Juvenile puzzle: how the big race works and which horses to follow

3.35 Newbury
Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes | 5f | 2yo | ITV3

What are its origins and how does it work?

The race was introduced in 1991 for horses sold as yearlings by public auction for less than a specified price.

Initially called the Newbury Sales Super Sprint Trophy, the brains behind the concept were Lord Carnarvon and Richard Hannon snr, and the race quickly became established as a popular cavalry charge up the Berkshire straight.

The weight carried by a Super Sprint horse is determined by its sale price, with 1lb deducted for each £3,000 below the maximum value.

Has it been won by any stars?

Paris House, the first winner of the race when justifying 5-4 favouritism in 1991, developed into a high-class sprinter for Jack Berry, landing the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes later that season and the Group 2 Temple Stakes as a four-year-old. He also finished second to Lochsong in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes.

Lyric Fantasy, the winner in 1992, and affectionately known by the racing public as “the pocket rocket”, took the Nunthorpe that same year, while 2014 heroine Tiggy Wiggy went on to win the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes.

Lyric Fantasy: won the Super Sprint en route to success in the Group 1 NunthorpeCredit: Mark Canham

Who are the trainers to follow?

Not surprisingly, given its origins, the Richard Hannon stable has excelled in the race, winning it eight times via Lyric Fantasy (1992), Risky (1993), Miss Stamper (1996), Presto Vento (2002), If Paradise (2003), Lady Livius (2005), Monsieur Chevalier (2009) and Tiggy Wiggy (2014).

In recent years Richard Fahey has often been multiply represented in the race, and scooped the prize with Peniaphobia (2013) and Lathom (2015).

Where is the best place to be drawn?

The general perception is that the best place to be drawn is close to the pace. However, the last five winners have all raced from a double-figure draw – Mrs Danvers (13), Lathom (15), Tiggy Wiggy (14), Peniaphobia (10) and Body And Soul (21) – so connections of those runners with a single-figure draw may feel disappointed.

Who are the horses to focus on?

Chepstow winner Debutante’s Ball, drawn 20 of 25, finished fifth in a Deauville Group 3 last time. She could run a huge race for Stan Moore with just 8st 1lb on her back.

Corinthia Knight, who races from stall 17, was by no means disgraced in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and should also give a good account for young trainer Archie Watson, while ante-post favourite Maggies Angel takes the eye from a ratings perspective.

Archie Watson: saddles Corinthia Knight

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Zalshah, Glaceon and Lexington Grace
Zalshah didn’t like the soft ground last time at Lingfield. He can deal with cut but doesn’t want it too soft. He has plenty of speed and will be allowed to roll along. He's a nice horse but this looks a tough test for him. Glaceon has worked very well at home but hasn’t done it on the track yet. She might have a small chance of finishing in the money. Lexington Grace would be one of the most experienced in the field. She's been running over further, but I have put the blinkers on here and hopefully she'll be passing horses late on.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Inviolable Spirit, Requinto Dawn, Bengali Boys, Danehill Desert and Maggies Angel
Maggies Angel is well in on ratings and any rain will help her. She's probably better over six furlongs but I hope she'll get away with it on slower ground. Requinto Dawn has got to find a bit more to win but goes into the race in great order. Danehill Desert looks up against it on official ratings. I’d be delighted if he finished in the first ten and picked up some prize-money. Inviolable Spirit has been gelded since his last run. We’re very happy with him and he’d have a chance of a place. I wouldn’t rule Bengali Boys out from finishing in the first four either. He brings some rock-solid form to the table and is getting better with experience.

Archie Watson, trainer of Corinthia Knight
He's been in very good order since Ascot, where he was drawn on the wrong side, and has only 8st 7lb to carry. His overall form is solid.

Clive Cox, Swing Out Sister
She ran a promising race first time and qualifies well for this race. She's come forward for that run but wouldn’t want the ground too soft.

William Haggas, trainer of One For June
One For June wouldn't want any rain at Newbury but dropping back to five furlongs may help blunt the others’ speed in those circumstances. She has a bit to do at the weights but is a sporting outsider.

Joe Tuite, trainer of Mother Of Dragons
I don’t think stall three will help her as most of the fancied horses are drawn high. She goes to Newbury in the form of her life and we’ve aimed at this race since Ascot. I’m just a bit worried about the draw.

Charlie McBride, trainer of Onefootinparadise
She’s in great form and has run some nice races this year. We’ve set her out for the Super Sprint and expect her to put up a good show. The ground won’t be a problem and, while she has a bit to find on ratings, I think she's capable of finishing in the first four.