Ground looks perfect for Poppy at Newbury
Picking a winner in a horse race isn’t an exact science despite people dedicating countless amounts of hours to the cause.
That being said Poppy and Wiqaaya should be the stand-out horses in the Louis and Valerie Freedman Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Newbury. Poppy was beaten by two lengths by Dark Secret in her only start earlier in the month but didn’t look outclassed. She should improve today and, with champion jockey challenger Richard Hughes taking the ride, she stands a good chance.
Wiqaaya, like Poppy, is taking part in only her second race after finishing seven lengths behind winner Sweet Cecily, who managed to beat Hooray at Newbury earlier this year. That experience should make her better but with Poppy running on softer ground before, she looks the one to beat.
Hughes might find himself on another winner in the first division of the Heaton-Ellis Trust EBF Maiden Stakes. He takes the ride on Puttingonthestyle and the Desert Style half-brother to Brae Hill who, if he improves, should be the main horse to beat. The selection didn’t get a clear run at Newmarket last time out, finishing 3¾ lengths behind the leader, and that race experience should play a big part here.
The second division could be William Buick’s for the taking on Fennica. Bred from a family that includes Observatory, High Praise and Terrestrial (all winners on debut) the John Gosden and Buick combination should again reap the rewards.
Seasonal Cross might be worth a punt in the Newbury Opus Energy Handicap. She’s off top weight despite average performances in her last two outings with Hayley Turner on board. Kieren Fallon takes the ride today and that can be seen as a major positive. Consider that her last two outings came against stronger opposition; Seasonal Cross looks like a fair shout.
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