Newbury Racecourse: 25 declared for Weatherbys Super Sprint with Get It the favourite
Lambourn based Clive Cox is aiming to win THE Weatherbys Super Sprint for the first time with Get It, who was most recently placed fourth in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and is a general 5-1 joint favourite for the race with betting partner, bet365.
The Weatherbys Super Sprint is Newbury's 2.50pm race in Sunday's eight race card. Newbury is also hosting a nine race card on Saturday (18 July) - all behind closed doors.
Having come closest to winning the event in 2001 with Online Investor, Cox is looking forward to seeing Get It line up in the £150,000 contest at Newbury on Sunday 19 July. Drawn 15, a positive for the trainer, the Andrew-Cohen owned colt, will carry 8st 9lb and will be ridden by Liam Keniry.
“We were really pleased with him at Ascot because he had to work hard from a low draw. He had a proper race and the form has worked out well since with Tactical winning the Group 2 Tattersalls July Stakes.” Cox said.
“He does like top of the ground, but you always need a bit of luck with a big field. He’s got tactical speed and experience which will stand him in good stead.”
Another hoping for a first win in the race is trainer, Tom Clover, who has the added pressure of training Soldierpoy for The Shimplingthorne Syndicate which includes his mother, Jackie and brothers Josh and Charlie. Soldierpoy, a winner at Thirsk on his most recent start, is a 14-1 shot.
“We have a bit to find with the likes of Get It and Happy Romance, but he’s a strong traveller and I think a race like this might suit him,” said Clover. “As long as he behaves himself in the stalls he can run a big race. It would be lovely to think he can outrun his odds and place.”
Jason Watson who partners Soldierpoy on Sunday added: “The Weatherbys Super Sprint is a great opportunity for young horses to earn big money. I had the opportunity to ride Soldierpoy before at Windsor and I think running off 8st 6, with draw 21 gives us a hopeful chance of running a big race.”
The ground is currently Good, watered. Keith Ottesen is Newbury's Clerk of the Course: “We’ve put on a little bit of water to hold the good going. We have a sunny day forecast on Friday and when we race on Saturday it will start as good ground. There’s some light rain due overnight on Saturday so that should keep us on mainly good ground.”
Pat Cooney, bet365 said: “The market is headed by Get It and Happy Romance who both ran well at Royal Ascot and look to have the best form. In addition, both seem well drawn in stall 15 and 16 respectively.
“However, there are many less exposed runners with chances that have also attracted support, notably Kevin Ryan’s Tinochio and Michael Bells Lullaby Romance, so all is set for yet another thrilling finish to the Weatherbys Super Sprint.”
ITV Racing will be including four of Newbury's Saturday races on ITV4, and will also be showing four races - including the Weatherbys Super Sprint - on their Sunday ITV4 programme.