Spring Trials Weekend Gets Underway at Newbury on Sky Sports Racing

The highly anticipated Spring Trials weekend kicks off at Newbury, with Shabab Al Ahli set to face Sahara King in the day's feature race, the Darley EBF Novice Stakes. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Shabab Al Ahli will be looking to build on his impressive win at Southwell under Conor Planas, which earned him a 33-1 quote for the Derby. The colt will be stepping down in distance and will aim to assert his dominance in the field, potentially paving the way for a tilt at the Epsom Classic. Appleby has a strong record in this race, having won the inaugural running in 2023 with Military Order. Sahara King, on the other hand, has shown promise with a win on debut at Wolverhampton, and his form has been boosted by the subsequent success of Mohaaraj, who finished fourth in that race. Another notable contender is My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, who holds a Derby entry and is currently 40-1 for the big one after a comfortable win at Newcastle in November. The classy Gilded Prize will also be in action, looking to take top honors in the Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre as she heads towards the Prix de Diane at Chantilly. This scopey daughter of Frankel has made a startling impression in the early days of her career, with two impressive wins under her belt. Her career began with a straightforward success on the polytrack before she stretched clear of her rivals under Colin Keane on reappearance last month. With a promising pedigree and an in-form trainer, Gilded Prize is one to watch. The owners' European Racing Manager Barry Mahon has expressed excitement about her prospects, suggesting that she may head to Chantilly over the Epsom Oaks if all goes well today. In opposition, Turbulente and Arkansas will be looking to cause an upset, while the 2.32pm Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Newbury promises to be an exciting contest, with many top owners represented. Synchronicity, a full-sister to the impressive Ombudsman, is likely to be towards the head of the market, while Sapphire Secret, a Kingman filly out of Whatami, and Seet, a half-sister to the reigning champion filly Kalpana, will also be in contention. William Haggas has a strong record in this race, having won three of the last five renewals, and sends Song Of The Clouds into battle this time around. Meanwhile, at Bath, Jack Morland's Hunky Dory will be looking to overcome a 5lb penalty in the MJ Church Handicap, having bolted up at Wolverhampton last time out.