Afaak form with impressive Lincoln winner has punters piling on favourite

Elite Racing Club Supporting Greatwood Spring Cup Handicap | 1m straight | 4yo+ | ITV/RUK

Can Afaak follow Addeybb's lead?

Punters have latched onto Afaak's form with stunning Lincoln winner Addeybb, making him favourite to give trainer Charlie Hills a second win in the race after Captain Bertie in 2012.

The trainer remembers there was a strong word for Addeybb before he beat Afaak in the Silver Cambridgeshire last autumn and described his Lincoln win as "mighty impressive".

Hills said: "We had him half ready to run in the Lincoln but the ground went against him. He's got plenty of scope and is going to be better as a four-year-old."

Is the Lincoln form the strongest on offer?

As always with handicaps it is not that straightforward for Afaak as before his Silver Cambridgeshire performance he could not justify favouritism behind Leader Writer at Ascot in September.

That winner's trainer Henry Spiller is looking for a repeat on a day when his grandmother, a lifelong Newbury member, will be celebrating her 92nd birthday at the races.

The trainer said: "He ran very well from what turned out to be a compromising draw in the Lincoln out of 21 when those in front of him were drawn 11 and lower.

"He's 25 of 25 here but they usually come down the middle and he does like a bit of space so hopefully that will be okay. He's been labelled a soft-ground horse after his Ascot win but I disagree; the ground should be fine for him and I'm expecting a big run."

Repercussion finished three places in front of Leader Writer and his trainer Charlie Fellowes is another who thinks the bare form does not do him justice.

Fellowes explained: "I thought he ran a really good race and didn't get much credit for it. He got the stuffing knocked out of him a furlong out otherwise I think he'd have challenged for second. He's better on better ground and has a nice draw in the middle."

Can Fahey give Marwan Koukash another Cup?

Richard Fahey: runs Gabrial in the Spring Cup on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gabrial was fourth in the Lincoln, three years after he won the Doncaster handicap, after which he was eighth in this race.

His trainer Richard Fahey also has a liking for this Cup, having won three of the last nine.

His last two wins with Gabrial's Kaka (2014 and 2016) were also for owner Marwan Koukash, but Fahey is worried about Gabrial's high draw.

He said: "He's out on a limb in 21, which isn't ideal for him. Hopefully there’s a bit of pace on that will tow him into the race. It could be tough for him from there if the draw isn't in his favour."

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Tony Curtis and George William
Tony Curtis has a great chance. We're trying to get George William back to form. He just lost his way in Dubai but has had a nice break.

Denis Coakley, trainer of Hors De Combat
He's been waiting for the sunshine and better ground since Dubai. If he gets a good run through he'll run a good race.

David Menuisier, trainer of Contrapposto
He's done well and I'm really pleased with him but it's 11 months since he last ran and he'll come on for the run. It's difficult to gauge him as he's never been a work horse at home, leaving it for the afternoon, but he's not ground dependent.

Clive Cox, trainer of Graphite Storm
He likes Newbury and jockeys' opinions were to take the step up in trip with him from seven, but I'd say he'll come forward with the run.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Keyser Soze
The Britannia took a lot out of him and after giving him a break he wasn't going to get his ground and he was going to be better as a four-year-old. That's why he's been off since Ascot. I hope the ground dries out a bit more for him but he's ready to run and hopefully progress through the year.

George Scott, trainer of Gilgamesh
I've always adored him and brought him along gently as he's a giant. This is a big ask for him back on turf, up in trip and after a break, plus he's a top-of-the-ground horse. I wouldn't put anyone off him but I'd also say the races I've really got my eye on are the Victoria Cup and Hunt Cup.

Ed Vaughan, trainer of Prost
He has his summer coat and is in fantastic order. He should get fresh ground from his draw and could run well at a big price.

Jack Channon, assistant trainer of Pattie
She had a good all-weather campaign and I think she'll be better for getting her feet back on the turf. She might have a squeak.

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