Joe McConnell
Saturday will be a busy day, with top-class racing at Newbury, Ripon, Doncaster and Bath and international racing at Deauville and Saratoga.
3.35 Newbury – Kikkuli, Witch Hunter and English Oak are the protagonists of the Hungerford Stakes
Who, Witch Hunter AND English Oak titles the Hungerford Stakes (3.35).
Harry Charlton’s Kikkuli was only narrowly left out when finishing second to Haatem in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. The half-brother of Frankel was sent off favourite for the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville next time out, but only sixth on that occasion, he should appreciate a return to calmer waters. He is favourite to continue his progression under Oisin Murphy.
The Ed Walker-trained English Oak has some excuses for finishing last at Glorious Goodwood, but if he returns to his successful standards in the Buckingham Palace Stakes then he will be regarded as a top performer under James Doyle.
Rounding out the shortlist is last year’s winner, Witch Hunter, which would have some claims if it performed the same way as last year.
3.20 Ripon – Summerghand and Kitai Competition in Great St Wilfrid
Summer AND Others competition in THE William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap (3.20).
David O’Meara rides last year’s runner-up Summerghand, who showed he can still compete at this level when he finished third in the Bunbury Cup. The veteran can be expected to finish fast under Jason Watson.
Mick Appleby enjoyed a super Goodwood Festival with several winners including Kitai. The four-year-old did just enough when winning a Class 3 heat at the Sussex venue and a 3lb increase in weights may underestimate this improving sprinter.
By Tim Easterby Manila Scouse is another element to take into consideration, as he aims to consolidate the success obtained at Chepstow in the third week of the Racing League.
1.50 Newbury – Al Aasy, Sumo Sam and Al Qareem clash in the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes
Al-Aasy AND Al-Qareem class clash Bet by Geoffrey Freer on BetVictor (1.50).
William Haggas’ Al Aasy built well on his second-placed reappearance at Newbury when winning the Group 3 Glorious Stakes earlier this month. He will be a low price to follow despite having to carry a 3lb penalty under Jim Crowley.
Al Qareem has been an excellent horse for connections, winning six times for his owners. He looks set to benefit from the drop in distance and class, having raced in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup on his last outing.
Sam’s Sumo She has undergone wind surgery since finishing last in the Warwick Fillies’ Stakes in May and is hoping to regain the form that saw her win two Group 2 events last autumn.
International action
There is more group action at Deauville as the Prix de Pomone features Aventure and Angel Guidance representing Wertheimer and Trevaunance runs for Harrington with Listed action featuring Simmering and Silius. While overseas at Saratoga there are more Graded races including a Grade 1 American Oaks and a Grade 2 Lake Placid.
Saturday’s Races | Latest Sky Bet Odds
Watch all the Bath, Newbury, Doncaster and Ripon races live on Vscek Racing.
