Could we be in for another burn-up in the Huxley Stakes? Robbie Wilders predicts plenty of pace in the race

Last season’s fiercely run Huxley Stakes saw one of the great Chester performances with Passenger lowering the track record by 1.91secs. With the make-up of this field, another honest pace seems a certainty. 

The Foxes’s most recent victory came under forceful tactics at Newcastle. That is Bolster’s preferred style. Cairo and Certain Lad both led last time, while Liberty Lane and Deepone also race prominently. 

Even connections of Space Legend, who was held up on his past three starts, may be seeking a more positive early approach from his low starting berth given his ability to stay further. 

It is clear why The Foxes is a warm favourite. He has the rail draw and a fitness edge over the returning Bolster, Deepone and Space Legend, while he has performed with credit on an international stage on his last two outings behind global stars Rebel’s Romance and Romantic Warrior.

However, The Foxes has been inconsistent since his Dante victory over White Birch two years ago. On adjusted Racing Post Ratings, he also doesn’t have much in hand over Bolster and Liberty Lane, nor the veteran Certain Lad, who is 11-46 and winless at this level. 

Deepone: has only made it to the track once since winning the 2023 Beresford StakesCredit: Patrick McCann

Lightly raced four-year-olds Space Legend and Deepone are two to consider against the favourite. Stamina will come to the fore if there is an early burn-up and Space Legend, whose close fourth in the Great Voltigeur reads well, may derive some benefit from a gelding operation. 

Deepone is equally unexposed, having raced only once since a promising juvenile campaign that culminated in his dismissal of a bulky Ballydoyle challenge in the Beresford Stakes.

Deepone’s pedigree is all about middle distances and few trainers can boast the strike-rate of Paddy Twomey, whose confidence in this horse is implied by two Group 1 entries over the next six weeks.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

'He'll like the good ground and he stays well'

The Foxes certainly clocked up the airmiles towards the end of last season and over the winter, running a fine race behind the all-conquering Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Cup, before finding only Rebel's Romance too strong in the rearranged Amir's Sword in Qatar. 

The Foxes chases home Rebel's Romance in the Amir TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Andrew Balding gave him plenty of time to recover after everything went wrong in last April's Earl of Sefton Stakes and he was not seen again until August, since when his overall level of form has returned to the level that saw him outpoint White Birch and Passenger in the 2023 Dante.

"We wanted to give him a bit of a break as he'd run in November, December and February," said King Power Racing adviser Alastair Donald. "He's freshened up and this looks a good spot for him. He should handle the track okay, he's quite versatile. He'll like the quick ground, he's got a good draw and he stays well. There are probably some question marks about some of the others on quick ground."

What they say

Karl Burke, trainer of Bolster and Liberty Lane
They're in great form and have been ready to run for ages. I'm delighted with the ground, which has been watered, as I was worried it would be too quick. They should both love the track.

Alice Haynes, trainer of Cairo
He's been fresh and well. I think he'll like the track and the small field. We're delighted to see the sun out and there are some others in there who would like some cut so hopefully they don't water.

William Haggas, trainer of Space Legend
We're dropping him back in trip. He's been doing well, looks well and he's fit and ready to run.
Reporting by Scott Burton

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