Saturday's Racing Highlights: Spring Trials Weekend Gets Underway at Newbury

The Darley EBF Novice Stakes takes center stage on day one of the Spring Trials Weekend at Newbury, featuring Shabab Al Ahli, trained by Charlie Appleby, who is set to face Sahara King. Shabab Al Ahli, a Frankel colt, made an impressive debut win in February, earning a 33-1 quote for the Derby, and now steps down in trip. Appleby previously won the inaugural running of this race with Military Order in 2023. Sahara King, meanwhile, is a promising animal having won on debut at Wolverhampton in November, with the form of that race gaining substance after Mohaaraj's subsequent success. Another notable entry is My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, who holds a Derby entry and is currently 40-1 after a comfortable win at Newcastle. The classy Gilded Prize aims to secure top honors in the Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre, en route to the Prix de Diane at Chantilly. This Frankel daughter has made a striking impression in her early career, with her Juddmonte colors debut in November followed by an eye-catching performance under Colin Keane on her reappearance. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who had an exceptional season last year, may have uncovered another gem. In other racing news, Zavateri is tipped for success in the Greenham Stakes on Saturday, while Oxagon recently won the Craven Stakes for the in-form Gosden team, and Azleet entered the 1000 Guineas contention after a 50-1 Nell Gwyn Stakes win. The European Racing Manager for the owners, Barry Mahon, expressed excitement about Gilded Prize, suggesting that if all goes well and she handles the step up in class, she would be more likely to head to Chantilly over the Epsom Oaks. Turbulente, who finished three lengths shy of the favorite last time out, could pose a threat, along with Arkansas, who won in Listed company last time and is of interest. The Newbury's 2.32pm Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes features exciting pedigrees, including Synchronicity, a full-sister to Ombudsman, and Sapphire Secret, a Kingman filly out of Whatami. Flying the flag for Shadwell is the Gosden-trained Seet, a half-sister to the reigning champion filly Kalpana. William Haggas, who has won three of the last five renewals of this race, sends Song Of The Clouds into battle. Time Lock's full sister Take A View makes her debut in Newbury's Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes, facing a field of other promising types. At Bath, Jack Morland's Hunky Dory must shoulder a 5lb penalty in the MJ Church Handicap after a dominant win at Wolverhampton.