Hackwood Stakes 2012

3.10 Newbury

chrisbeekracing.com Stakes (Registered As The Hackwood Stakes) (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £31,190

Advice: 2 pts win Maarek (2/1 general)

Definightly: Has been having a wonderful time of it with wet summer and compensation rewarded in form of drifting runner up and excellent ride when landing 5f Irish Group 3; Return to this trip should suit and even with penalty has to be respected here.

Maarek: Made up into group class sprinter over the last year, following up Wokingham sixth of massive weight with ready, if not an easy in the end success in Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle last time out; Just thriving at the moment, clearly better on this surface and even with the penalty, is going to take the beating today and rates the one to beat.

Elnawin: Shown that ability which saw him bolt up in Salisbury Listed event by 6 lengths last summer on ground similar to this the last twice (injured since) and this trip sure to suit more than the 5f at Sandown; This does demand just as much of him though, so others preferred.

Firebeam: Kickstarted progression last year with 6 furlong maiden win on soft ground at Lingfield (victory was expected but still impressive); and improved to point where he went close on return in 7f Listed event on return  at Haydock; Went too fast too soon when only eight at Longchamp last time and this should suit more, so high on list.

Mirza: Landed handicaps over here and at Newmarket at 5f and 6f respectively before taking Cork Listed event; Held on Newmarket 6f handicap form behind Maarek and on Curragh form latest and while conditions likely to suit him, others appeal as having more lefty in the tank.

Morache Music: Ran a screamer when fourth in the Wokingham (ahead of Maarek, only slightly) before being tuned over last week in Haydock conditions event by now Stewards’ Cup favourite Albeen Star; Soft ground won’t hurt but others make slightly more appeal here; More pace than win shout.

Oasis Dancer: Might be best forgiven his run in the Wokingham (that his first run since March) and three time Polytack winner in the winter but not sure he wants it this slow which isn’t going to help him.

Regal Parade: Had lost a little of his touch (Dual Group 1 winner in past for Dandy Nicholls) but good run on first start for Milton Bradley when fifth behind Maarek last time and one would feel that he might be better closer to pace; 3lbs better off with winter than day so should go well.

Soul: Listed and Group 2 winner in Australia (at home on soft ground, and did beat Buffering on ground which was described as heavy) who won 6f handicap in Dubai off advantageous mark of 109 before looking exposed next twice; Brave run from front when fourth in Diamond Jubilee.

VERDICT: Soul sets a high standard based on his fourth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and should be hard to beat – he’s got good form on heavy – but there was something about the way MAAREK won the Chipchase Stakes that suggested he’s a group class sprinter and has been for a while, and with the ground having turned up for him once again he should take the beating here. Firebeam, Regal Parade, and Definightly all make each/way and place appeal, with William Haggas’s runner tempting as an each/way option given that he clearly didn’t show his best last time at Longchamp.