Tag Archive for: Newbury

Hurricane Lane primed for Newbury return

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Hurricane Lane is set to make his return to competitive action at Newbury this weekend after delighting trainer Charlie Appleby in a racecourse gallop at Newmarket.

The son of Frankel enjoyed a fantastic three-year-old campaign in 2021, winning the Dante Stakes, Irish Derby, Grand Prix de Paris and St Leger, as well as being placed in the Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Much was expected of Hurricane Lane last season, but he made it the racecourse on only two occasions, with a comeback third in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot followed by a disappointing performance in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

But after seeing the five-year-old draw clear of a stablemate in a seven-furlong workout under William Buick on Tuesday morning, Appleby is confident the entire can bounce back to his best, with Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes – better known as the John Porter – his intended starting point.

“I’m pleased with that. We brought him up here purposely with the ground being good to soft, soft as we know he is a horse that is proven on that surface,” said the Moulton Paddocks handler.

“His three-year-old career, I don’t have to tell anyone about that, but his four-year-old career ended up being disappointing. He ran a creditable race in the Hardwicke Stakes on ground that was quick. We thought we got away with it to be honest with you.

“We then went to the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and the ground wasn’t where we thought it was. It was quick enough that day and he ran a disappointing race.

“We purposely left it there and thought we’d give the horse every chance. The one thing I wanted to make sure starting this year was that he was starting on ground with soft in the description. I don’t want any excuses.

“If the horse were not to turn up, you would have to accept that the horse did what he did as a three-year-old at the highest level and that was that – but on the evidence of what we have seen at home this year, we have been very pleased with him as a physical and just in his demeanour, and I think he has shown you guys out there this morning he has let himself down there.

“The plan is to take a look at Newbury on Saturday with the ground being there to suit him.”

While Hurricane Lane holds several Group One entries, Appleby confirmed the Arc will again be his major target, adding: “The only reason this horse has stayed in training is to work back from an Arc.

Adayar winning the 2021 King George at Ascot
Adayar winning the 2021 King George at Ascot (Nigel French/PA)

“I want to make sure we tick all the right boxes and give him the best opportunity to get there. I don’t want to be there mid-season running on ground he doesn’t want and then telling myself I’ve made a mistake.

“The Arc is our long-term plan and he will be campaigned accordingly around that.”

Appleby also provided an upbeat bulletin on the progress of his 2021 Derby hero Adayar, who remains on course to make his return in the Gordon Richard Stakes at Sandown on Friday week.

He said: “Adayar is in great form and he has been over to Waterhall (gallop) and done all our preparations pre-season and he has delighted us over there.

“His target is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. We go to Sandown with it very much as a trial, but I would be disappointed if this horse is not a big player there.

Charlie Appleby is looking forward to the return of Adayar
Charlie Appleby is looking forward to the return of Adayar (Mike Egerton/PA)

“We are very much on the front foot this season as this time last year, unfortunately our dream had gone for the first half of the season, which became frustrating watching all those good races go by.

“He showed that he was worth our patience at the back end there winning at Doncaster, which was more of an organised gallop, before running a courageous race to finish second in the Champion Stakes on ground that we know is not his ideal.

“We are very much looking forward to Sandown next week.”

Appleby is keen for Adayar to win a Group One over 10 furlongs to go with his Derby and King George wins over a mile and a half to enhance his future value at stud.

“To start with he will be campaigned over a mile and a quarter because of his stallion CV. In this day and age, they want to see a bit more speed on the page,” he added.

“What he achieved in his three-year-old career, winning the Derby and King George, was fantastic and everyone was delighted. From a commercial point of view, everyone would like to see that mile and a quarter stamped.

“I think it is a trip that is well within his compass – he has always been a very strong traveller in his races.

“Epsom and Ascot were fantastic results for the horse and the team, but I’m pretty confident he will be putting a Group One 10-furlong tag around his neck this year.”

Newbury reappearance possible for Mojo Star

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Richard Hannon’s Mojo Star could make his reappearance in what is shaping up to be a high-class Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Runner-up in both the Derby and St Leger during his Classic season, he has been off the track since finishing second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last year – his sole start at four.

He was due to return in the Further Flights Stakes at Nottingham last week, but having skipped that Colwick Park assignment on account of deteriorating ground, the Amo Racing-owned five-year-old could begin his march back to the Royal meeting in this 12-furlong Group Three.

“We did want to start him off at Nottingham, but I think we saw there with Trueshan getting beat and how bad the ground was, we made the right decision to not go there – we were happy to swerve that one,” said Tom Pennington, Amo’s racing and operations manager.

A maximum of 11 will go to post for the race better known as the John Porter and other notable names amongst the possibles include Charlie Appleby’s pair of Yibir and Hurricane Lane.

The latter accounted for Mojo Star when scooping Classic honours at Doncaster as a three-year-old, but Pennington is keen to point out that Amo’s son of Sea The Stars is a top operator in his own right and will always be facing off against stiff opposition.

He continued: “We’ve got to start somewhere and he’s that good of a horse, operating at a high level, that we’re always going to bump into one or two and we can’t be afraid of anyone.

Former St Leger winner Hurricane Lane is a possible for the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury
Former St Leger winner Hurricane Lane is a possible for the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Richard’s happy with him and as I’ve said before, this is a stepping stone to Royal Ascot and the Gold Cup and then those nice staying targets in the summer.

“We just need to get a run under his belt now. He’s been off the track for over 300 days and we just need to get the cobwebs blown away and get him back on track.”

Owners Godolphin are again well represented amongst the 22 entries for the Dubai Duty Free Stakes – also known as the Fred Darling – where Appleby’s Fairy Cross and John and Thady Gosden’s Bridestones will put their 1000 Guineas aspirations to the test.

Amo Racing are also double-handed in the race with Olivia Maralda potentially making her debut for Roger Varian and Magical Sunset bidding to build on an impressive course-and-distance success in the Radley Stakes in her final start at two.

Magical Sunset struck Listed gold at Newbury
Magical Sunset struck Listed gold at Newbury (Neil Morrice/PA)

“Olivia Maralda has been working well for Roger and he has been very pleased with her,” added Pennington.

“This has been her target all along but if that rain materialised Thursday/Friday, I would be worried because it is already soft, heavy in places now. She wouldn’t want it that extreme I wouldn’t think, so we’ll have to assess that nearer the time.

“Magical Sunset loves that ground – it was heavy when she won the Radley Stakes and she seems to thrive on it. She is a much better filly on it, so it will be a nice starting point for her.”

Of the remainder, Lowther Stakes one-two Swingalong (Karl Burke) and Queen Me (Kevin Ryan) could make the trip down from Yorkshire, with Small Oasis a possible Irish raider for Jessica Harrington.

Chaldean and Noble Style head top-class Greenham list

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Both Chaldean and Noble Style figure amongst the entries for what could be a red-hot Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

Chaldean is the shortest-priced British-trained contender for the Qipco 2000 Guineas having won four of his five outings as a two-year-old and will be putting his Classic credentials to the test in the seven-furlong event.

The Andrew Balding-trained son of Frankel is well accustomed to the Berkshire track having quickly made amends for his defeat on debut at the course when striking at Newbury on his second start. He then racked up three high-class victories in Group contests, culminating with a Dewhurst Stakes triumph at Newmarket in the autumn.

“It’s going to be good to see him back and hopefully the forecast is good for the weekend and it will be dry,” said Juddmonte’s Barry Mahon.

“Andrew and the team are very happy and his work has been good. He’s just about ready to go and as long as he runs a nice race on Saturday, that will hopefully lead us on to one of the Classics.

“It looks like it’s going to be a good race. There’s no one missing apart from the two Ballydoyle horses and it’s going to be a top-class renewal.”

Noble Style meanwhile went unbeaten in three starts during his juvenile campaign which was curtailed after a taking success in the Gimcrack at York.

It will be the first time the son of Kingman has raced beyond six furlongs, but trainer Charlie Appleby is hopeful the outing will provide him with plenty of clues ahead of a potential Guineas bid on May 6.

“We are going into the race completely open-minded regarding his trip,” the Moulton Paddocks handler told www.godolphin.com.

Gimcrack winner Noble Style is to tackle seven furlongs for the first time in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury as a trial for what trainer Charlie Appleby hopes will be a crack at the 2000 Guineas
Gimcrack winner Noble Style is to tackle seven furlongs for the first time in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury as a trial for what trainer Charlie Appleby hopes will be a crack at the 2000 Guineas (Mike Egerton/PA)

“This is the first time he has gone beyond six furlongs. He shows a lot of natural pace and stepping up to the mile of a Guineas could be a question mark.

“It will be his first time at seven furlongs, and after the dust settles later, we will make the call on whether it will be the English or the French Guineas, or whether he drops back in distance for the Commonwealth at Royal Ascot.”

There is a total of 16 entries for the Group Three contest with the Horris Hill one, two, three – Knight, Grey’s Monument and Ancestral Land – all in the mix, while also bringing course form to the table is Roger Varian’s Charyn, who was third to stablemate Sakheer in the Mill Reef before going on to taste Group Two glory in France in his final outing last term.

Other notable contenders include the Amo Racing-owned Indestructible, who could make his first appearance for Karl Burke, Richard Fahey’s Royal Ascot scorer The Ridler and John and Thady Gosden’s Theoryofeverything, who created a deep impression when winning on debut at Doncaster.

Zoology poised to test Classic credentials in Greenham

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Zoology will bid to underline his Classic potential when he lines up in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The Zoustar colt made an impressive winning debut at Yarmouth in September and was pitched into the deep end by trainer James Ferguson on his second start, when well held by Blackbeard in the Middle Park at Newmarket a couple of weeks later.

The Qatar Racing-owned colt was upped to seven furlongs for his return earlier this month in a well-contested novice event at Southwell, where he beat Covey by a neck, with the pair a little way clear of the remainder.

Zoology has the right big-race engagements and his Newmarket handler is keen to learn more at the weekend.

“He runs in the Greenham on Saturday and he has a French Guineas and English Guineas entry,” said Ferguson.

“If he runs well in that and we think he will get a mile, then that’s where he will be aimed.

“If we don’t think he will get a mile, then we will look for options over seven furlongs, probably at Royal Ascot. Zoustar got a mile, so we’d be hopeful.”

Zoology’s sire was an Australian seven-furlong Group One winner at three, having been touched off on his only try over a mile in similar company at two.

“Good ground would be fine for Zoology,” added Ferguson. “He probably wouldn’t want it too soft. He has got a nice action and I don’t see the ground being being a concern. I think it is going to dry up in the week.”

Canberra Legend is also being prepared as a potential Classic horse. The three-year-old Australia colt made an eyecatching debut at Newcastle in February, powering clear of seven rivals in a mile novice event.

A Dante and Derby entry, he looks poised to have his second start as the Flat season gets into gear on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket’s three-day Craven meeting, which starts on Tuesday.

Ferguson said: “Canberra Legend won very impressively at Newcastle and we have been pleased with his progress.

“He holds a Derby entry and he is either going to run in the (Listed) Feilden or the (Group Three) Craven this week, most likely in the Feilden (Wednesday).”

Deauville Legend will make his return at Newmarket this week
Deauville Legend will make his return at Newmarket this week (Tim Goode/PA)

Meanwhile, Deauville Legend, who was runner-up in the King George V at Royal Ascot before enjoying success in both the Bahrain Trophy and the Great Voltigeur last season, will have a backend campaign, much like last year.

Having ended his three-year-old campaign with a gallant fourth to Gold Trip in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November, Ferguson is keen to go overseas once again.

He said: “Deauville Legend has been given a long break, because he will probably be aimed towards an international campaign at the end of the year.

“He will be back for Royal Ascot and aimed at the Hardwicke, hopefully.”

Anamoe adds potential sprinkle of stardust to Lockinge

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Nine-time Australian Group One winner Anamoe is one of the star attractions among the 30 names in line to run in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury next month.

Owned by Godolphin, he is trained by James Cummings and has won 14 of his 24 starts – including his last three, tasting success at Rosehill in the George Ryder Stakes most recently.

The Cox Plate hero will wave goodbye to his Aussie fans in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday where he will have the chance to replicate the achievements of Winx and Makybe Diva and win a seventh Group One of the season.

Afterwards his sights will be pointed towards Europe where the May 20 Group One could prove a stepping stone towards Royal Ascot.

Godolphin could also be represented in the one-mile event by dual Breeders’ Cup hero Modern Games, his Charlie Appleby-trained stablemate Valiant Prince, Saeed bin Suroor’s Real World and Andre Fabre’s Tribalist – fresh from victory in the Prix Edmond Blanc.

Francis-Henri Graffard’s The Revenant was second in that Saint-Cloud event and is another possible French raider, while Aidan O’Brien’s Order Of Australia is the sole Ballydoyle representative.

Race sponsors Al Shaqab have the chance to keep hold of the prize-money when Richard Hannon bids for his third win in the race with Lusail, who was placed at both Royal Ascot and in the Prix Jean Prat last term.

Lusail, here winning the Gimcrack at York, will run in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury
Lusail, here winning the Gimcrack at York, will run in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury (Nigel French/PA)

“I’ve been very happy with Lusail since he came back from Saudi Arabia,” said the trainer.

“He ran a good race out there but he clearly wants a mile now and the Lockinge, sponsored by Al Shaqab, makes it the ideal race to be his main target for the year.

“He may have a prep run before then but he is a horse that keeps himself pretty fit and Newbury is an ideal, uncomplicated track for him and hopefully he will make Al Shaqab proud and run a big race.

“The Lockinge is always a race we like to target, the prize-money is extremely good, and we are happy to go there if we have one good enough which he is.

“Having finished second in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, he has proved himself several times.”

Other notables include the John and Thady Gosden-trained trio of Inspiral, Nashwa and Laurel, while last year’s Irish 1000 Guineas winner Homeless Songs is another filly with the capabilities to get into the mix.

Lockinge on the radar for Mutasaabeq return

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Newbury’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes has been identified as a possible starting point for Mutasaabeq when he returns to the track this term.

Having won his first two starts in the manner of an above-average operator, Charlie Hills’ charge was handed some stiff assignments thereafter during his three-year-old season, including finishing a respectable seventh in the 2000 Guineas.

Winner of a Thirsk conditions event in his first outing at four, he continued to perform with consistency despite failing to add to his tally in his next four starts, before finishing the campaign on a real high when making all to land the Joel Stakes at Newmarket in September.

That took his career record to five wins in 12 starts, with connections deciding to pull stumps for the season and keep their powder dry ahead of a tilt at the May 20 Group One.

“He was really good in the Joel and speaking to Angus (Gold, racing manager for owner Shadwell) and Richard (Hills), the plan was to put him away from there and I think we will look at something like the Lockinge,” said Hills.

“He seems to have wintered really well and his temperament is excellent now, so especially with the dam Ghanaati, her progeny seem to improve with age.”

Jockey Jim Crowley riding Mutasaabeq on their way to winning at Newmarket
Jockey Jim Crowley riding Mutasaabeq on their way to winning at Newmarket (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

The son of Invincible Spirit was tried in first-time blinkers when scooping Group Two honours on the Rowley Mile, but Hills does not believe they are essential ahead of his charge’s return to action.

“He hasn’t got a bad bone in his body and it perhaps helped him concentrate a bit more,” he added.

“He’s run some good races without them as well, so we will see how he is training around the time, speak with Jim (Crowley, jockey) and go from there.”

Indestructible another added to growing Greenham list

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Indestructible could renew rivalry with old foe Chaldean in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

Kodiac colt Indestructible was beaten half a length when second to Chaldean in the Acomb Stakes at York last summer and filled the runner-up spot behind the same horse in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

Having rounded off his juvenile campaign with Group One success in the Dewhurst Stakes, Chaldean is a leading contender for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May and connections have already declared their intention to give him a prep run in the Greenham on April 22.

Indestructible has moved across the Irish Sea during the off-season, leaving Michael O’Callaghan to join North Yorkshire-based Karl Burke, and he too has Newbury as a potential comeback target.

Tom Pennington, racing and operations manager for owners Amo Racing, said: “I spoke to Karl about him earlier this week and he’s working very nicely.

“He’s been pencilled in for the Greenham and we’ll make a decision on his Classic participation after that, I suppose.

“Chaldean is going there, as well as Noble Style from what I hear, but if we wanted to be running in a Guineas, we’ve got to be finding out how good he is in these trials.

“The Champagne Stakes form looks good, with the third (Silver Knott) touched off at the Breeders’ Cup.”

Indestructible is one of several Amo Racing-owned three-year-olds to switch yards this winter, with Crypto Force perhaps the most notable.

Crypto Force winning the Beresford Stakes
Crypto Force winning the Beresford Stakes (Brian Lawless/PA)

An impressive winner of the Group Two Beresford Stakes for O’Callaghan, the Time Test colt is now in Newmarket with John and Thady Gosden.

Crypto Force does not hold a 2000 Guineas entry, but hopes are high that he can make an impact at the highest level in due course.

“He’s cantering away and John is taking it very patiently with him,” Pennington added.

“He’s obviously a high-class horse and hopefully he’ll be out in all those mile or 10-furlong races from the summer onwards.

“Beresford winners tend to be 10-furlong plus horses and he’s by Time Test out of a Galileo mare, so you would think he’ll get a mile and a quarter standing on his head, but John will tell us more when he steps up his work.”

Two three-year-old fillies Pennington is looking forward to seeing in action are Mammas Girl and Magical Sunset, both of whom are trained by Richard Hannon and entered in the 1000 Guineas.

Mammas Girl impressed on her only start to date in a Newmarket maiden in October, while Magical Sunset won three of her five outings as a juvenile including an impressive Listed triumph at Newbury.

Pennington said: “Mammas Girl won on her debut and has all the nice entries. As Richard says, any horse of his that wins first time out tends to be half-decent and I know Richard really likes her.

“We’ve also got Magical Sunset, who won the Radley Stakes at the backend by five lengths. She’s very exciting and both of those fillies will run in trials.”

On The Blind Side shocks Newbury rivals to head Henderson treble

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Nicky Henderson has often said his horses are not suited to deep ground, but that was not the case at Newbury on Friday when the veteran On The Blind Side highlighted a 634-1 treble for the Seven Barrows handler.

Henderson got his afternoon off to a flier with The Carpenter, who looks another very smart prospect for the Owners Group.

Off the track for 701 days before winning on his hurdling debut, he followed up 40 days later as the 15-8 favourite in the Bet In-Play On Racing At BetVictor Novices’ Hurdle, pulling 11 lengths clear of Sound And Fury.

While that was something of an armchair ride for Nico de Boinville, he was seen to greater effect on Russian Ruler (100-30) in the BetVictor Gamble Responsibly Handicap Hurdle.

Russian Ruler (right) stayed on strongly to win at Newbury
Russian Ruler (right) stayed on strongly to win at Newbury (Zac Goodwin/PA)

The six-year-old looked a nice prospect in his bumper days, but had raced rather keenly in recent starts and underwent wind surgery in January.

He was dropped out this time and De Boinville was last to make a move, eventually winning by a cosy four lengths from Arqoob.

One which really put a smile on Henderson’s face, though, was the victory of the 11-year-old On The Blind Side, sent off at 50-1 having been pulled up in both his previous races this season.

Without a win since January 2021, he prevailed by a neck in a thrilling finish.

On The Blind Side returns under Nico De Boinville
On The Blind Side returns under Nico De Boinville (Zac Goodwin/PA)

“It’s been a tremendous afternoon, full of surprises, but it was especially nice to see On The Blind Side win as he must have been verging on retirement,” said Henderson.

“He’s been such a great servant and I fully admit we’d lost him, but we’ve been playing games with him and well done the team at home. We trained him completely differently but he was 50-1 which tells you everything.

“Nico was brilliant on all of them. Russian Ruler, the boys that own him have been brilliant and we’ve have a torrid time with him, so I hope this is a turning point. When he won his bumper I genuinely thought he was my Supreme horse, but he’s been disappointing.”

The Carpenter looks to have a very bright future
The Carpenter looks to have a very bright future (Zac Goodwin/PA)

He added: “It was the same with The Carpenter, I’ve had him a long time but now finally he’s won two and he looks to have a future. I’d imagine they’ll both go novice chasing next season.

“Nico always says our horses won’t go in sticky ground, but this was just wet today and they slopped through it.

“I know of one man who put them all in a treble, he must be stark raving bonkers!”

Henderson headed for a few days away after Cheltenham and given four of his last five runners have won, some connected to the yard have suggested he takes off again.

“The most important thing to say is I’ve been away since Sunday and the team at home have done a brilliant job, clearly,” said Henderson.

“I’ve had Michael Buckley (owner of Constitution Hill) on the phone already asking me to go away the week before Aintree!”

As for Cheltenham, which bar Constitution Hill’s cakewalk consisted of six others making the first four, Henderson said: “All is good since last week, I had a good look round last night and I’m pleased with the way they look.

“We’ve had to correct a few things here and there, but now we can rock and roll on to Aintree. We only had one winner but plenty hit the crossbar and you can’t complain, it happens there.

“We won the one we had to win. Shishkin would have been nice, but it’s onwards and upwards.”

Christian and Geri Horner own Lift Me Up
Christian and Geri Horner own Lift Me Up (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Red Bull Formula One boss Christian Horner and his Spice Girl wife Geri were on hand to see Lift Me Up triumph in their colours in the closing Lengthen The Odds At BetVictor Open Hunters’ Chase.

Trained by Maxine Filby and ridden by James King, Lift Me Up – who shares his name with a 1999 hit for the singer – prevailed by a length on his first start under rules.

Christian Horner told Racing TV: “It was a great performance. It was supposed to be a weekend off for me, but it’s great to see him running so well.

“He’s obviously got a lot of potential, which is exciting to see. He’s a lovely horse so we’re very proud to have him. He’s a gentle giant.

“It’s my first time at Newbury, so to get a winner under rules is wonderful.”

Williams looking to Moviddy to make Grade Two leap at Newbury

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Noel Williams’ Moviddy looks to continue her ascent in the British EBF BetVictor ‘National Hunt’ Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.

The seven-year-old made her hurdling debut at Exeter in November, finishing third behind two subsequent winners in Annie Magic and Lutinebella.

In February she took a Lingfield maiden by nine and a half lengths before heading to Doncaster to finish a close second to the reopposing Ilovethenightlife in a novice run over a trip just short of two and a half miles.

This weekend’s distance is therefore proven and Williams is hopeful that the going will provide no issues, either, with conditions expected to be fairly testing after heavy midweek rain.

“She’s just done nothing but improve all season, she had a long break after her race at Exeter in November as we had a few little issues, but since then she’s done nothing but improve,” he said.

“She feels like she’s come on again for Doncaster, she ran a mighty race but she had to cut out her own running really, which wasn’t ideal.

“I think a competitive handicap around Newbury will suit her down to the ground, provided she handles what I would imagine will be very soft ground, which I think she will.

“I’d be hopeful she can run a very good race, I think the conditions of the race and the way it will be run should really suit her.”

He added: “We like her a lot, she’s exceeded the expectations we had before the start of the season and she’s kept on improving, so we’re hoping she’ll show up very well.”

Moviddy is owned by Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates, who have a second runner in the contest with Dan Skelton’s Royale Dance – an Irish point-to-point winner who has not been out of the first two in a bumper and three hurdles since.

Mark Walford’s Ruby Island lines up after a successful campaign so far, placing in two bumpers, included a Listed Cheltenham event, before winning her first two starts over hurdles decisively.

Taking an Ayr maiden by seven and a half lengths on hurdles debut, the chestnut was then a five-length winner of a Wetherby novice before stepping up in trip to go down by just a neck to a good filly last time out.

This represents a stiffer task at Grade Two level, but hopes are high.

“We were pleased with her run at Ayr. If things had gone differently she would have won, but she wandered up the run in and missed the last,” Walford said.

“She still finished well, we’ve put some cheekpieces on for Saturday and we’re hopeful of a good run.

“The ground will be a bit of an unknown, but she’s in good form and we’re expecting her to go well.

“With 18 runners they should go a good pace, which will suit her well – she seems like a strong stayer. She’s been very efficient over her hurdles, she just missed the last at Ayr but you can forgive her for that.

“It’s exciting to have a runner in a Grade Two going in with a chance. We were in here and in at Kelso and we thought we’d take a chance, it’s not often you’d be nearly favourite in a Grade Two, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Ilovethenightlife lines up at Newbury
Ilovethenightlife lines up at Newbury (Mike Egerton/PA)

Ilovethenightlife is among the leading lights, along with Aubis Walk, Lets Go To Vegas, Blue Beach and Energy One.

There is a valuable National Hunt Flat contest on the same card in the Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper, open to horses sold through the sponsor’s 2022 Spring Sale and worth £100,000 in prize-money.

Paul Nicholls has a contender in Summer Brise, a Kapgarde filly who was the fifth most expensive lot at the sale when changing hands for £110,000.

The trainer told Betfair: “She’s an attractive four-year-old filly who does everything nicely at home without setting the world on fire.

“While she is ready to start, I’d say she is bound to improve for the experience and will be better and stronger in a year’s time.”

Chaldean to prep for 2000 Guineas bid in Greenham

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Leading 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean will tune up for his tilt at the opening Classic of the season in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes next month.

Andrew Balding’s son of Frankel is the general third-favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair of Auguste Rodin and Little Big Bear for the Newmarket showpiece (May 6) on the back of an impeccable juvenile season.

Although only fifth at Newbury on debut, he soon returned to the Berkshire track to set the record straight before picking up a further three victories at two – ending the year by claiming Group One honours on the Rowley Mile in the Dewhurst Stakes in October.

Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse
Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse (Tim Goode/PA)

It will again be Newbury where Chaldean starts his campaign and owners Juddmonte will be hoping the super-talented colt can uphold their fine record in the seven-furlong Group Three having seen both the imperious Frankel (2011) and Kingman (2014) taste success in the renowned Guineas trial in recent times.

“I spoke to Andrew (Balding) this morning and he was very happy with him,” said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s racing manager.

“He said he worked nicely on Saturday and all being well he is set to take his place in the Greenham and then we will see where we go from there.”

Chaldean was ridden by Frankie Dettori in his final two starts of last season and the Italian will be given the opportunity to maintain the duo’s unbeaten partnership if returning from his winter spell in California in time for one final crack at the Rowley Mile’s early-season feature.

“If Frankie comes back from America in time then he will ride him,” continued Mahon.

“When we were all in the parade ring after the Dewhurst we sort of made that agreement and the Abdullah family are happy to stick by it. So as long as he doesn’t get a ride in the Kentucky Derby, I’m sure he will be back to ride him.

Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket
Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

“It would be great as he has been such a phenomenal man for the sport. He’s been one of the best jockeys in the world for the past 20 years so it would be great to see him going out on a high and getting a few Group One winners during his last summer.”

Sir Michael Stoute’s Nostrum is another high-class prospect in the famous pink and green silks of Juddmonte for connections to get excited about as the Flat turf season draws ever near.

Only seen three times last term, the Kingman colt was a taking winner of the Tattersalls Stakes over the 2000 Guineas course and distance in September before his inexperience cost him when third behind Chaldean over a furlong less in the Dewhurst.

The likeable bay holds entries in the Newmarket, Irish and French Guineas and Mahon suggest he could make his reappearance in one of those, sure to be, red-hot assignments.

“Michael is very happy with Nostrum, he’s ticking along nicely,” added Mahon.

“He hasn’t really set any targets for him yet and I don’t think he will run in a trial. He could go straight to a Guineas, but we haven’t decided which one yet.”