Hannon hoping for a grey day at Newmarket with two runners in unique race

2.45 Newmarket
Unibet Grey Horse Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Chatham House could well end the poor run of market leaders in the 17th running of the unique handicap after his timely recent win at Newbury.

Richard Hannon has yet to win the annual speed test and his contender is one of five three-year-olds in the 16-strong field, although just two of that age group have won this in the last decade.

Chatham House kicked off a remarkable five-timer for Hannon when beating Strict Tempo over seven furlongs last time and is down in distance on Saturday.

Richard Hannon: says Chatham House is in very good formCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hannon, who also runs Aim Power in an attempt to win the race for the first time, said: "They've both got nice chances; it is a nice race and a good idea. Chatham House is in very good form and won well last time. It's about time Aim Power ran a good race and can go close to winning."

Can Key turn twice?

No horse has yet won the race twice but many have tried, including Case Key, who was successful in 2017, and Mick Appleby's stalwart is back for a fourth crack.

The six-year-old could manage only 14th a year ago but has been in better form of late, including when beaten just a neck at Yarmouth last month.

Appleby said: "Case Key should run well in it again providing they don't get too much rain. His last couple of runs have been decent and he has a low weight."

Will Coco be stirred?

Case Key bagged the minor placing in this in 2016 before winning it the following year, a sequence that last year's third Glenn Coco is out to match.

One of two runners for sprint ace Stuart Williams, Glenn Coco racked up a four-timer on the all-weather and turf in the spring before having a break before his latest two outings over seven furlongs.

The topweight, who is back to six furlongs for the first time in a year, is joined by his consistent stablemate Lethal Angel.

Williams said: "Glenn Coco is in good form but is up a bit in the weights from last year, which is why Marco Ghiani is riding him to take off a handy 7lb. Lethal Angel is in very good form and it's nice for her to have a crack at a £20,000 race rather than a £10,000 one as she's only rated 70."

Girl power again?

Marjorie Fife did it for the girls when My Amigo won the race a year ago and Rebecca Bastiman has good claims of another female victory with Zumurud, a winner at Catterick last time.

Rebecca Bastiman: has laid out Zumurud for the raceCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The former Charlie Hills trainee was winning for the first time in over a year when obliging that day and will be having his first taste of Newmarket's undulations.

Bastiman said of David Probert's mount: "We've planned this race since he won at Catterick last time and with the rain that is forecast he should get his ideal ground, which is the easy side of good. It's a nice pot for the owners to go for at £20,000 and we are very much looking forward to it."

What the others say

David Egan, rider of Revolutionise
He disappointed a bit last time at the track but if he can bounce back to the form of his win at Windsor before that he would have a chance.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Stewardess
I was half hoping it might be a little easier for her than the prize-money would suggest. That said, the handicapper probably has her and she needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Thirsk last time.

Derek Shaw, trainer of Harbour Vision and Le Manege Enchante
The six furlongs could be on the sharp side for Harbour Vision but the owners were keen to run and hopefully he can nick a place. Le Manege Enchante is well out of the handicap but the owner likes the race and he was placed in it a few years ago.

David Griffiths, trainer of Lucky Beggar
He finished sixth in the race last year and if you forget his last run at Redcar, he goes there with every chance. We're quietly confident.

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