Can Sacred follow up her wide-margin Newbury win and bolster Haggas's title bid?

Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes (Group 2) | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Part of the challenge of the Challenge Stakes has been removed by the race's close proximity to the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp.

The best seven-furlong horses are lured by Europe's only all-aged Group 1 race at the trip, so Kinross and Sandrine were aimed at Longchamp, rather than at Newmarket.

With that pair out of the way, the focus falls on Pogo as he split them when runner-up in the City Of York Stakes, a valuable contest that is turning into Britain's de facto seven-furlong championship event.

He is consistent, uncomplicated and has run any number of good races at the trip, including when second in this in 2020. He's shown he's arguably better than ever at the age of six with two Group 3 wins and a Lennox Stakes third at Goodwood already this season.

Pogo (green silks) runner-up behind Group 1-winner Kinross at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

That said, he is unlikely to find any dramatic improvement after 36 runs, whereas the lightly raced Sacred may have more to offer.

After a good fifth in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, Sacred did not have the run of the race in the Lennox or City Of York Stakes but bolted up in Listed company at Newbury. That effort hinted she may be about to confirm the promise of her stylish win in last year's Hungerford, albeit it has not been lost on anyone and she will be a short price.

One to consider at longer odds is Umm Kulthum, whose presence is a good sign as the only times she has been sent to Newmarket by Richard Fahey she has finished a close third in the Cheveley Park Stakes and won a Listed race.

Having been beaten for speed in two decent 6f races since, she ran much better when a close second in the 7f Sceptre Fillies' Stakes at Doncaster and clearly gets the trip now.
Analysis by David Carr

Sacred ready to strike after Listed romp

William Haggas sends out Sacred and Purplepay in the £120,000 Challenge Stakes as he bids to bag another lucrative Group contest and boost his chance of landing his first trainers' championship.

Group 2 winner Sacred bounced back to form last month at Newbury with a six-and-a-half-length Listed success, recording a career-high RPR of 117, while Purplepay was fifth in a Curragh Group 2 last time.

"Sacred ran brilliantly last time and she's in good form," said Haggas. "She's well, but really needs no rain. I'm sure she'll run a good race. I don't like running the two fillies against each other but there's very few options and I need to go into the winter knowing where we are.

Sacred: impressive on her latest start at Newbury in SeptemberCredit: Mark Cranham

"We're trying a new trip with Purplepay. She's going to stay in training next year and before I put her to bed I want to be sure I know her trip for the new season. We didn't have her in the Sun Chariot, so we're going to run her here and see where we are, but she'll be fine on any ground. She's got speed and is working well."

What they say

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Jumby
He's a good old servant but things haven't gone quite right the last twice. We ran him too quickly at York then at Newbury he went the wrong side and never got a tow, it didn't work out for him at all. He didn't have a hard race though and should be there or thereabouts.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Misty Grey
He's the most lovely horse you'll ever meet and I'm sure he'll do his best. I'd be surprised if more than one beats him. He's looking well and always tries whenever he runs, no matter the conditions.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Pogo
I'm happy enough with him at home and am just hoping the ground won't be too soft for him. It's been sunny so far, which is a good sign. It's the right trip and track, and he should have a chance. After finishing behind Kinross last time, his form is rock solid.

George Boughey, trainer of Oscula
She's been an absolute star. I thought she'd like a little bit more rain but this trip suited her on her first British start of the year in June. We'll look to go forward and she should be very competitive.

Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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