the Group Three Hackwood Stakes.
His proven ability on the track combined with the added stamina required for the longer distance makes him another contender to watch. William Haggas’s Extremely Zain entered the International Handicap at Ascot unbeaten and was the short‑priced favourite, but he could only manage fourth place on the day. Still, the gelding remains relatively unexposed at this level and could use the Hungerford Stakes as an opportunity to take another step forward in class.
Dubai Honour, a veteran of the William Haggas stable, will make his return in the opening race of the day, the Geoffrey Freer Stakes, a Highclere Thoroughbred Racing event at Newbury. The gelding’s résumé includes twelve wins from thirty‑seven starts, four Group One victories and earnings exceeding £5 million.
His most recent performance was a credible fourth in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April, indicating that he still possesses the class to compete at the top tier. Mount Atlas and Tabletalk are set to meet for the fourth time, having already clashed three times previously. Mount Atlas has the edge in two of those encounters, although he carries three pounds more in today’s contest after a hard‑fought battle with Tabletalk in the John Smith’s Silver Cup.
Their rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the race. Gamrai remains largely untested after being narrowly beaten in the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot. Since then he has transferred from the John and Thady Gosden partnership to the care of Victorious Forever under George Scott.
The change of trainer could unlock further improvement, and the gelding may yet surprise the field. Rebel Rocket is the sole three‑year‑old in the mix. He is stepping up in distance for only his fourth start, having previously finished sixth in the Derby.
Though inexperienced over the trip, his pedigree and recent form suggest he could be a factor, especially if the pace suits his running style. The rest of the card features a variety of noteworthy contests.
Fast Track Harry, Lord Roxby and Dark Cloud Rising will contest the William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap, a race that historically produces a tightly packed finish. Clive Cox, who has only entered a runner in this race twice in the past five years, may have a chance with Fast Track Harry, who showed promise in a strong placing behind Amazing Journey, the winner of the International Handicap on King George Day.
Having already succeeded over the 95‑pound mark, Fast Track Harry could be a genuine threat. Lord Roxby comes into the race after a convincing win over a similar course and distance, having bested Dark Cloud Rising in a recent encounter.
Both horses have solid credentials, but Lord Roxby enjoys a four‑pound advantage in the weights and has already secured a win on this track and distance, making him a strong candidate for a fourth victory in this prestigious handicap. Elsewhere, the programme includes a Group Two Prix Alec Head at Deauville featuring Rabbit’s Foot, who returns after a hiatus since June when she defeated recent Group One performer Tiffany. The Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano will see Daryzan and Montreal clash in a compelling duel. Ripon hosts a Restricted Class Two novice race with a £15,462 prize for the winner, while Newbury offers an unexposed Scoville a chance to drop two pounds in a valuable race.
Additional highlights include the Silver Cup at Ripon, where Go Vince Go meets Educating Rita, a Group Three Prix de Lieurey at Deauville featuring Narissa, The Prettiest Star and Esna, and a Newbury contest that introduces Arabian Force, Sea The Casper and the half‑brother of Golden Story. Ralph Beckett will field Swiped in a Ripon race, while the Group Three Prix Gontaut‑Biron at Deauville pits Leffard and Cualificar against Map Of Stars, Wimbledon Hawkeye and First Look. The day concludes with the Grade One Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga, where Ancient Egypt and Survie will vie for top honors.
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