York & Newbury Preview

There’s only one day left of action from York and on Saturday, attention focuses on Newbury where the Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge takes centre stage. Here are my thoughts on how the action may unfold:

Friday

3.15 York – Sky Bet Fillies’ Stakes (Listed)

Devoted Queen is unbeaten for the Charlie Appleby yard, but the addition of a first-time hood would be a slight worry. It might therefore pay to look elsewhere and BOLSENA got her head in front at the fourth time of asking and Ryan Moore takes the ride once again. She has definitely progressed from two to three and whilst a few in here are officially better than her, she should outrun her odds. True Cyan is best of the rest and the form of her last run has been massively franked with the third finishing a close-up second in last weekend’s French 1000 Guineas.

3.45 York – Boodles Yorkshire Cup Stakes (Group 2)

Vauban hasn’t been seen since disappointing in the Melbourne Cup back in November but Willie Mullins’ six-year-old has already proven to be a very talented dual-purpose horse. Tower Of London fairly bolted up in the Dubai Gold Cup and whilst Aidan O’Brien didn’t completely rule out a tilt at next month’s Gold Cup, he will probably take part in other engagements. GIAVELLOTTO gets the nod back at the scene of his victory, twelve months ago. He was only a few lengths behind Tower Of London in his two starts this winter and back at York, can reverse the form.

Saturday

1.50 Newbury – Sky Sports Racing Aston Stakes (Group 3)

Finishing behind Okeechobee in what could prove to be good form this year, DESERT HERO (NAP) can take this and add to William Haggas’ terrific record in this race. Hamish could be York-bound but would be of obvious interest for the same trainer and certainly if the rain kept on coming. Jack Darcy hasn’t been seen in this country since disappointing here behind stablemate Arrest in August. However, he could have more to offer as a five-year-old for a yard in great form.

2.25 Newbury – Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes (Listed)

Shaquille won this last year before enjoying an unbelievable 2023 and William Haggas saddles Relief Rally who will look to build on her encouraging seasonal reappearance here in April. MISTER SKETCH represents good each-way value on the back of his two-year-old form in the Mill Reef. He looked to be a bit short of room when only finishing three lengths behind Esquire back in April and with progress on the cards, he can run well. James’ Delight represents Clive Cox’s yard who are in terrific form, and he steps into Group company on the back of a taking success at HQ last time out.

3.00 Newbury – Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Chantilly represents the Aidan O’Brien string who are seemingly coming to hand after a slower than usual start to the season. He put his act together when bolting up at Leopardstown and seemed to relish the step up in trip so must be respected on Saturday. However, KING’S GAMBIT could prove to be thrown in off a mark of 93 and William Buick is a notable booking for Harry Charlton’s team. Goodwood Odyssey is another who should be taken seriously after his win at Sandown but after being hit by a seven-pound rise in the weights, he might find one too good.

3.35 Newbury – Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1)

The feature race on Saturday could potentially see a mouth-watering clash between Inspiral and BIG ROCK. The former, who was so impressive under the Dettori drive at the Breeders Cup meeting won’t turn up if too much rain falls and that would give the initiative to Maurizio Guarnieri’s new recruit. The choice to move the horse from Christopher Head is an interesting one but from the front end, he will be a tough nut to crack. Charyn has been superb this season already notching up two wins to his name so is well entitled to this tilt and soft ground brings him right into the equation should it turn up like that.