This weekend’s Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury promises to be a compelling encounter, with a field of seven poised to battle it out over seven furlongs. As punters prepare to place their bets, the tight nature of the betting market suggests a highly competitive race. In this article, we’ll dive into the key runners, their form, and the likely outcomes, before offering a well-supported prediction for who will come out on top in this intriguing contest.
The Hungerford Stakes Preview, Predictions And Best Bets
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Hungerford Stakes Best Bets
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Can Tiber Flow Ride the Wave to Hungerford Glory?
Key Stats
Tiber Flow’s trainer, William Haggas, boasts a 21% win rate at Newbury, with a 42% place rate.
Kikkuli’s three-year-old age bracket has only won the Hungerford Stakes once in the last eight years.
Witch Hunter is the only horse in the field with a previous Hungerford Stakes victory, having won the race in 2023.
A Closer Look at the Field
The race has drawn a select group of contenders, each bringing different strengths and weaknesses to the table. Among them, Kikkuli and English Oak have emerged as the joint-favourites, both priced around 5/2, reflecting their strong form and potential. However, this is far from a two-horse race, with the likes of Tiber Flow, Witch Hunter, and others presenting significant threats.
Kikkuli: A Promising but Unproven Contender
Kikkuli, trained by Harry Charlton and ridden by Oisin Murphy, comes into the Hungerford Stakes with high expectations. The three-year-old colt has shown promise, notably finishing second in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Despite his potential, Kikkuli’s recent performances have been inconsistent, particularly his disappointing run in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville, where he struggled on testing ground.
While Kikkuli’s pedigree is impressive, and he receives a weight allowance as a three-year-old, his lack of experience in open company raises questions. Although he could well turn out to be the best horse in the race, the betting market’s enthusiasm seems slightly overdone given his relative inexperience at this level.
English Oak: A Strong Contender Looking to Bounce Back
Ed Walker’s English Oak is another key player in the race, and his backers will be hoping he can return to the form that saw him triumph at Royal Ascot. The four-year-old’s victory in the Buckingham Palace Handicap was followed by a lacklustre performance in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, where he finished a disappointing fourth.
Despite this setback, English Oak remains a formidable competitor. His ability to perform on varying ground conditions and his high cruising speed make him a serious contender. However, like Kikkuli, he has questions to answer, particularly regarding his consistency at the highest level.
The Challengers: Tiber Flow and Witch Hunter
While Kikkuli and English Oak dominate the headlines, other runners cannot be overlooked. Tiber Flow, trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand, represents a significant challenge. Despite a below-par showing in the Lennox Stakes, Tiber Flow’s earlier victory in the John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock demonstrates his capability. His adaptability and the ability to recover from setbacks, such as the unfortunate incident at York earlier this year, highlight his resilience.
Moreover, Tiber Flow’s previous success at Newbury, where he claimed the Listed Carnarvon Stakes in 2022, suggests he enjoys the track. With good ground expected, he could well bounce back from his Goodwood disappointment, making him a strong contender in this race.
Witch Hunter, the defending champion, returns to the Hungerford Stakes with a point to prove. Last year, he triumphed under soft conditions, but 2024 has been less kind to him. Despite a few credible performances, he has yet to win this season, casting doubt on his ability to repeat last year’s success. Nevertheless, his familiarity with the course and the positive booking of Jamie Spencer could see him mount a challenge, though he faces stiff competition from younger, more in-form rivals.
Outsiders with a Chance
While the main contenders have drawn most of the attention, the rest of the field cannot be completely dismissed. Jumby, another seasoned campaigner, won this race in 2022 and could benefit if the pace scenario plays out in his favour. However, his recent form has been less convincing, and replicating his past success appears a tall order.
Popmaster and Folgaria complete the line-up, and while both have shown flashes of ability, they seem outmatched in this field. Popmaster, in particular, may struggle to match the speed and class of the leading contenders, while Folgaria, despite her credentials as Italy’s Champion two-year-old filly last year, has struggled to make an impact in tougher company this season.
Hungerford Stakes Predictions
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Tiber Flow to Triumph
After analysing the form, ground conditions, and tactical scenarios likely to unfold in the Hungerford Stakes, Tiber Flow stands out as the horse most likely to claim victory. His proven ability at Newbury, combined with his resilience and adaptability, make him a strong candidate. While Kikkuli and English Oak certainly have the potential to challenge, their inconsistencies and lack of experience at this level leave Tiber Flow as the more reliable option.
Moreover, Tiber Flow’s tactical versatility, particularly his ability to accelerate off a steady pace, could prove crucial in a race where the pace is uncertain. William Haggas has a solid record at Newbury, and with Tom Marquand in the saddle, Tiber Flow has the right combination of experience, speed, and stamina to win this year’s Hungerford Stakes.
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Please gamble responsibly (18+ begambleaware). The odds and predictions mentioned are based on the information available at the time and may change as the race day approaches.
