'The preparation has gone really well - I think he'll run a great race'

Friday: 4.03 Newbury
Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes (Listed)| 7f | 3yo+ | RTV

This race revolves around Sacred and what sort of form she is in.

At her best she isn't far short of Group 1 class and showed that when finishing strongly to finish a length fifth behind Naval Crown in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot over six furlongs on her seasonal reappearance.

That appeared to set her up for a successful season when upped to her optimum distance of seven furlongs, but it hasn't worked out that way.

Sacred has run two disappointing races since. She had a tough trip from a wide draw when a beaten favourite for the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in July and took an even bigger step backwards when beating only three home in the City of York last month.

That was way below par, but she wasn't the only one who disappointed.

Al Suhail and Rohaan were both well held behind Kinross and have bounced back since, with Al Suhail third to Kinross in the Park Stakes at Doncaster and Rohaan third in the Sprint Cup at Haydock. That gives hope Sacred can do the same.

Jumby: carries a penalty for Hungerford Stakes winCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Sacred isn't the only one who is bidding to put behind her a poor run in the City of York. Jumby didn't beat a rival in that race, finishing ninth of nine, and three places behind Sacred.

The problem for Jumby is he has to carry a 7lb Group 2 penalty for his win in the Hungerford over course and distance last month, so he will probably need to produce another career-best performance.

Tacarib Bay finished third in the Horris Hill over course and distance last year and is bred to like the track. His sire Night Of Thunder's progeny have a 23 per cent strike-rate at Newbury in the last five seasons and the return to this course could do the trick.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Jumby
Last time we probably ran him back a bit quick, it was a long way to go up and it just didn’t work out – we’re all allowed a bad day at the office. The preparation for this one has gone really well, he’s in great form. Giving away lumps of weight isn’t always easy but he’s a big, strong horse and I think he can do it. I think he’ll run a great race.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Tacarib Bay and Siamsa
Siamsa had a nice break and looks very well. We know she runs well fresh, and she deserves to take her chance in a Listed race. With Tacarib Bay, the more rain for him the better. The ground was a little quick for him last time – he’s definitely at his best on soft ground. I feel we’re going with two decent chances, two good horses and they should run well.

William Haggas, trainer of Sacred
She’s fine at the moment and I’m hoping she’ll be all right for it in the morning. Her form is better than the form of the others and she receives a hefty 12lb from Jumby who’s in the form of his life. She ought to run a very good race providing the ground isn’t too slow for her, but it’s been a very frustrating season with her so we’ll hope for the best.
Reporting by Lola Katz Roberts

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