Sky Sports Racing brings a packed Saturday card from Newbury, Doncaster, Bangor-on-Dee and Uttoxeter, with several feature races and a number of notable performers to follow.
2.35 Newbury — Boyle Sports Lockinge Stakes
Damysus and Notable Speech head a strong ten-runner renewal of the Group One Lockinge. John and Thady Gosden’s Damysus finished last season in authoritative style in the Darley Stakes and looked progressive when quickening clear to win the Earl of Sefton on his return; conceding weight yet still showing class, he is a major contender for a first Group One success. Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech arrives with four top-level wins on his CV but was undone by bad luck in his prep at Keeneland; rated top on 122, he must be respected though Appleby’s recent quiet spell is a slight concern. Aidan O’Brien has added cheekpieces to The Lion In Winter as he searches for a top-table breakthrough, while Prix du Moulin winner Sahlan could be dangerous if fully fit on his seasonal reappearance.
1.25 Newbury — Sky Sports Racing Aston Park Stakes (Group 3)
Dual British Champions Fillies & Mares winner Kalpana returns for the Aston Park Stakes. The Andrew Balding-trained five-year-old ran consistently at the highest level last summer — including a King George second — before closing with a decisive win on Champions Day at Ascot. She sets the standard and should be able to shoulder the penalty here. William Haggas’s Arabian Force, progressive and potentially sharper for a narrow Listed defeat in France, looks the main danger. West Wind Blows, who ran a solid race in Meydan, merits respect under William Buick, while French Master and Liberty Lane complete the quintet.
3.10 Newbury — Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes
A competitive sprint where Albert Einstein and Wise Approach aim to rediscover form. Aidan O’Brien highly rates Albert Einstein; after an unremarkable reappearance at the Curragh he showed more when third in the Greenham and the return to six furlongs could suit. Wise Approach carries a penalty for last season’s Group One Middle Park success and needs to improve on a disappointing return; he was promisingly positioned at Ascot before finishing with one-paced energy. Havana Hurricane is worth a mention, and Royal Fixation — whose Cheveley Park third has been franked — looks appealing on debut for Karl Burke.
Best of the rest
– 12.01 Laurel Park — Preakness Stakes: Taj Mahal and Iron Honour feature; Great White runs after missing the Derby.
– 2.00 Newbury — Listed Oaks Trial: Golden Orbit and Sacred Ground lead a small, select field; past winners include Warm Heart, Nashwa and Sea Of Class.
– 3.45 Newbury — My Love Is King is fancied for the Gosdens; Aidan O’Brien’s Port Of Spain wears first-time cheekpieces.
– 4.20 Newbury — Class Two, six furlongs: Annaf and Wiltshire look likely; Realign remains one to watch.
– 5.00 Newbury — Mezcala, fresh from a Spring Mile win, is 8lb higher for Jack Channon and George Boughey; Bullet Point is of interest.
– 6.50 Uttoxeter — Class Two Handicap Hurdle: Super Survivor and Kayf Dancer feature.
– 5.27 Doncaster — Noble Raider is expected to be popular as he seeks a maiden breakthrough for Amo.
– 6.02 Doncaster — A decent novice: The Untamed should go well for Richard Hannon; Flight Control could be a useful prospect for Kevin Frost.
– 3.25 Auteuil — French Champion Hurdle: Home By The Lee heads Joseph O’Brien’s team; Lucinda Russell runs Apple Away and Nicky Henderson/Henri The Second is entered.
– 12.58 Auteuil — Grade Three Hurdle with nine runners.
– 3.50 Bangor — Class Two: Calico and Personal Ambition are among the prominent names.
Across the meetings there are several interesting match-ups and horses stepping up or returning from a break. Keep an eye on the Lockinge for top-level form, Kalpana if she handles her penalty, and the Carnarvon for sprinters ready to bounce back. All races are live on Sky Sports Racing.