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Strong hand for William Haggas in weekend Ascot feature

3 minute read

Roberto Escobarr one of five possibles for Newmarket trainer in valuable handicap.

Trainer : William Haggas
Trainer : William Haggas Picture: Pat Healy Photography

William Haggas can choose from five interesting entries for the £80,000 Lavazza Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Roberto Escobarr , sixth in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, is the highest-rated of all the 22 possibles for the mile-and-a-half Heritage Handicap.

A Star Above, who was fourth in the Melrose Handicap on the Knavesmire, is being considered by the Newmarket-based handler along with Al Qaqaa, Favorite Moon and the hat-trick-seeking Star Of Wins – giving Haggas plenty of food for thought ahead of the most valuable race on the card.

Among a host of unexposed types in a 22-strong entry are Sir Michael Stoute's dual victor My Frankel, Richard Hannon's three-time scorer Mambo Nights, Simon and Ed Crisford's duo of Without A Fight and Labeebb.

Haggas is responsible for three of the 18 entries for the Ritz Club British EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap over a mile.

His trio consists of course and distance victor Manaabit, Oti Ma Boati, who has won both her starts so far this term, and Tomorrow's Dream, another two-time winner this season.

Roger Varian's consistent four-year-old Salayel and the Marco Botti-trained Pretty In Grey, winner of her last four races, are among other possibles.

Accidental Agent, the 2018 Queen Anne Stakes winner, is among 41 entries for the Cunard Handicap over seven furlongs.

Should Eve Johnson Houghton let the six-year-old take his chance it would be the first time he has run in a handicap since he was fourth in the Balmoral Handicap at the Berkshire track in October 2017.

Jamie Osborne has put in four-time course winner Raising Sand, while other possible contenders include the John Gosden's Al Rufaa, winner of his last three races, and Roger Charlton's Blue Mist.

Richard Hannon has seven in the mix – Endowed, Fox Champion, Manigordo, Oh This Is Us, Tabarrak, Typhoon Ten and Yafta.


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