--- title: "A Fair Weekend Ahead" description: "There are some great races this weekend including the Cambridgeshire and the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket however it’s Friday that I think there are 2…" url: https://ratingtheraces.com/blog/fair-weekend-ahead/ date_modified: "2016-09-20" --- Race Previews # A Fair Weekend Ahead 20 Sep 2016 · RatingTheRaces [Blog](https://ratingtheraces.com/blog/) / [Race Previews](https://ratingtheraces.com/category/race-analysis/) ![A Fair Weekend Ahead](https://ratingtheraces.com/blog/fair-weekend-ahead/0.webp) There are some great races this weekend including the **Cambridgeshire** and the **Middle Park Stakes** at Newmarket however it’s Friday that I think there are 2 horses that look ahead of their rivals and whilst they are both favourites I think they will be much shorter come race day. The first is in the **Shadwell Rockfell Stakes** which is a Group 2 race over 7f for Fillies. The favourite for this race is **Fair Eva** who after winning her first two races impressively she was last seen being beaten into 3rd at York in the **Lowther Stakes** behind **Queen Kindly** and **Roly Poly**. **Fair Eva** is by **Frankel** and won on debut at **Haydock** in impressive style despite starting slowly. When she got the hang of things she picked up really nicely and won going away beating **Nations Alexander** by 4 lengths. She then went to **Ascot** for the Group 3 **Juddmonte Stakes** and this step up in class was well within her compass. She comfortably beat **Kilmah** by 4 lengths and looked a Group 1 horse. She then went to York for the **Lowther Stakes** and was sent off 4/11 for the race despite taking on some very smart Fillies. She was a bit keen and free as she wasn’t able to get any cover and despite leading inside the final furlong she was outbattled by **Roly Poly** and **Queen Kindly**. Roger Charlton has maintained since then that she is probably the best Filly he has trained and this looks an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways. She is best priced 11/10 at the moment but it would be no surprise to see her sent off much shorter if she is declared particularly as the 2 horses that beat her at York are entered (2nd and 3rd fav behind **Lady Aurelia**) in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes on the Saturday. The 2nd horse who I really like is **Hathal**. **Hathal** was regarded by connections as a horse with a huge future and things didn’t go to plan at the early stages of his 3 year old career however his last 3 runs have been very good. He was beaten in a handicap in August 2015 however this was given 7lb to **My Dream Boat** who is now rated 122 having won the **Prince of Wales Stakes** at **Royal Ascot**. Hathal then ran in a Listed event at **Newbury** and despite being a 3 year old he got the better of his older rivals without really being troubled on soft ground which connections believe he doesn’t want. He made his return at **Haydock** after nearly a year off the track and despite the heavy rain and the ground going against Hathal he dug in deep to repel **Mitchum Swagger** and **Convey**. Back in 4th that day was **Custom Cut** and this was on his preferred going and he got run of the race. **Custom Cut** has been installed as 2nd favourite for this race on Friday but with fitness now assured for **Hathal** and the likelihood he will get better going it’s hard to see that form being reversed. **Nathra** would probably be the biggest danger should she line up as she would be dropping down from Group 1 company however she also has other engagements that she may take up. **Hathal** is currently top price of 7/2 and if she runs I would be surprised if he went off bigger than 2/1. They can be combined to make a 8.45/1 double and if they both run (neither have alternative engagements this weekend) I think this has an excellent chance of landing. ### More in Race Previews [Race Previews ### Aintree Saturday Analysis: Every Race on 7 November Aintree on Saturday 7 November, race by race: the horse we think is most likely to win each one, including the Molyneux Hurdle and the Rising Stars Chase. 6 Nov 2026](https://ratingtheraces.com/blog/aintree-saturday-7-november-2026-analysis/) [Race Previews ### Melbourne Cup 2026 Preview: Our Two for Flemington The Melbourne Cup at Flemington, 04:00 UK time on Tuesday: the two horses we really like, with a video on each. For Premium and Pro members. 2 Nov 2026](https://ratingtheraces.com/blog/melbourne-cup-2026-preview/) [Race Previews ### Ascot, Wetherby and Newmarket: Saturday Race Analysis Ascot, Wetherby and Newmarket on Saturday 31 October, race by race with a video for each, and the Skelton runners we are leaving alone. 30 Oct 2026](https://ratingtheraces.com/blog/ascot-saturday-31-october-2026-analysis/)