A competitive renewal of the Hackwood Stakes brings together a blend of established Group performers and progressive handicap graduates, with the race likely to hinge on whether proven class can repel the challenge of younger, improving sprinters.

Soldier’s Tree heads the market after continuing his upward trajectory since joining James Owen. His excellent third in the ultra-competitive Wokingham at Royal Ascot confirmed he belongs at this level, and a return to six furlongs on quick ground looks ideal. Still relatively unexposed on turf, he arrives with the strongest recent form in the field and sets the standard.

The chief danger could come from Song Of The Clyde, the sole three-year-old in the line-up. Clive Cox’s colt has progressed steadily this season, winning a Listed contest over this course and distance before running a creditable race in the Commonwealth Cup. Receiving weight from his older rivals and with further improvement expected, he has the profile of a colt capable of making the jump into Group company.

Binhareer is another who has been knocking on the door in major handicaps. William Haggas has carefully campaigned the four-year-old, whose close second at York and respectable effort in the Wokingham suggest he has the ability to compete at this level. While he lacks the untapped potential of the three-year-old, he is a reliable performer likely to be involved at the finish.

Former Group 2 winner Symbol Of Honour has yet to rediscover the form that saw him emerge as one of last season’s leading sprinters, but there were signs of encouragement when third at Newcastle last time. A return to Newbury, where he has already enjoyed success, could spark a resurgence, especially with William Buick in the saddle.

Veterans Jasour and Mitbaahy both possess the class to feature if returning to their peak, but recent form leaves each with questions to answer. Jasour has spent much of his career competing in the highest grade but has not won for over two years, while Mitbaahy, now seven, shaped encouragingly in the Wokingham yet may find younger rivals finishing more strongly.

Noble Champion completes the field. Winner of last year’s Jersey Stakes, he has struggled to reproduce that level since and needs a significant revival after two below-par efforts this season.

The likely pace looks honest rather than frenetic, with several runners happiest racing prominently. That should create a fair test over Newbury’s straight six furlongs and place the emphasis on finishing speed rather than tactical positioning.

Verdict

Soldier’s Tree brings the strongest current credentials and looks the percentage call to land his first Group success. However, Song Of The Clyde appeals as the most interesting rival, with his weight allowance and scope for further improvement making him a genuine threat. Binhareer rates the pick of the older improvers and can again run with credit.

Prediction

1. Soldier’s Tree
2. Song Of The Clyde
3. Binhareer
4. Symbol Of Honour