Hungerford Stakes: Jumby camp eyeing repeat success at Newbury

The handler is anticipating better ground at Newbury though, and is backing the son of Wootton Bassett to put last year’s eighth place in the race well behind him.

Hannon said: “He’s only had three races this year, this will be the first for his new owner (Villoo Poonawalla Greenfield Farms).

“I’m delighted with the form he is in – he loves Newbury, he’s won the Greenham and finished second in the Lockinge. It looks like coming back to seven furlongs will be ideal for him and hopefully he has an excellent chance.

“He worked very well on the grass on Sunday. The forecast is looking dry leading into the weekend, so we are hopeful it will be quick ground.”

Charlie Fellowes is also keeping an eye on the weather as he seeks decent ground for his challenger Marbaan, who is available at 8/1.

The three-year-old bounced back to form when coming home third in the Lennox Stakes over this trip at Goodwood, with Fellowes giving him extra credit as the good to soft ground did not play to the colt’s strengths.

The handler said: “He ran a cracker at Goodwood in a strong race, the first two horses are clearly Group One horses. We decided to ride him with a bit of patience and he finished well on ground that was probably softer than ideal.

“I think the seven furlongs at Newbury will suit him; we are on weather watch though, I wouldn’t want the ground to be getting too soft. He is definitely better on better ground.

“He looks a picture and is in really good order, his Goodwood run has done him the world of good and I would think he would be very competitive if conditions are in his favour.”

Hungerford Stakes 2023 odds

11/4 Jumby

3/1 Chindit

5/1 Pogo

15/2 Misty Grey

8/1 Marbaan, Mostabshir

10/1 New Endeavour

18/1 bar

View the latest horse racing odds

All odds and market correct at date of publication