The highly anticipated Spring Trials weekend commences at Newbury, with Shabab Al Ahli facing off against Sahara King in the day's featured race, the Darley EBF Novice Stakes. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Shabab Al Ahli is looking to build on its impressive win at Southwell in February, where it earned a quote of 33-1 for the Derby. The colt will be stepping down in distance and is expected to make a strong showing. Sahara King, on the other hand, looks like a promising contender, having won its debut at Wolverhampton in November.
The form of that race has been boosted by the subsequent success of Mohaaraj, who finished fourth. Another notable runner is My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, who won comfortably on debut at Newcastle and holds a Derby entry. The classy Gilded Prize is also in action, taking part in the Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre as a precursor to the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.
This Frankel filly has made a significant impression in her early career, winning both her starts to date. Her trainer, Francis-Henri Graffard, had a remarkable season last year and may have unearthed another gem. Other notable races include the Greenham Stakes, where Zavateri and Albert Einstein will clash, and the Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes, featuring an array of exciting pedigrees, including Synchronicity, a full-sister to Ombudsman. The Sapphire Secret, owned by Juddmonte, and the Gosden-trained Seet are also among the top contenders.
William Haggas, who has won three of the last five renewals of this race, sends Song Of The Clouds into battle, while Time Lock's full sister, Take A View, makes her debut in the Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes.