The highly anticipated Spring Trials weekend is set to kick off at Newbury, with a thrilling lineup of races that promise to deliver exciting performances from some of the most talented horses in the field. One of the most eagerly awaited events is the Darley EBF Novice Stakes, where Shabab Al Ahli, trained by Charlie Appleby, will face off against Sahara King.
Shabab Al Ahli, a Frankel colt, has already made a name for himself with an impressive win at Southwell under Conor Planas, earning him a quote of 33-1 for the Derby. He will be looking to build on this success as he takes on a new challenge, stepping down a furlong in trip. Appleby has a strong track record in this race, having won the inaugural running in 2023 with Military Order, who later went on to become a strong contender for the Derby.
Sahara King, on the other hand, has shown great promise with a win on debut at Wolverhampton, and his form has been boosted by the subsequent success of Mohaaraj, who finished fourth in the same race. Another horse to watch is My Love Is King, trained by Gosden, who will be having his second run after a comfortable win at Newcastle in November.
He currently holds a Derby entry and is priced at 40-1 for the big event. The Henri Matisse Coolmore Prix Cleopatre is another highlight of the day, with the classy Gilded Prize looking to make her mark on the road to Chantilly for the Prix de Diane. This scopey daughter of Frankel has only run twice but has already made a significant impression, winning straightforwardly on the polytrack before stretching clear of her rivals under Colin Keane on reappearance.
Her trainer, Francis-Henri Graffard, had an outstanding season last year and may have uncovered another gem. The owners' European Racing Manager, Barry Mahon, has expressed excitement about Gilded Prize, indicating that if all goes well and she takes the step up in class, she may be more likely to head to Chantilly over the Epsom Oaks. Turbulente, who finished three lengths shy of the favorite last time out, could pose a challenge, while Arkansas, who won in Listed company, is also of interest. The 2.32pm Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Newbury features some exciting pedigrees, with many top owners represented.
Synchronicity, a full-sister to the impressive Ombudsman, is likely to be towards the head of the market given her pedigree. The Harry Charlton yard fields Sapphire Secret, a Kingman filly out of Whatami and half-sister to Sir Delius, who won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Seet, trained by Gosden, flies the flag for Shadwell and is a half-sister to the reigning champion filly Kalpana. William Haggas, who has won three of the last five renewals of this race, sends Song Of The Clouds into battle, a daughter of Night Of Thunder related to Group 3 winner Mighty Ulysses.
Time Lock's full sister, Take A View, makes her debut in the Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes over ten furlongs, facing a field of other nice types making their first starts. Allaire, with the formidable combination of Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding, could be the one to beat among those with experience.
At Bath, Jack Morland's Hunky Dory must shoulder a 5lb penalty in the MJ Church Handicap after an impressive win at Wolverhampton, tackling the minimum distance of five furlongs for the first time.