'He'll run a big race' - trainers on their hopes for the Cambridgeshire

Saturday: 3.40 Newmarket
bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap | 1m1f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

There is more to life than just Group 1s for championship-chasing trainer William Haggas.

He still takes joy in lifting the traditional big handicaps and has won most of them, from the Lincoln and Victoria Cup in the spring to the Ayr Gold Cup and November Handicap in the autumn, plus numerous others in between.

However, the Cambridgeshire is one that has eluded him, despite numerous attempts – he could manage only fifth with future Eclipse Stakes winner Mukhadram and has had just a couple of places from 16 runners in the past ten years.

But that has just caused him to redouble his efforts and Haggas has both ante-post favourites today – he can be forgiven for thinking that if he doesn't win it this time he never will.

Mujtaba has topped the betting since scoring impressively in a first-time tongue-tie at the St Leger meeting. He was put up 7lb by the handicapper for that fine Doncaster win, which means he is well in under a 4lb penalty here.

"He won really well at Doncaster, he's come out of that great and he has every chance," said Shadwell's assistant racing manager Richard Hills. "They went a good gallop there and the track and strong pace will suit him. You need a horse who stays beyond a mile and one."

Stablemate Protagonist has been more of a springer in the market, backed in from double-figure odds a week ago.

Punters have clearly taken a shine to the progressive form he has shown in just three starts since joining Haggas from Jessica Harrington, winning the last twice and hinting at better still to come.

He will be ridden by Tom Marquand, who said: "He just got up on the line at Doncaster and then improved on that by winning pretty well at Sandown.

"He'll have to be a very progressive type to be winning the Cambridgeshire but he's certainly not without ability and hopefully is still improving and has not found his mark yet."

'He's got the right profile'

It takes a good three-year-old to win the Cambridgeshire, or even go close, and one-time Derby contender Savvy Victory has always been seen as a class horse.

Beating your elders here is no easy task and the last two winners from the Classic generation went on to score in Group company, as has last season's similarly aged runner-up Anmaat.

That is a feasible future for Savvy Victory, who was well enough thought of at the start of the year to go on trial for Epsom in the Chester Vase.

Sean Woods: 'He's well in himself and in really good order'Credit: David Carr

Although he could not match Changingoftheguard and New London there, the colt has shown trainer Sean Woods was right to have faith in him since being switched to handicaps, going down narrowly at Doncaster to Protagonist, who reopposes on terms 4lb worse here, and then winning with authority at Goodwood.

Savvy Victory is officially 2lb well in under a 4lb penalty and Woods said: "He's well in himself and is in really good order. He comes into the race off a lovely win, although he could do with a bit more rain.

"He's got the right profile and he shows us enough speed to suggest he'll be fine over nine furlongs."

What they say

Marcus Tregoning, trainer of Perotto
He's been picking up place money in Listed and Group races but this will suit him much better as he'll get the strong pace he needs.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Injazati
The more rain the better. He didn't stay a mile and a half at Windsor last time and this stiff mile and one will suit him well. He's run well on the track and I'd like to think there's still more to come.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Notre Belle Bete and Kitsune Power
Kitsune Power brings a nice profile to the race and arguably should have won five races this term as he was unlucky at both Goodwood and Newmarket. Provided the ground stays good he should run a nice race as his form is strong. Notre Belle Bete would outrun his odds if there is some cut in the ground as he's been underperforming on quick ground of late.

George Boughey, trainer of Totally Charming
He'd need a little more rain to be very competitive but he's a good horse fresh and he's had plenty of time off with this race in mind. He's in super shape.

William Jarvis, trainer of Arqoob
He's an interesting contender and could outrun his odds. His form ties in with Protagonist and Dual Identity and he'll be suited by the strong pace.

William Knight, trainer of Dual Identity
He's in really good nick and I'm excited to be running him. I've seen the improvement in him at home in the second half of the season. If there's a bit of juice in the ground he'll run a big race.

Ed Walker, trainer of Caradoc
He's come down to a good mark and this strongly run nine furlongs should be ideal, but he's not getting any younger.

Cambridgeshire analysis: What does the Cambridgeshire draw mean for favourite Mujtaba? (£)

Saturday's race previews:

1.35 Curragh: Aidan O'Brien saddles two in bid for staggering 22nd Beresford Stakes win

1.50 Newmarket: Can Appleby's Royal Lodge luck change with classy juvenile Flying Honours?

2.25 Newmarket: 'She's as good as Tiggy Wiggy' - who will come out on top in the Cheveley Park?

3.00 Newmarket: 'There's more to come' - Marshman and Blackbeard face off in classy Middle Park

3.20 Curragh: 'She has a proper shout' - who wants to be a millionaire at the Curragh?

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