Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Ascot BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3, 1m4f, 3yo+) horse racing event.
The William Haggas stable features two veteran runners: the seven-year-old Al Aasy and the eight-year-old Hamish. Al Aasy finished fifth in this event last year despite being the favourite. This season, he has made three starts, beginning with a second place in the Steventon Stakes in July, followed by two Group 3 victories.
Hamish has been out four times this year. He kicked off with a Group 3 win but hasn't triumphed since, finishing fifth in his latest outing on Kempton's all-weather track.
Salt Bay has also raced four times this season but is yet to claim a win. His closest finish was a narrow second in the Grand Cup Stakes at York, losing by just a short head to Klondike. Having won only once in his debut race back in September 2022, his chances of adding a second career win this Saturday appear slim.
Al Qareem, trained by Karl Burke, claimed victory in this race last year. The five-year-old gelding has had a busy season with seven starts, including a dominant win in the Stand Cup Stakes on September 14, where he led from start to finish and faced no real competition. He's at 2/1 on Unibet to repeat his previous success.
