'He's a good fit for this race' - can Khanjar end favourite hoodoo in handicap?

Thursday: 3.00 Newmarket
Bet Boost At bet365 Handicap | 6f | 3yo | ITV3/RTV

The 'Group horse in a handicap' trope is well into the realms of cliche and races like this show why it is so glib. At least one future Group-class sprinter almost always graduates from this handicap.

More immediately, it is a strong pointer towards the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood later this month. Magical Memory and Dancing Star, winners in 2015 and 2016, landed the Stewards' Cup on their next run. The high ratings floor at Goodwood is the main thing to have prevented more making the same journey.

If Khanjar were to win off 94, he would surely get a run in the Stewards' Cup. He went off favourite for a maiden at Glorious Goodwood last year and, on his handicap debut and seasonal reappearance last time, he won at Ripon like a potential black-type performer, while suggesting he would have learned plenty from the experience. This is naturally a tougher race. He beat a progressive rival (the reopposing Azure Blue) at Ripon and William Haggas has previous for hot-housing some good prospects at that unique track.

Juddmonte are represented by Deodar, who comes with a significant reputation and is one of a handful in the field dropping back from seven furlongs. My personal opinion is that Bosh has more pressing claims to be a sprinter in disguise.

This race often ties in with York's big charity sprint in June, won this year by Harry Three. The winner holds a Sprint Cup entry, so this year the form is represented by Lethal Levi (fourth), Admiral D (sixth) Atomic Lady (ninth), Ingra Tor (11th) and Showtime Mahomes (18th). Of those, the most interesting may be Lethal Levi, who did not get the run of things when a neck second here next time, and Ingra Tor. He won a hot race on the Rowley Mile on Guineas weekend and is a strapping sort who will likely be better suited to this track than York.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Hills: Ripon did Khanjar world of good

Just one favourite has won this valuable three-year-old handicap since the turn of the millennium but even the most ardent of trends followers would struggle to dismiss the compelling claims of market leader Khanjar.

The Shadwell Estate-owned sprinter returned with an impressive three-length success at Ripon last month, recording a Racing Post Rating of 101 that would have been good enough to land the last three runnings of this event.

Connections feel the North Yorkshire track was not ideal for the two-time winner either, and with the benefit of that reappearance and form of trainer William Haggas, there is lots to like about his chance.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Shadwell Estate, said: "He did well at Ripon, which is a track that didn’t overly suit him as he’s a nice long-striding horse. That run has done him the world of good and he’s a good fit for this race. It’s competitive but he should like the decent ground and William’s horses have been in great form."

The Pat Eddery-ridden Feet So Fast, trained by Willie Musson, was the last winning favourite in 2002.

What they say

Rossa Ryan, rider of Witch Hunter
He'll have come forward for his Windsor run and looks great at home. He’s hopefully drawn well [stall six], will like the quick ground and Mr [Richard] Hannon wouldn’t be going there if he didn’t think he had a chance.

Karl Burke, trainer of Aasser and Lethal Levi
Aasser definitely has lots of ability and is capable in a race like this off his mark. Lethal Levi keeps improving. He’s sneaking up the handicap but goes there with a chance.

Karl Burke: runs Aasser and Lethal LeviCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Anadora
She has good form from two three-year-old handicaps in the spring, goes there in good form and I’m hopeful she'll handle the track.

Mick Easterby, joint-trainer of Le Beau Garcon
He should run well. It was a good run on his return at Musselburgh and the ground at Newmarket should be perfect. We had the option of York on Friday, but this is a big race with good prize-money. He should be fine over six furlongs but you don’t know until you try.

Grant Tuer, trainer of Showtime Mahomes
We feel he's still on a decent mark. He disappointed last time and we’re not really sure why but if he reproduces the form of his previous win at York he could run well in a competitive race.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

Read these previews:

1.50 Newmarket: Andrea Atzeni confident Masekela can give Derby form another boost

2.25 Newmarket: Persian Force or Little Big Bear: who will come out on top in red-hot Group 2?

3.35 Newmarket: Breeders' Cup hero Yibir out to show his class before another trip Stateside

8.00 Leopardstown: 'The track and trip will suit' - is quick compensation in store for Rosscarbery?

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets