Newbury hosts a packed day of action with the Greenham Stakes the feature at 2.00pm, and several key trial races offering clues to the Classic season ahead.
2.00 Newbury – Zavateri and Albert Einstein headline the Greenham
Eight go to post for the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes over seven furlongs, with Zavateri and Albert Einstein the leading attractions.
Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, arrives off an outstanding juvenile campaign that included two Group 2 wins and the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh, plus a fourth in the Dewhurst. He returns on his seasonal reappearance with connections eyeing a possible Irish 2,000 Guineas bid if he runs well.
Albert Einstein represents Aidan O’Brien and is an interesting contender in a race O’Brien has yet to win. The Wootton Bassett colt disappointed on his reappearance at the Curragh three weeks ago, but the trainer remains confident and has fitted him with a hood for the first time here.
Coolmore’s other runner is Title Role for trainers Simon and Ed Crisford. The Too Darn Hot colt won the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan last time, beating Godolphin’s Talk Of New York. Also notable are the unbeaten Gonna Fly (Ralph Beckett) and Alparslan (Karl Burke), both of whom could be improvers.
1.25 Newbury – Touleen heads a large Fred Darling field
Fifteen fillies tackle the Fred Darling Stakes over seven furlongs, a key 1000 Guineas trial. Touleen, trained by Owen Burrows and ridden by Saffie Osborne, seeks to press her Classic claims after winning her first two starts as a juvenile before finishing fifth in the Group 2 Rockfel.
Richard & Peter Fahey saddle Ayr Group 3 winner Catching The Moon, with Ryan Moore booked. Domina Ignis, unbeaten and trained by Kevin Philippart de Foy, is on in-form jockey David Egan; bought as a breeze-up for €300,000, she wears a first-time hood in the Amo Racing colours. Ralph Beckett’s K Sarra, also unbeaten and entered in both the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks, partners Rossa Ryan. Keep an eye on Zooming, Stimulative Trip and Group-placed Princess Petrol.
2.35 Newbury – Convergent and Pride Of Arras clash in the John Porter
Seven go to post for the John Porter Stakes over twelve furlongs. Karl Burke’s Convergent is expected to be the one to beat after progressive form and two Group wins last season; this seasonal reappearance could point to Coronation Cup plans. Ralph Beckett’s Pride Of Arras, disappointing in the Derby and Irish Derby previously, bounced back after being gelded to win the Great Voltigeur and is a likely threat.
William Haggas runs Al Aasy, the 2021 winner, with Tom Marquand booked as he seeks further Group success. John and Thady Gosden’s Lion’s Pride will be partnered by Ryan Moore. William Buick rides Phantom Flight, who has enjoyed a strong start to the year in the Middle East. Completing the line-up are Andrew Balding’s Bellum Justum and Haggas’ Tenability.
Best of the rest
At 3.10pm a competitive field of 26 contest the Win Unique Experiences At OLBG Prizes Spring Cup Handicap. Back In Black, now rated 94, is likely to be popular for James Fanshawe, while Rogue Diplomat looks to build on a recent second.
The 3.45pm Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Confined Maiden Stakes draws 25 runners, including major yards and owners. Godolphin’s 550,000gns yearling Glory Of The Seas, who holds entries in the Dante, Derby and Irish Derby, lines up against Water To Wine, a debutant for the Gosden team with Ryan Moore booked.
Over at Bangor, El Rojo Grande bids for a fifth win in seven starts in the Gieves & Hawkes Novices’ Handicap Chase at 1.52pm. Later, the Bangor-On-Dee Novices’ Hurdle at 2.27pm features Reckless Spending for Nicky Henderson with Nico de Boinville taking the ride.