The Darley EBF Novice Stakes at Newbury takes center stage today, featuring Shabab Al Ahli, trained by Charlie Appleby, who faces off against Sahara King. Shabab Al Ahli, a Frankel colt, previously won at Southwell under Conor Planas, earning a 33-1 quote for the Derby. He now steps down in trip, aiming to assert his dominance en route to a potential Epsom Classic appearance. Appleby's stable previously won the inaugural race in 2023 with Military Order, who went on to be as short as 9-2 for the Derby that year.
Sahara King, meanwhile, looks promising after a debut win at Wolverhampton, with the form of that race gaining substance after the fourth-placed Mohaaraj achieved success. My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, also makes his second outing after a debut win, holding a Derby entry and currently priced at 40-1.
The Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre features Gilded Prize, a classy Frankel filly, aiming for top honors as she progresses towards the Prix de Diane at Chantilly. This scopey filly has made an impressive start to her career, winning straightforwardly on her debut and then stretching clear of her rivals under Colin Keane on her reappearance.
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard had an exceptional season last year and may have uncovered another gem. Other highlights include the Greenham Stakes, where Zavateri and Albert Einstein clash, and the Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes, featuring exciting pedigrees such as Synchronicity, a full-sister to Ombudsman, and Sapphire Secret, a Kingman filly. The Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes sees Take A View, Time Lock's full sister, make her debut, while at Bath, Hunky Dory faces a 5lb penalty in the MJ Church Handicap after a convincing win at Wolverhampton.