The highlight of day one of the Spring Trials weekend at Newbury features Shabab Al Ahli taking on Sahara King in the Darley EBF Novice Stakes. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Shabab Al Ahli impressed with a win at Southwell in February under Conor Planas, earning a 33-1 quote for the Derby. This Frankel colt will look to build on that success, stepping down in trip, with potential ambitions for the Epsom Classic. Appleby previously won this race in 2023 with Military Order, who later became a contender for the Derby.
Sahara King, a debut winner at Wolverhampton, poses a challenge, especially considering the form was boosted by the subsequent success of Mohaaraj, who finished fourth behind Sahara King. Another contender, My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, makes his second appearance after a winning debut at Newcastle and holds a Derby entry at 40-1. The classy Gilded Prize is set to compete in the Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre, aiming for top honors on the path to the Prix de Diane at Chantilly. This Frankel filly has made a striking impression in her early career, starting with a straightforward win on the polytrack in November, followed by an eye-catching performance under Colin Keane on her reappearance.
Her trainer, Francis-Henri Graffard, is looking to replicate last year's success. Other notable races include the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, where Zavateri and Albert Einstein are set to clash. The owners of Gilded Prize are excited about her prospects, suggesting that a good performance could lead to a start at Chantilly over the Epsom Oaks. Turbulente and Arkansas are among those opposing Gilded Prize, with the former having finished three lengths behind the favorite in their last outing.
The Newbury's 2.32pm Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes boasts an array of exciting pedigrees, including Synchronicity, a full-sister to Ombudsman, and Sapphire Secret, a Kingman filly and half-sister to Sir Delius. Seet, trained by Gosden, is a half-sister to the reigning champion filly Kalpana. William Haggas, who has a strong record in this race, sends Song Of The Clouds, related to Group 3 winner Mighty Ulysses, into the competition.
Other races of note include the Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes, where Take A View makes her debut, and the MJ Church Handicap at Bath, where Hunky Dory faces a challenge with a 5lb penalty.