Andrew Newton
Hungerford Stakes Betting Guide
16/08/2012
Saturday’s Group Two Hungerford Stakes is named after the town situated a few miles west of the track where it’s staged – Newbury.
Run over 7f the contest is staged for horses aged 3 or older, but with 3 of the last 4 winners aged 3 it’s the younger brigade that have held sway of late.
Horse racing trends expert, Andy Newton, gives you some key stats to look out for ahead of Saturday’s renewal.
Date:
Sat 18th Aug 2012:
3.05 Newbury Betfred Hungerford Stakes (Group 2) (CLASS 1) (3yo+) CH4 Good To Firm 7f
Recent Hungerford Stakes Winners
2011 – Excelebration (5/4 fav)
2010 – Shakespearean (3/1)
2009 - Balthazaar's Gift (10/1)
2008 - Paco Boy (6/5 fav)
2007 - Red Evie (5/1)
2006 - Welsh Emperor 913/2)
2005 - Sleeping Indian (9/4 jfav)
2004 – Chic (9/2)
2003 - With Reason (13/2)
2002 - Reel Buddy
Hungerford Stakes 10 Year Trends
10/10 – Had won a Listed (4) or Group (6) race before
9/10 – Had won 3 or more times already in their career
9/10 – Didn’t win last time out
9/10 – Had won over this 7f trip before
8/10 – Officially rated 110 or more
8/10 – Had 3 or more previous runs already that season
7/10 – Winning distance was 1 length or more
7/10 – Aged 3 or 4 years-old
5/10 – Ran at Goodwood last time out
5/10 – Had run at Newbury before (2 won)
2/10 – Ridden by Jamie Spencer
2/10 – Trained by Richard Hannon
Andy Newton’s Verdict: Recent Goodwood winner Chachamaidee is now a significant non-runner so this really does leave the door open for STRONG SUIT.
Yes, the Hannon 4 year-old has not won since but he’s been very highly tried having run in three Group 1’s – including taking on Frankel at Ascot two runs back. The heavy ground is a big reason to put a line through his last run in the July Cup, while being back over this 7f trip is another positive – he’s unbeaten the last three times his run over 7f!
The Hannon team also have a decent record in the race – winning it twice in the last 10 years – and although this will be the first time jockey Richard Hughes doesn’t ride him the yard have booked a more-than able deputy in Ryan Moore.
Of the rest, the Hughie Morrison-trained PASTORAL PLAYER is worth a mention and looks a decent each-way option in the race. He’s won at the track before and was only beaten 5 lengths behind the mighty Black Caviar at Ascot two runs ago. He’s last two wins came over this 7f trip, while a recent second in a Group 2 at Ascot was a clear sign he’s in great heart at present.
Recommended Bets
STRONG SUIT
PASTORAL PLAYER (e/w)
Leading Hungerford Stakes Trainers
Sir Henry Cecil – 1983, 1985 & 1988
Richard Hannon – 1991, 2002 & 2008
John Gosden – 1994, 1997, 1998 & 2005
Sir Michael Stoute – 1981, 1992 & 2004
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