Britannia Stakes Betting Guide

Britannia Stakes (Handicap) (1m)

Hot on the heels of the Gold Cup we have the heritage handicap for three year olds over a mile. The Britannia Stakes is run over the Hunt Cup straight mile track and always attracts a 30 strong field spread right across the course.

Obviously when you have such a big field the draw has played its part over the years, those drawn close to either rail seem to have an advantage but as always it’s best to check how the track is running that particular year.

It’s no surprise with such a competitive race that the favourites have a poor record, prior to 2012, Mostashaar was the last one to bring home the bacon in 2005 and in three of the last six years we have seen horses win the race at odds of over 20/1.

A couple of things to note about the Britannia, firstly the better class horses struggle to carry big weights in this race, the lesser exposed types that get in the handicap off a more favourable mark tend to have too much in hand. Secondly those that go straight into this race from winning a maiden and maybe look well treated don’t fare too well, I think this proves that you need a horse with a bit of experience with the hustle and bustle of big field handicaps.

This year’s race was as competitive as ever, but a rare favourite in the shape of Fast Or Free obliged for the William Haggas stable.

Britannia Stakes Previous Winners Since 2001

2012 Fast Or Free 6/1 Haggas, W J

2011 Sagramor 8/1 Morrison, H

2010 Ransom Note 9/1 Hills, B W

2009 Fareer 20/1 Dunlop, E A L

2008 Fifteen Love (USA) 28/1 Charlton, R

2007 Eddie Jock (IRE) 33/1 Bell, M L W

2006 Sir Gerard 9/2 Fanshawe, J R

2005 Mostashaar (FR) 100/30 Stoute, Sir Michael

2004 Mandobi (IRE) 8/1 Stewart, A C

2003 New Seeker 16/1 Cox, C G