A busy day of racing features the Bahrain International Trophy as the highlight, supported by lively domestic National Hunt cards at Southwell and Newcastle.
4.40 Sakhir – Bahrain International Trophy
The feature at Sakhir shapes as an intriguing test for two British raiders: Royal Champion and Pride Of Arras. Karl Burke’s Royal Champion, fresh from his best summer display when winning the York Stakes in July, looks a live contender with James Doyle booked. Burke has enjoyed a strong season, adding credibility to the colt’s claims.
Pride Of Arras, winner of the Dante in spring, missed Ascot’s Champion Stakes and should arrive with more freshness than many of his rivals. His latest victory in the Great Voltigeur — when he beat the dual Derby winner Lambourn — arguably represents the strongest piece of form in the line-up.
Others to note include Lion’s Pride for John and Thady Gosden, Prix Dollar third Bright Picture, and Irish raider Galen for Joseph O’Brien as each-way options. Persica also merits consideration with champion jockey Oisin Murphy taking the ride for Richard Hannon. Off-course updates include State Man being ruled out for the season and confirmation of star entries for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
3.17 Southwell – Grace And Dotty Country Clothing Handicap Hurdle
The Southwell hurdle sees in-form Zenato and Bear Market meet in a competitive handicap. Fergal O’Brien’s Zenato bids for a third success of the season and escapes a penalty for his comfortable Sedgefield win; Fern O’Brien takes the ride and he goes in as the one to beat.
Bear Market, successful in an Aintree novices’ hurdle for Nicky Henderson before joining Mel Rowley, has had wind surgery and makes his handicap debut off a mark of 113. He has room to improve and is of interest after only three starts for his new yard.
Golden De Coeur, victorious at Hereford for Warren Greatrex and Paul O’Brien, should be respected. Beau Quali, despite a disappointing Aintree run, is only a pound above his last winning mark and looks dangerous for the in-form Skelton operation. Motazzen, unbeaten except for two runner-up finishes in his last five starts over obstacles and rated 100, is one to watch under Lilly Pinchin.
1.55 Newcastle – Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap Chase
Tedwin Hills heads a competitive handicap chase at Newcastle. The Warren Greatrex-trained eight-year-old has taken a big step forward this season, winning both starts impressively; a 7lb penalty may not prevent him going for a hat-trick.
Top-weight Yealand, a course-and-distance winner in February who ran well at Bangor in April, goes in just 1lb higher and is expected to be a more mature proposition this term. Moodofthemoment is also shortlisted despite an 11lb rise after recent success at Gosforth Park. The Greenall & Guerriero yard now have Diaguisedlimit, who was unfortunate last season and finished second or third in all four attempts.
Best of the rest
At Southwell’s 12.57 Join Elite Racing Club From £59 Handicap Chase, Golan Loop looks the one to beat after returning from a 75-day break to win at Ffos Las in May; he meets experienced fence performer Kayce Dutton. Nottinghamshire’s 1.32 Caselh A Winning Team Novices’ Handicap Chase features Admiral Stewart for Jamie Snowden, who had a walkover at Sandown last week and now tackles fences for the first time.
Southwell’s 2.07 Own A Share With Owners Group Open National Hunt Flat Race looks to be dominated by Gidge, half-sister to Crambo, while My Mate Aj represents the Basher Watts syndicate. Up at Newcastle, Queens Venture bids for a hat-trick in the 2.30 Get The Inside Track With raceday-ready.com Handicap Hurdle but meets Jennie Candlish’s Matchless, who will carry equal top weight of 12st.