This weekend, I have a packed schedule of races, starting with a trip to Thirsk to ride two promising young horses from Archie Watson's Lambourn base. First up is NIEWIADOMA, a two-year-old Cotai Glory filly making her debut in the British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes. I've had the pleasure of riding her several times in preparation and am impressed with her natural speed and lovely attitude. The competition is tough, with five other debutants in the field, including Karl Burke's Blue Point filly, Bai Tong, who was purchased for 125,000gns.
Later in the day, I'll be riding MERLIER in the Stirrup Bar For Deli-Style Dinning Packages Handicap. He's been progressive on the All-Weather and I'm looking forward to getting back on board.
His opening rating of 85 seems fair, considering his wins at Newcastle and Wolverhampton. On Saturday, the attention turns to Newbury, where Zavateri and Albert Einstein will face off in the Greenham Stakes. Zavateri is the one to beat, having rounded off his juvenile campaign with a Group 1 win in Ireland.
I'll also be keeping an eye on the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, which looks like an open renewal. Shadwell's TOULEEN has the potential to do well, but will need to be at her best to win this traditional Classic trial. Other notable races include the Win Unique Experiences At OLBG Prizes Spring Cup Handicap, where URBAN LION will look to build on his win in the Lincoln, and the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, where Al AASY will face off against Convergent.