Hackwood Stakes Guide

1. Keystroke

T - Stuart Williams

J - P J McDonald

Decent horse on the all-weather, winning on his 2019 comeback from injury in January at Kempton.

Despite finishing last in a hot Listed race at Wolverhampton, he absolutely flew home on his first turf start in Britain for three years when landing the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket at odds of 66/1.

No good in the Diamond Jubilee, but the drop in class is very much a plus.

2. Waldpfad

T - D Moser

J - Andrea Atzeni

European raider, who is making his first start outside of Germany on what will be his eighth career appearance.

Raced twice this year as a five-year-old, this son of Shamardal was second on return at Dresden, before winning the Holstein Cup at Hamburg earlier this month.

Well worth ago here with a decent jockey booking.

3. Donjuan Triumphant

T - Andrew Balding

J - Silvestre De Sousa

Yard needing a lift after last weekend's circumstances, and have a useful player here in the shape of Donjon Triumphant.

Finishing third in last year's Qipco British Champion Sprint Stakes at Ascot, he used the similar conditions to pounce to a victory at Doncaster to close the season.

He got his rain-softened surface last time out at Hamilton when just a length-and-a-half down on old foe Brando, and could set him up nicely for this if the heavens open.

4. Projection

T - Roger Charlton

J - Jason Watson

Last of ten on return in a Group Two at York in May, and could not make it inside the top ten of the Diamond Jubilee field.

In fairness, he did not get the best of runs, but was hard to see him really challenging the principles at the end.

This is less hot but he needs a big step-up on his current form to enter the frame.

5. Snazzy Jazzy

T - Clive Cox

J - Adam Kirby

Trainer and jockey in useful form, and combine here with the four-year-old Snazzy Jazzy who won in that sort of style courtesy of a dead heat a Salisbury last time out.

The son of Red Jazz took off inside the final furlong to join the leader on the line with a real burst of speed.

Form has sadly not worked out, but will be confident to continue his own good winning run in the last ten months.

Chance.

6. The Tin Man

T - James Fanshawe

J - Oisin Murphy

A wonderful servant to James Fanshawe over the years, The Tin Man still looks as though he has a big-race in his locker.

He was third on return at Windsor to Dream Of Dreams - who went closest to Blue Point at Royal Ascot in the Diamond Jubilee; a race The Tin Man ran on strongly in but just too late in the day.

A creditable effort, these conditions looks ideal and another bold bid is expected.

7. Barbill

T - Mick Channon

J - tbc

Unlikely player here emerging from the handicap route.

This heavily raced three-year-old finished fifth to Pass The Vino at Newmarket last week, bettering his recent summer efforts.

Probably due a break soon, and has only won twice since winning debut fourteen months ago - both of those across the borders.

Looks tough for him.

8. Khaadem

T - Charlie Hills

J - Jim Crowley

Won the Listed Carnavon Stakes at Newbury on Lockinge day in great style for Charlie Hills, but never really made an impression in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot.

Lightly race son of Dark Angel who may have plenty more to give, and represents the colours of Hamdan Al Maktoum who has had and currently has some great sprinters.

Hills is involved in some of those, so not to give up on whatsoever and should be more to come.

9. Oxted

T - Roger Teal

J - David Probert

Roger Teal has not had too much to shout about recently, but even with his lack of high-class runners, he has managed three from nine in the last fortnight.

Acting at a 33% strike rate, Oxted has had three career starts, most recently finishing second here to Khaadem in the Carnarvon Stakes when just being denied in the latter stages.

Won at Salisbury earlier this season, and capable of better.

10. Recon Mission

T - Tony Carroll

J - Robert Winston

Drawn in one, Recon Mission has been in solid form this season for Tony Carroll, finally prevailing fourth time lucky in 2019 at York in a big handicap.

Ran well for a long way in the Dash at Epsom at the beginning of June until fading late after much jostling for positions.

Was second to Leodis Dream at Chester earlier in the campaign - who has won many times this season, so all the signs there that he should go close.