Witch Hunter is bidding to become the first horse since 1969 to win back-to-back renewals of the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.
The Richard Hannon-trained gelding delivered a career-best performance to land last year’s renewal but has since failed to get on the scoresheet in eight outings.
English Oak – purchased by the big spending Wathnan Racing before claiming the spoils in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot – appears to be the main danger after placing fourth in the Lennox Stakes last time out.
Just one three-year-old has won in the last eight renewals but Kikkuli, who has the benefit of the weight-for-age allowance, has a live chance after a short head defeat in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and tackling Group 1 company last time out.
Tiber Flow has already scored twice at Group 3 level, Jumby and Popmaster bring C&D form to the table, while filly Folgaria gets weight from every runner in Saturday’s 15:35.
The latest Hungerford Stakes odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Hungerford Stakes 2024 verdict
Timeform: 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.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Hungerford Stakes 2024 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Hungerford Stakes 2024.
English Oak
Trainer: Ed Walker Jockey: James Doyle Age: 4 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 6
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.
*****
Jumby
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton Jockey: William Buick Age: 6 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 5
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.
**
Popmaster
Trainer: Ed Walker Jockey: Ross Coakley Age: 6 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 2
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.
**
Tiber Flow
Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Tom Marquand Age: 5 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 3
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.
***
Witch Hunter
Trainer: Richard Hannon Jockey: Jamie Spencer Age: 5 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 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.
****
Kikkuli
Trainer: Harry Charlton Jockey: Oisin Murphy Age: 3 Weight: 9st 3lbs Draw: 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.
****
Folgaria
Trainer: Marco Botti Jockey: Hollie Doyle Age: 3 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 7
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.
**
Saturday’s Best Bets
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest horse racing tips
- Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips for Newbury, Newmarket and Ripon
- Rory Delargy’s horse racing tips for ITV Racing
- 14/1 shot features in Jason Weaver’s ITV Racing tips
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