August 16 / 15.35 Newbury

15.35

Good To Firm

Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £85065
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/4 (Won)

Form: 3-1121 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
So nearly got up in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot in hat-trick bid and those progressive efforts over 6f were followed by his Bunbury Cup win at Newmarket over 7f, this time getting the better of a narrow verdict; those last two races were on good to firm; better still is needed from him but he looks sure to taste Group-race success at some point and it could be today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(9)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

More Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Usually held up in rear; raced at 1m1f/1m2f for previous stable; record of 4-6 (over 6f/7f) last term for new yard featured wins in a major handicap at Newmarket and Group 2 at Newbury, both on good to firm ground; respectable fourth in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp (7f, very soft) on final start; shapes as if this new trip is worth exploring and may rate higher still.

7/1

1st

4

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

More Thunder

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

So nearly got up in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot in hat-trick bid and those progressive efforts over 6f were followed by his Bunbury Cup win at Newmarket over 7f, this time getting the better of a narrow verdict; those last two races were on good to firm; better still is needed from him but he looks sure to taste Group-race success at some point and it could be today.

11/4

4

(13)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket (July)

More Thunder

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Has shown useful and progressive form over 6f this term for new stable, winning twice on the other Newmarket track then strong-finishing second (nearly got up) in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot; due to go up 3lb in future; looks ready for this step back up in distance and commands respect.

11/8

Form: 6-0621 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; his form took off once the cheekpieces went on over 7f last season, including for wins on good to firm and on soft, the latter in a Listed race at this track; reached even greater heights with his Group 2 win at Goodwood (7f, good) 18 days ago, challenging over 2f out to score at 25-1; there was an element of having the run of the race that day and he's now penalised, but the win was clearcut and he needs respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(19)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Witness Stand

9st 4lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Better than ever this year, winning Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood (7f, good) in July and running just as well when second in Group 2 Hungerford at Newbury (7f, good to firm; strong form) in August; drawn wide when down the field in the Foret at Longchamp, and may well bounce back, with this drop back to 6f unlikely to inconvenience him; possibilities.

20/1

2nd

1

(2)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Witness Stand

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Can front-run; his form took off once the cheekpieces went on over 7f last season, including for wins on good to firm and on soft, the latter in a Listed race at this track; reached even greater heights with his Group 2 win at Goodwood (7f, good) 18 days ago, challenging over 2f out to score at 25-1; there was an element of having the run of the race that day and he's now penalised, but the win was clearcut and he needs respect.

9/2

18/1

Form: 2-1293 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Second in Listed event at Newmarket (7f, good) in May is very much his best form; raced on the wrong side at Royal Ascot and respectable third in Listed race at Chester (7f, good) last time, but needs to resume improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(6)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Marvelman

9st 3lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

3yo who was third in a Group 2 at Newbury (7f, good to firm) in August before bolting up in the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster (7f, soft); well worth a crack at a Group 1 judged on that latest performance but he needs to transfer his Doncaster improvement - and some more - back to better ground.

22/1

1st

9

(2)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Marvelman

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Record of 1-1 on AW compared to 0-7 on turf; however, he has two pieces of very useful form in this sphere, including third in the Hungerford at Newbury (7f, good to firm; Group 2) last time; enters calculations, having shown there's possibly a race of this nature in him.

6/1

Form: 1-8861 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Began the campaign with two heavy defeats but she was reinvigorated by cheekpieces at York last month and hit a major new high in them in a Group 3 at this track (6f) eight days later, winning at 33-1 by nearly 2l from King's Gamble; fine chance if that form is repeated but, although she ran three times over 7f in 2022, she's not crying out for a return to this trip on the recent evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(11)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Rage Of Bamby

9st 3lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Won 6f Group 3 here (good to firm) in July; ran just as well when a close fourth in the Sprint Cup at Haydock two weeks ago; was well drawn there, however, and her penalty could leave her vulnerable on a rare 5f run.

6/1

4th

14

(13)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Rage Of Bamby

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

5yo mare who made Group-race breakthrough when 33-1 for the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury in July, when she had nearly 2l to spare; unsuited by the return to 7f since and has been supplemented for this race at a cost of £20,000, but nevertheless looks opposable today.

25/1

4th

7

(4)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Rage Of Bamby

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Began the campaign with two heavy defeats but she was reinvigorated by cheekpieces at York last month and hit a major new high in them in a Group 3 at this track (6f) eight days later, winning at 33-1 by nearly 2l from King's Gamble; fine chance if that form is repeated but, although she ran three times over 7f in 2022, she's not crying out for a return to this trip on the recent evidence.

11/1

Form: 561948 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Dual Listed winner (7f/6f) who was a strong-finishing fourth behind two of these in 6f Group 3 here (good to firm) in July; blowing the start ruined her chance in 7f Goodwood Group 3 on latest outing; could still be capable of better but it is very much needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(6)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

16:10 Doncaster

Fair Angellica

9st 4lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Fourth of 11 in this 12 months ago (soft); mixed form this season and she blew the start at Glorious Goodwood two runs ago, but she's caught the eye on occasions and was a Listed winner at Salisbury (6f, good to firm) in May; capable of being in the mix.

7/1

5th

5

(6)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Fair Angellica

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Dual Listed winner (7f/6f) who was a strong-finishing fourth behind two of these in 6f Group 3 here (good to firm) in July; blowing the start ruined her chance in 7f Goodwood Group 3 on latest outing; could still be capable of better but it is very much needed.

20/1

8th

4

(14)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Goodwood

Fair Angellica

9st 6lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Two-time Listed winner (7f/6f) who returned to form with a staying-on fourth against males in the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury 11 days ago (6f, good to firm; denied clear run); shaped that day as though the return to 7f would be a plus and she's one to consider.

12/1

Form: 62127

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Front-running second in the 7f Group 3 Jersey at Royal Ascot on the fourth of his five starts; being supplemented into the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (6f, again good to firm) resulted in only seventh of 14 but it was improved form, going down by just under 3l, and he rallied well after making most on far side; player on that and he may be capable of further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Spy Chief

9st 7lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: John & Thady Gosden

Highly tried after trouncing Almeraq in a Yarmouth novice (6f, good to firm; receiving 7lb) last June, finishing second in the Jersey Stakes nine days later and not beaten far in the July Cup the following month; finished his 3yo campaign quietly but possible he'll kick on again this year.

5/1

16

(4)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Spy Chief

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Posted a personal best when a close seventh to No Half Measures in the July Cup at Newmarket, but hasn't repeated the form in two runs since (both at 7f); faces a stern assignment, even if returning to his peak, but at least this drop back to sprint distances looks a positive move.

40/1

6

(7)

19th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Newbury

Spy Chief

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

All turf starts on good to firm; took his first step backwards in the Hungerford Stakes over C&D most recently; ran well in the Jersey Stakes and July Cup, and holds a leading chance provided he rebounds.

9/4

Form: 017-19 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Three 7f Group 3 wins against her own sex, the latest on reappearance at Lingfield (good to firm) in May; 6f Group 1 at Royal Ascot proved far too hot for her next time but she has a place chance in this line-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(10)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Great Generation

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Three 7f Group 3 wins against her own sex, the latest on reappearance at Lingfield (good to firm) in May; 6f Group 1 at Royal Ascot proved far too hot for her next time but she has a place chance in this line-up.

12/1

9th

15

(10)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Great Generation

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

5-10 including three Group 3 wins, the latest on reappearance at Lingfield (7f, good to firm) last month when taking the Chartwell Fillies' Stakes for the second consecutive season; also highly effective at 6f; further improvement can't be ruled out but it's certainly needed today.

28/1

1

(2)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Lingfield

Great Generation

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Successful in this race last year, building on her reappearance run; lacks recent match practice on this occasion, having been absent for seven months, and has to overcome a 3lb penalty for her Sceptre win.

6/1

OUR TIP

18/1

Form: 9-1856 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Gelded before reappearing in May with a Listed win at Haydock (7f, good to firm); however, he needs a bigger performance to take this and three lesser runs have followed in Group races; the last two were in blinkers, which are now joined by a tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(5)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Alyanaabi

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Gelded before reappearing in May with a Listed win at Haydock (7f, good to firm); however, he needs a bigger performance to take this and three lesser runs have followed in Group races; the last two were in blinkers, which are now joined by a tongue-tie.

18/1

6th

1

(9)

29th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Goodwood

Alyanaabi

9st 6lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Gelded before reappearing in May and winning a Listed race at Haydock (7f, good to firm); however, he needs a bigger performance if he's to take this and two lesser runs have followed in Group 3 races (7f/6f, good/AW); the latest was in first-time blinkers, which are retained.

25/1

3

(6)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Alyanaabi

9st 5lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

0-4 over 1m+ last year; dropped in trip and made all in 7f Listed race at Haydock in May but didn't give his running in Group 3 over same C&D three weeks later; now runs in a sprint for the first time since his (winning) debut and also tackles the AW for the first time, so he has a bit to prove, although first-time blinkers could have a positive effect.

11/2

Form: /252-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who has usually shown improved form; ended last season with second in a Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood (1m, good to firm) and he returned from 351 days off with a slow-starting second to Rage Of Bamby in Group 3 here (6f, good to firm) four weeks ago; going back up to 7f can help and he's firmly in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(16)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Kings Gamble

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

0-8 since debut and, although he ran respectably when second in the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster (7f, soft) in September, he was only ninth in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp next time; again looks vulnerable.

50/1

2nd

3

(9)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Kings Gamble

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Yet to encounter slow ground; lightly raced; has largely progressive RPRs, including at Group level, but was disappointing in the Hungerford most recently; chance of a rebound partly depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.

11/1

9th

3

(7)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Kings Gamble

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced 4yo who has usually shown improved form; ended last season with second in a Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood (1m, good to firm) and he returned from 351 days off with a slow-starting second to Rage Of Bamby in Group 3 here (6f, good to firm) four weeks ago; going back up to 7f can help and he's firmly in the mix.

9/2

25/1

Form: 3-1940 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Impressive in the Group 3 Fred Darling over C&D (good) in April on reappearance; she's not seen her race out since in the 1,000 Guineas, Irish Guineas or Coronation Stakes, all admittedly top races over 1m but she tailed off in first-time cheekpieces in the last named, which prompts concern today even though she's back at 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(1)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Duty First

9st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Impressive in the Group 3 Fred Darling over C&D (good) in April on reappearance; she's not seen her race out since in the 1,000 Guineas, Irish Guineas or Coronation Stakes, all admittedly top races over 1m but she tailed off in first-time cheekpieces in the last named, which prompts concern today even though she's back at 7f.

25/1

11th

4

(8)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Duty First

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Impressive in the Fred Darling but her subsequent efforts, upped to 1m, in the 1,000 Guineas (comfortably held) and Irish equivalent (finished fourth) suggest she ideally needs a return to 7f; now goes in cheekpieces; not certain to get home.

50/1

5

(7)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

15:40 Curragh

Duty First

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Winner and Group-placed at two; belied her 33-1 odds with a clear-cut success in the 7f Fred Darling at Newbury on seasonal debut; fading when stumbling over a furlong down in the 1,000 Guineas; still has to prove she stays this far.

22/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £11.19
Tricast £89.34

Selections

TOPSPEED:

More Thunder

SPOTLIGHT:

King's Gamble

Telegraph:

Spy Chief

Daily Mail:

Witness Stand

D Express:

Great Generation

RP RATINGS:

Rage Of Bamby

Daily Record:

Spy Chief

NEWMARKET:

More Thunder

The Sun:

More Thunder

The Star:

More Thunder

POSTDATA:

King's Gamble

The Times:

King's Gamble

The Guardian:

King's Gamble

Daily Mirror:

Witness Stand