A busy day of racing awaits, with the Bahrain International Trophy headlining a card supported by domestic National Hunt action.
4.40 Sakhir – Royal Champion and Pride Of Arras contest Bahrain International Trophy
An intriguing renewal of the Bahrain International Trophy features British raiders Royal Champion and Pride Of Arras.
Trainer Karl Burke, who has enjoyed a standout season with Group 1 winners such as Fallen Angel and Venetian Sun, saddles Royal Champion. The colt produced his best performance of the summer when landing the York Stakes in July and is a threat again with James Doyle booked to ride.
Pride Of Arras, the Dante winner in the spring, missed the Champion Stakes at Ascot and should arrive fresher than many. He arguably holds the strongest form, having beaten dual Derby winner Lambourn when taking the Great Voltigeur on his latest start.
Also in the line-up are Lion’s Pride for John and Thady Gosden, Bright Picture (third in the Prix Dollar) and Irish raider Galen for Joseph O’Brien as each-way contenders. Persica, with champion jockey Oisin Murphy engaged for Richard Hannon, is another to consider. Off-track news to note includes State Man being ruled out for the season and the confirmed star entries for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
3.17 Southwell – In-form Bear Market and Zenato clash
The Grace And Dotty Country Clothing Handicap Hurdle at Southwell features in-form pair Zenato and Bear Market among a field of 10.
Fergal O’Brien’s Zenato bids for a third win of the season and escapes a penalty for his comfortable Sedgefield success, making him the one to beat with Fern O’Brien taking the ride.
Bear Market, who won an Aintree novices’ hurdle last time for Nicky Henderson, has since had wind surgery after joining Mel Rowley. He makes his handicap debut off a mark of 113 and could improve after just three starts for his new yard.
Golden De Coeur, successful at Hereford for Warren Greatrex and Paul O’Brien, deserves respect, while Beau Quali—despite a poor run at Aintree last time—is only a pound higher than his last winning mark and looks dangerous for the powerful Skelton team. Motazzen, unbeaten outside the first two in his last five obstacle starts and rated 100, is one to watch under Lilly Pinchin.
1.55 Newcastle – Tedwin Hills and Yealand headline
A competitive Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap Chase at Newcastle sees Tedwin Hills seeking another victory. The Warren Greatrex-trained eight-year-old has improved this season, winning both starts emphatically, and a 7lb penalty may not prevent a hat-trick.
Top-weight Yealand, successful over course and distance in February and having run well at Bangor in April, is 1lb higher here but is expected to be a more mature proposition this term. Moodofthemoment is shortlisted despite an 11lb rise after recent success at Gosforth Park. The Greenall & Guerriero yard now handle Diaguisedlimit, who was unfortunate not to win last season—finishing second or third in all four attempts.
Best of the rest
At Southwell, the 12.57pm Join Elite Racing Club From £59 Handicap Chase is headed by Golan Loop, who returned after a 75-day break to win at Ffos Las in May and clearly thrives fresh. He meets Kayce Dutton, who has proven experience over fences.
Nottinghamshire’s 1.32pm Caselh A Winning Team Novices’ Handicap Chase features Admiral Stewart for Jamie Snowden; he claimed a walkover at Sandown last week and tackles fences for the first time. Southwell’s 2.07pm Own A Share With Owners Group Open National Hunt Flat Race looks to be dominated by Gidge, Crambo’s half-sister, with My Mate Aj representing the Basher Watts syndicate.
Up at Newcastle, Queens Venture goes for a hat-trick in the 2.30pm Get The Inside Track With raceday-ready.com Handicap Hurdle but will carry 12st alongside Jennie Candlish’s Matchless.