Chipchase Stakes: quotes and analysis as Mubakker steps into Group company

Betfair Backs Racing Welfare Chipchase Stakes (Group 3) | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV/SKY

Like the Northumberland Plate itself, and Newcastle in general, the Chipchase Stakes has been given a shot in the arm by the installation of Tapeta at Gosforth Park. The average RPR for the winner over the decade between 2006 and 2015 (113, if we're rounding up) has been the baseline for the four renewals run on the all-weather.

Last year's winner, Invincible Army, was a legitimate Group 1 sprinter and so is Brando. He won the Prix Maurice de Gheest in 2017 and has collected a hatful of placed finishes in top sprints including the July Cup, Sprint Cup (on heavy) and Champions Sprint.

While Brando rarely comes up without mention of ground conditions, what can be taken as read is that he suits a test at six furlongs. Newcastle provides that, although on the flip side this will be his all-weather debut.

There are trade-offs involved in most of the runners. Major Jumbo and Judicial both have proven Group-race credentials, but will be reaching the end of their tether over a stiff 6f. Keystroke's class shows itself less frequently, but tends to appear when the pure sprinters start to wilt: he won the Abernant and was third in the Bengough last year.

While sprints are usually a discussion in known – if often unpredictable – players, Mubakker is an exception. He comes here on the back of just five runs, two of them in handicaps. He won readily off 95 over course and distance last time, against horses that did not disgrace themselves at Royal Ascot.

The emphasis was on stamina that day, but some quick mid-race fractions put down any idea that Mubakker might struggle for speed. The question punters must answer is whether those impressions are enough to think he will overcome a gap on ratings between him and Brando which sits at around 10lb.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

Key stat

Brando, Judicial and Keystroke are bidding to be the first eight-year-old to win this race since 2000 when Tedburrow triumphed before he repeated the feat at the age of 10.

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Brando and Major Jumbo
The ground was too quick for Brando in the Abernant. It's his first time on the all-weather and the surface tends to ride slower when it's hot and that would suit him. Major Jumbo made a nice return in the Palace House and going back to six furlongs will suit. He's ultra consistent.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Chiefofchiefs
He has taken his Ascot race very well – he's a very relaxed seven-year-old. There isn't anything else suitable for him in the foreseeable future and the track and the trip will really suit.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owner of Fox Champion
It's a bit of a fact-finding mission. He didn't seem to get the mile when we tried him in the Hunt Cup and on his rating he's quite a difficult horse to place. He's lost his Group 2 penalty and we feel six furlongs at Newcastle could favour him. It would be nice to see him return to some form, we've struggled to find options for him since he won the German Guineas.

Far Above (P J McDonald) wins the Betfair supports Racing Welfare Palace House Stakes from Judicial (Callum Rodriguez)Newmarket 6.6.20 Pic: Edward WhitakerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Steve Brown, assistant to Julie Camacho, trainer of Judicial
He goes into what looks a warmish race off the back of two good runs and we're stepping him back up to 6f. Callum [Rodriguez] said after the Palace House he'd be happy to go the extra furlong. A bit of rain that's forecast would help him.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Mubakker and Shabaaby
Mubakker was taken out of Ascot because of the ground as he's shown he doesn't handle softer ground. He's an improving and lightly-raced horse. Shabaaby has had a long time off with leg problems and this is the first step on the road back but he's always had plenty of talent.

James Tate, trainer of Dream Shot and Shimmering Dawn
We've enjoyed having the trophy in the office and are going back to try and keep it with two outsiders. Dream Shot is a young improving Listed/Group horse who has run well on the track but will need a career best. Shimmering Dawn is a bit more of a longshot but I've been dying to run her over a straight six furlongs as she likes to come from behind and I think she's better on an artificial surface.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Brad The Brief
It's a big step up in class but he deserves a chance in a race like this. He's a better horse with cut in the ground but it's a good opportunity to run in a Group 3 and we'll give it a go.

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