Hackwood Stakes: five things to look out for in the Group 3 sprint

3.00 Newbury
bet365 Hackwood Stakes l Group 3 l 6f | 3yo+ | ITV3/RUK

Frankie Dettori returns to domestic Group action with a favourite's chance in a sprint contest he won on the smart Deacon Blue six years ago. He has a 50 per cent strike-rate on Magical Memory but there are 12 others out to stop the party. Here are a few key things for punters to consider . . .

Frankie returns to give quiet Saturday a boost

Frankie Dettori makes his latest cameo appearance as he continues to fully recover from a shoulder problem with three rides at the Berkshire track, including likely Charlie Hills-trained favourite Magical Memory in this sprint feature, on whom he was unbeaten from July 2015 to May 2016.

These are his first domestic mounts since Newmarket on July 13 as he nears a full-time return from the injury he sustained at Yarmouth last month. During his spell on the sidelines, Magical Memory was partnered by Andrea Atzeni to land a conditions event at Haydock.

On his latest return, Dettori said: "I feel as good as gold. I've just taken a week off as there isn't much happening and there are Class 6 races all over the place.

"I've been riding out every day and I'm looking forward to three rides at Newbury. Magical Memory is a good old horse and we've had some good times together, including winning a Group 2 at York last year. He goes there with a good chance."

Koropick out to boost Battaash form

Only one three year-old has won this in the past decade – Strath Burn in 2015 – but Koropick heads four hopefuls from the Classic generation aiming to boost the stats.

You have to go even further back to find a runner of that age group that defied a 3lb penalty, which this son of Kodiac picked up for defeating the reopposing Intisaab in the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle last time.

Before that, the Hugo Palmer-trained horse chased home rising star Battaash in a Listed contest at Sandown.

Palmer, who also fields Gifted Master, said: "Koropick has come on physically since Newcastle but has a 3lb penalty to carry, which isn't ideal. The three-year-old sprint programme is a bit barren after Royal Ascot and there aren't that many options."

Master to show the juniors how it's done?

The returning Gifted Master has his first domestic outing of the year after a spring on the sick list.

The four-year-old is back over his most productive trip for the first time in more than a year after two modest efforts over a mile at the Dubai Carnival.

Palmer said: "Gifted Master was very sick in the spring but he's working well again now and always goes well fresh.

"We've had a few big names sidelined this year so it'll be nice to see him back on track and hopefully it'll set him up for an autumn campaign."

Could be a notable first for Hannons

Despite their skills with sprinters the Hannons have never won this contest, although they often have a runner in it, and are doubly represented this time around with Eqtiraan and Tupi.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: "Eqtiraan won nicely last time at Salisbury in a Listed event over this trip. He's in great order and as long as it doesn’t come up too soft he should run well.

"Tupi is another who I hope there isn’t too much rain for. He's been in great form this year, winning the Cammidge Trophy at the beginning of the year before running extremely well in the Diamond Jubilee. If he's at his best, he should take plenty of beating."

Three and easy for Haggas?

William Haggas would register a record-equalling third success in the race if Raucous obliges following High Society (2009) and Heeraat (2013).

The four-year-old was sent off favourite for the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot last time but could finish only eighth, although he was third in his group on the stands' rail.

Haggas said: "Raucous is very well and finished third in the race last year. He goes on any ground and should run his usual race."