The Darley EBF Novice Stakes is the highlight of day one of the Spring Trials Weekend at Newbury, featuring Shabab Al Ahli and Sahara King. Shabab Al Ahli, trained by Charlie Appleby, is looking to build on his impressive Southwell win in February, where he earned a 33-1 quote for the Derby. The Frankel colt will be stepping down in trip and faces a field that includes Sahara King, who won on debut at Wolverhampton in November.
Another notable entry is My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, who holds a Derby entry and is currently 40-1 for the big one after winning comfortably at Newcastle in November. The classy Gilded Prize is also in action, looking to take top honours in the Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre on her way to Chantilly for the Prix de Diane.
Other exciting racing action includes the Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes, featuring many top owners, and the Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes, where Time Lock's full sister Take A View makes her debut. At Bath, Jack Morland's Hunky Dory must shoulder a 5lb penalty in the MJ Church Handicap after bolting up at Wolverhampton. The owners' European Racing Manager Barry Mahon has expressed excitement about Gilded Prize, indicating that she may head to Chantilly over the Epsom Oaks if all goes well.