Hopeful Stakes (Sponsored By Blackwell Earthmoving) (Listed Race)
| Pos | Horse / Form | Age/Wgt | Jockey / Trainer | OR | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
4y 129 lbs |
Dylan Hogan James Tate |
98 | 40/1 | |
| 🥉 3rd |
4y 129 lbs |
Joe Leavy Hugo Palmer |
104 | 9/1 | |
| 🥈 2nd |
4y 129 lbs |
David Probert Charles Hills |
105 | 4/1 | |
| 🥇 1st |
4y 129 lbs |
Pat Dobbs Marco Botti |
111 | 6/4F | |
| 7 |
6y 129 lbs |
Silvestre De Sousa Stuart Williams |
107 | 11/2 | |
| 5 |
3y 129 lbs |
Connor Planas Charlie Appleby |
110 | 7/2 | |
| 6 |
3y 121 lbs |
Ashley Lewis(3) Ed Walker |
103 | 20/1 |
Elarak arrives here on a progressive profile that suggests his rating of 107 may understate his current ability, and on good-to-firm ground over six furlongs at Newmarket he looks capable of outrunning his position in the pecking order. Quinault is the top-rated runner on 113, six points clear of our selection on paper, and cannot be dismissed lightly, while Prince Of India and Words Of Truth also pose genuine threats in what is a competitive Class 1 field. The case for Elarak rests on trajectory rather than established superiority, and connections will be hoping his upward curve continues at the right moment. The selection is Elarak.