The racing schedule this Saturday is packed with flat events across several venues, including Deauville, Doncaster, Lingfield, Newbury and Ripon, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the afternoon at Newbury is the highly anticipated Hungerford Stakes, a feature race that pits the seasoned veteran Never So Brave against the promising colt Coppell, among a strong field of competitors.
Never So Brave arrives at Newbury with the most impressive recent record. After a prolific 2022 campaign that saw him capture the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Summer Mile, and the City of York, the Andrew Balding‑trained gelding has continued to demonstrate class this year. Although he has yet to secure a win from four starts in 2023, his performances have been respectable, most notably a respectable run in the Sussex Stakes where he held his own against top‑class opposition. Market analysts are forecasting a bold bid for him in the Hungerford, and many punters expect him to be the favorite.
Coppull, by contrast, is still relatively lightly raced but showed a glimpse of brilliance in his most recent outing, the July Cup. In that sprint, he finished a close fourth out of eleven runners, narrowly missing a place.
Today he steps up in distance for the first time, tackling the seven‑furlong test of the Hungerford. The added mileage could suit his developing stamina, and his connections are hopeful that the step up will unlock further potential. Another contender, Symbol Of Honour, mirrors Coppull’s situation by moving up in trip. He has not raced over seven furlongs since his three‑year‑old debut, but his record at Newbury is impressive.
He has won both of his starts at the venue, including a Group Three victory in the Hackwood Stakes, suggesting he handles the track’s undulating terrain well. William Haggas’s Extremely Zain entered the International Handicap at Ascot unbeaten and was installed as a short‑priced favourite.
However, he could only manage fourth place on the day. Despite that setback, he remains relatively unexposed at this level and could be poised for a breakthrough performance in the Hungerford.
The opening race at Newbury features Dubai Honour, who returns after a spell to contest the Geoffrey Freer Stakes, a race sponsored by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. Dubai Honour is a credit to trainer William Haggas, having amassed twelve wins from thirty‑seven starts, including four Group One victories and earnings exceeding £5 million.
His most recent appearance was a credible fourth in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April, indicating he still possesses the class to compete at the highest level. Mount Atlas and Tabletalk are set to meet for the fourth time. In their previous three meetings, Mount Atlas has come out on top twice, though he carries three pounds more weight in today’s contest. Their rivalry was highlighted in a thrilling finish in the John Smith’s Silver Cup, where Mount Atlas edged out Tabletalk.
Gamrai, still unexposed after narrowly missing the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot, has recently switched trainers, moving from John & Thady Gosden to George Scott under the ownership of Victorious Forever. The change of yard could spark further improvement, and the horse remains a mystery to many bettors. Rebel Rocket is the sole three‑year‑old in the field.
He is stepping up in distance for his fourth start after finishing sixth in the Derby. While his form is modest, the longer trip may suit his developing stamina, making him a horse to watch for an upset.
The program also includes a busy slate of other races. Fast Track Harry, Lord Roxby and Dark Cloud Rising will contest the William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap, a race known for its open, competitive nature. Trainer Clive Cox, who has only entered one runner in this event over the past five years, will back Fast Track Harry, a horse that previously ran well behind Amazing Journey, the winner of the International Handicap on King George Day.
Having already won at a weight of 95 pounds, Fast Track Harry is considered a genuine threat. Lord Roxby arrives fresh from a successful course‑and‑distance win where he beat Dark Cloud Rising convincingly.
Both horses have strong credentials, but Lord Roxby enjoys a four‑pound advantage in the handicap and has previously won over the same track and distance, giving his trainer a realistic chance of securing a fourth victory in this prestigious contest. Beyond the Hungerford Stakes, the day's schedule continues with international action.
At 12:45, Deauville will host the Group Two Prix Alec Head, featuring Rabbit's Foot, who returns after a June win over the Group One winner Tiffany. At 1:33, the same venue presents the Group Two Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, a showdown between Daryzan and Montreal.
Later, Ripon will stage a Restricted Class Two novice race with a £15,462 prize for the winner. Back at Newbury at 2:35, an unexposed horse named Scoville will contest a valuable race after being dropped two pounds in the handicap. At 2:55, Ripon offers the Silver Cup, pitting Go Vince Go against Educating Rita. Deauville’s 3:25 slot brings the Group Three Prix de Lieurey, featuring Narissa, The Prettiest Star and Esna.
At 3:42, Newbury showcases Arabian Force, Sea The Casper and a half‑brother of Golden Story in their debuts. Ripon’s 3:55 race sees Ralph Beckett send out Swiped, a horse seeking a hat‑trick. Deauville’s 4:00 meeting hosts the Group Three Prix Gontaut‑Biron, where Leffard and Cualificar will take on Map Of Stars, Wimbledon Hawkeye and First Look. Finally, at 10:06, Saratoga will stage the Grade One Christophe Clement Turf Stakes, a clash between Ancient Egypt and Survie.
Overall, Saturday promises a rich tapestry of flat racing, from high‑profile Group races in France to competitive handicaps across the UK. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.