Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Newbury 1m5½f Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo+) horse racing event.
Wine Dark Sea has won a couple of minor handicaps, but was a beaten favourite in the Betway Trophy (Heritage Handicap) at Newmarket last time out, finishing fifth. He has never previously competed at Group level.
Gamrai is another newcomer to Group company. Now a gelding, he has been producing some solid results. He won a handicap on the all weather at Kempton and finished runner up on his other two starts. His latest outing came in the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he was beaten by just a head.
The three year old Rebel Rocker has raced exclusively at Epsom this season. He finished second in the Blue Riband Trial Stakes (Listed Race) before coming home sixth in the Derby itself. He faces slightly easier opposition here, although this will be his first attempt at the distance.
Mount Atlas finished second in both the Goliath Cup Stakes (Listed Race) and the Ormonde Stakes (Group 3) before making two appearances at York. He was third in the Grand Cup Stakes (Listed Race) and then went on to win the Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3).
Tabletalk began his campaign by finishing second in the Red Sea Turf Handicap (Group 2) in Riyadh before a less impressive effort over two miles in the Sagaro Stakes (Group 3), where he came home fifth. He then made two starts at York, meeting Mount Atlas on both occasions. He finished second ahead of him in the Grand Cup Stakes, before going down by a head to Mount Atlas in the Silver Cup Stakes despite starting as favourite.
Dubai Honour is eight and the oldest runner in the field. He has made his customary two starts in Australia this year. At Rosehill, he finished second by a neck in the Kia Tancred Stakes (Group 1), a race he won last year, before coming home fourth in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) at Randwick. He had previously contested the Queen Elizabeth Stakes twice, winning it in 2023 and finishing second last year. Despite his lengthy career, this will be his first start beyond a mile and a half. Even with a slight dip in form, he remains a major threat in this company and gets our vote at 6/4 with bet365.
