Our ambassador previews a quintet of contests on the Rowley Mile on Saturday, including the Group One Dewhurst Stakes, plus two competitive events over at York.
Castle to give Appleby his fourth Dewhurst
Charlie Appleby can enhance his great record in the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes (3.00) at Newmarket on Saturday with the unbeaten Desert Castle.
Godolphin’s trainer has won it three times in the last seven years, most recently with Shadow Of Light in 2024, and has no qualms about pitching his exciting son of Frankel into the highest company for the first time.
He impressed me with his dominance in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last month – his first outing since stepping out of novice company – and can cement his place at the head of the 2,000 Guineas market.
Aidan O’Brien’s Ante-post Derby favourite Darkness Falls has already won at this level so poses a considerable threat, but I’m not convinced the drop back to seven-furlongs will be in his favour.
Mountain to climb to prominence in Cesarewitch
Brian Ellison’s Sea Lantern could be very well treated in the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (3.40) at Newmarket, but I prefer another northern raider in the stayers’ showpiece.
Mountain Road was a solid second to the strongly fancied Small Fry over two-miles at York and should appreciate the extra quarter-mile with Paul Mulrennan back on board for the first time since his win at Thirsk in the summer.
Sea Lantern could be anything at this stage and Brian has made no secret of how highly he rates the ex-Irish gelding, who has won at Pontefract since chasing home the smart duo Infraad and Asia Force at the West Yorkshire track.
This represents a considerable step up in grade and trip for the son of Sea The Stars but he looks a thorough stayer who may be underestimated by his mark of 89, which includes a four-pound penalty.
King can claim first Group success
The Lost King is a worthy favourite for the Group Three Modern Games Darley Stakes (1.15) at Newmarket on the evidence of his second in the Joel Stakes over a mile last time.
The way he finished behind the classy Talk Of New York in a higher grade that day suggests he should enjoy the extra furlong in pursuit of more Pattern success for his trainer Andrew Balding.
Haatem has been on his travels, winning a Grade Three at Kentucky Downs, and Wathnan Racing’s ultra-tough five-year-old will be a huge threat to all his rivals with Ryan Moore on board if he’s on his A-game.
Drumbeat sets standard in Zetland Stakes
It will be interesting to see how Drumbeat copes with the step up in trip in the Group Three Native Trail Zetland Stakes (1.50) at Newmarket.
Aidan O’Brien’s colt sets the standard with that third in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at The Curragh last time and despite being out of a sprint mare gives the impression he will appreciate this extra quarter-mile.
Though he needs to improve markedly, Andrew Balding’s Wykehurst Park looks interesting at bigger odds. This son of Stradivarius has only won a Yarmouth maiden, but Andrew wouldn’t be running him if he didn’t think he was Pattern class.
Compensation awaits smart Sergei
Aidan O’Brien’s Sergei Diaghilev was unlucky to bump into Dewhurst favourite Desert Castle in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last time, but compensation awaits in the Group Three Emirates Autumn Stakes (2.25) at Newmarket.
He’s a smart colt, having beaten Group One winner Folsom Blues on debut before taking a Listed race in Ireland, and can put his experience to good use.
By contrast, Rock Montreal has only had two starts including a second in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival while Sole Ambition’s form has been franked since winning a maiden at this track last month and is another who can step forward.
Hughes colt ready to take Listed prize
Agamemnon puts down a solid marker for the Sky Bet Rockingham Stakes (1.30) at York on Saturday with his fourth in the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes over the same course and distance in August.
He couldn’t build on that back over the minimum trip in the Flying Childers, but Richard Hughes’ Group-placed son of Mehmas looks to have been found a winning opportunity at Listed level.
I’ve always liked Richard Hannon’s Cut A Dash who has found life tough since finishing fourth in the Coventry at Royal Ascot but won on his debut at this track and should appreciate a return to calmer waters.
Great chance for Tom in York Dash
My husband Tom Marquand has an outstanding chance in the Sky Bet Sprint Trophy Handicap (3.17) at York on Saturday with the talented Binhareer.
William Haggas’ course and distance winner didn’t see much daylight in bottomless ground in the Ayr Gold Cup but should have conditions much more to his liking on The Knavesmire.
Mick Appleby’s likely favourite Coul Angel bolted up in a hot race at The Curragh last month and must go well but has to defy an eight-pound rise in a red-hot sprint handicap.
Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
