Newbury conditions set to suit Irish raider Alanza
CONDITIONS at Newbury looks set to suit Irish raider Alanza in the Betfred Hungerford Stakes.
The John Oxx-trained filly, a general 9-1 chance for the Group 2, was seventh of ten on soft ground in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last time, but connections will be buoyed by the ground at Newbury which is now good to firm (from good).
"Good or faster ground is essential for her and conditions were all against her at Newmarket last time," Oxx said.
"Because of all the rain we've had at home we decided to avail ourselves of the opportunity presented by the better ground, instead of waiting for conditions to come right in Ireland."
Strong Suit is favourite for the Hungerford and Racing Post app users will have their stakes refunded as a free bet if their selection finishes second to the Richard Hannon-trained colt.
Last year's St Leger winner Masked Marvel bids for his first success since then in Newbury's Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes. He will face stiff competition from Mount Athos who will be aiming to earn a place in the Melbourne Cup.
Those races, along with Newbury's 2.00 and 3.40, are live on Channel 4, which also screens action from Newmarket and the William Hill Great St Wilfrid from Ripon.
Alben Star is one of the leading contenders in that and his trainer Richard Fahey said: "He has already run really well this season in the Wokingham and Stewards' Cup. There's one of these in him and I hope this might be it."
Flat racing this afternoon also comes from Doncaster and Chester, while Perth's big summer jumps meeting starts at 3.10.
Lingfield and Market Rasen race this evening as does Tramore, which passed an inspection this morning.
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