'He's never had any luck in heritage handicaps, so we're aiming a bit higher'

Saturday: 3.15 Newmarket
Jenningsbet Hopeful Stakes (Listed) | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

It feels like an age since we last saw the word 'soft' in a going description at a British track, but the heavens opened on Thursday and the sprinters contesting the Hopeful Stakes are likely to encounter a slow surface. The key to this race revolves around how much the ground at Newmarket's July course dries out.

Summerghand will have his admirers. The old boy had been slipping down the ratings after a series of respectable efforts in top handicaps this summer, but he bounced back to form with a game success at York last weekend. That was his first triumph since he landed this race last season on good to firm ground, and he does handle a slower surface.

The two market leaders have questions to answer. Early favourite Great Ambassador has twice been withdrawn on account of soft going, while Daneh drops to a sprinting trip for the first time on her first run in a year.

There are two fillies who make some appeal at bigger odds and one is the out-of-form Vadream, who has recorded two of her three best runs on Racing Post Ratings at Ascot on softish ground. She could enjoy a resurgence, but there are a couple of negatives as Charlie Fellowes has a 0-13 record when applying first-time cheekpieces and rider Harry Davies is unable to utilise his 5lb claim.

The value may instead be with the forgotten Mo Celita. The Adrian Nicholls-trained four-year-old has disappointed in two starts this term, but she needs soft ground and is not far off Group 1 level when the cards fall right. Fourth in the Prix de l'Abbaye on heavy four starts back, Mo Celita benefits from the presence of Frankie Dettori in the saddle for the first time and may spring a surprise.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Ed Walker, trainer Great Ambassador
It's been very frustrating with him being handicapped, so hopefully he can get back to winning ways. It's a competitive Listed race as you'd expect, but he's in cracking form and I think he'll have a great chance in getting his head in front. At Goodwood he won his race on his side despite interference, and it was a huge run. He's never had any luck in heritage handicaps, so we're aiming a bit higher.

John Ryan, trainer of Manaccan
He performed well at Ascot last time and I don't see six furlongs being a real problem. He won his maiden over six at Goodwood and is capable at this distance. My only issue would be the ground because at the moment they're saying it's soft, but we've had a dry morning and it's warm today so it'll be interesting to see what it's like before the race. Although he doesn't mind running on soft ground, it wouldn't be as suitable as if he was running on a faster surface, but he's in good order and is fit and well. The plan has been to come here and hopefully it's the right race.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Vadream
She's not had the year we've hoped for. All three runs have been disappointing, but we're hoping the change of ground will bring out the ability we know she has. She loved soft ground last year and her work at home has been really good. None of the signs at home show that she can't retain the ability she showed last year and hopefully the conditions will turn her fortunes around.

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Daneh
She's been off for a year, but she's trained well for this. Six furlongs should suit on her first start back. It looked like a suitable race.
Reporting by Liam Headd

Saturday previews:

1.50 Goodwood: can Charlie Appleby complete a quickfire hat-trick of juvenile Group-race wins?

2.40 Beverley: 'We've targeted this race' – can Tis Marvellous win the Beverley Bullet again?

3.00 Goodwood: 'We have him in a good place' – Boughey confident in St Leger hope Hoo Ya Mal

3.35 Goodwood: 'He has a good chance' – Charlie Hills eyeing glory with unlucky Mutasaabeq

4.15 Curragh: 'He's in the form of his life' - Harrington seeks second Cambridgeshire success

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