The first day of Newbury's two-day Hungerford Stakes meeting is today's highlight with an excellent eight-race card and Roger Charlton's stoutly-bred newcomer Executor (1.45) taken to land the opening 7f Maiden under George Baker.. The colt is a half-brother to the useful pair of Asterism and Encapsulated and whilst perhaps not of the ilk of last year's winner, and subsequently Racing Post Trophy winner, Elm Park he looks the ideal type to build on his trainer's excellent record at the track.
Prince Khalid is represented by Divionist in the second division of the 7f Maiden, an Oasis Dream half-brother to 1000 Guineas winner Special Duty and looks a phenomenal prospect for the Sir Michael Stoute stable next term. The yard unfortunately boasts a far from stellar record with their juveniles' first time out however and instead he is overlooked for Tashweeq (2.20) for owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The John Gosden trained colt is another to boast an excellent pedigree being a half-brother to the smart pair of Kasbah and Solar Deity and is taken to make a winning debut under the owner's retained rider Paul Hanagan.
Fourteen fillies head to post for the feature Listed 2-y-o contest over the minimum trip and Richard Hannon's Whatdoiwantthatfor (3.55) should prove a cut above the rest under Pat Dobbs. The selection boasts the smartest form in the book after chasing home subsequent Princess Margaret winner Besharah on debut at Windsor and doing likewise last time out when unsuited by the soft ground on King George day at Ascot. The daughter of Kodiac drops down in both trip and grade and can bounce back to winning ways whilst gaining connections some valuable black-type.
Michael Dods' Punk Rocker (3.10) is another filly heading in the right direction and, whilst not without her quirks, can score over at Nottingham under Tom Eaves. The selection was impressive when scoring two starts back at Thirsk and, despite disappointing subsequently on ground softer than ideal last time out at Doncaster, can bounce back to winning ways on her preferred sounder surface.
The maiden over an extended mile looks a two-horse race on paper between Richard Hannon's Tawdeea and James Fanshawe's Arthenus (3.45) and the latter chanced to make it fifth time lucky under regular partner Freddie Tylicki. The selection sets a fair standard on paper, rated 87 on official ratings, and unfortunate to not get his head in front after excellent efforts in defeat at Doncaster, Newmarket and Kempton respectively. The form of the gelding's third at HQ has worked out particularly well with the first and second both scoring subsequently, and he can add to that further this afternoon.
A tremendous field has been assembled for the feature Colwick Cup sees 17 runners head to post in pursuit of an excellent £24,000 pot and Karraar (4.20) taken to land the spoils for William Haggas and Harry Bentley. The selection belatedly got off the mark at the eighth time of asking last term at Thirsk and was subsequently bought by new connections for 65,000gns at the sales in the spring. The 4-y-o looked better than ever when making a winning reappearance at Sandown, getting up to win by the narrowest or margins and landing connections a touch in the process. A 3lb rise at the weights shouldn't hinder him further and, providing he sees out the extra four furlongs, is a confident selection to reward each way support.
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