Jamie Insole is hoping that his stable star Witness Stand can book his ticket to the Prix de la Foret when he bids for back-to-back Group 2 wins in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

A winner of the Dubai Duty Free Stakes as a three-year-old, Witness Stand has posted progressive performances this season, finishing runner-up in Listed company over seven furlongs at Chester before giving his handlers Dr Richard Newland and Jame Insole a first joint group-race success on the flat when landing the Lennox Stakes in comprehensive fashion.

"He's come out (of Goodwood) really well, he did a really nice piece of work on Saturday," Insole told Sky Sports Racing.

"We were thrilled with that performance, and I don't think it was a fluke. He loves the track and loves the conditions and had a great prep run at Chester on ground we thought was probably a little bit quick.

"He was always going to have to raise his game to compete at Group 2 level, but we were hopeful he would – we bought him to hopefully win Group races and be there on the big day and that's what he's done already in his first year with us."

Although Insole admits he would prefer more cut in the ground for his classy four-year-old, he remains optimistic about the chances of Witness Stand, who could be destined for top level company in the Prix de la Foret should he perform with credit at Newbury on Saturday.

He added: "Hopefully he can progress again and going into the Hungerford he's got course and distance form, winning a Listed race there last year.

"We could do with a little bit of rain, and it doesn't look like there's going to be much, but hopefully this will be a stepping-stone to the Prix de la Foret.

"He's been running on quick ground the last twice and I'm sure he's pretty versatile. I think soft ground plays to his strengths and we're obviously not going to get that on Saturday, but I wouldn't have too many concerns really."