The highly anticipated Spring Trials weekend commences at Newbury, with Shabab Al Ahli facing off against Sahara King in the day's feature race, the Darley EBF Novice Stakes. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Shabab Al Ahli, a Frankel colt, is looking to build on his impressive win at Southwell in February, where he earned a quote of 33-1 for the Derby.
Stepping down in distance, he aims to assert his dominance in the field, potentially paving the way for a future bid at the Epsom Classic. Appleby has past success in this race, having won the inaugural event in 2023 with Military Order. Sahara King, meanwhile, has shown promise with a debut win at Wolverhampton in November, and his form is bolstered by the subsequent success of the horse that finished fourth, Mohaaraj. Another contender, My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, holds a Derby entry and is currently priced at 40-1 after a comfortable win at Newcastle in November.
The classy Gilded Prize is also in action, seeking top honors in the Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre, en route to the Prix de Diane at Chantilly. This Frankel filly has made a striking impression in her early career, winning straightforwardly on her debut and then impressively under Colin Keane on her reappearance.
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who had an exceptional season last year, may have uncovered another gem. Other notable races include the Greenham Stakes, where Zavateri and Albert Einstein clash, and the Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes, which features promising fillies like Synchronicity, a full-sister to Ombudsman, and Sapphire Secret, a Kingman filly. The Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes also promises excitement, with debutants like Take A View, the full sister of Time Lock, taking on experienced runners such as Allaire.
At Bath, Hunky Dory faces a challenge in the MJ Church Handicap, shouldering a 5lb penalty after a convincing win at Wolverhampton.