Sky Sports Racing is turning its lenses toward the Midlands today, with an evening of action slated for Wolverhampton. The highlight of the card is the debut of Ombudsman's half‑sister, Syndicale, who will contest the EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies' Stakes over seven furlongs on the Tapeta at Dunstall Park. Syndicale, a Karl Burke‑trained filly out of Ten Sovereigns, arrives with considerable anticipation as she steps into her first racecourse appearance.
The Spigot Lodge operation has already fielded three two‑year‑olds at the track this year, two of which have already secured victories, underscoring the stable’s growing confidence in its juvenile talent. Syndicale joins that promising cohort, and observers will be keen to see whether she can add her name to the early winners’ list. Also featuring at Dunstall is the Cheveley Park‑owned filly Consultation, who comes in on the back of a solid run at Yarmouth last month.
That effort was encouraging, especially because the race was won by Zigazig Ah, who subsequently captured Newbury’s Super Sprint. Consultation was only a fraction of a length behind Zigazig Ah, suggesting that she possesses the class to improve markedly. If she can replicate that form on the Tapeta, she should be a serious contender for the prize. Another youngster to watch is Perfect Love, a yearling purchased by the Basher Watts Syndicate for 30,000 guineas.
The Palace Pier progeny will be partnered by Alistair Rawlinson for trainer Mick Appleby, who is on the cusp of reaching 200 career winners at Dunstall. Perfect Love’s pedigree and the backing of a seasoned jockey make her a plausible threat in the field.
The day’s program also includes the Listed Prix Hubert Baguenault de Puchesse at Vichy, where Horizon Dore and Zarraf will clash. Zarraf, a four‑year‑old trained by Alicja Karkosa, has shown improvement this season, having beaten Arabian Force and the notable Longchamp Group 2 winner Map Of Stars in the Prix Lord Seymour earlier in April. Although he struggled when stepped up to Group 2 company, his recent form suggests he can handle the listed competition and may emerge as the victor.
Turning to the French circuit, the seasoned gelding once rated 120 after a third‑place finish in the 2023 Champion Stakes, under the guidance of Patrice Cottier, is now a shadow of his former self. Yet he still carries a spark of ability, as evidenced by his most recent triumph in the Listed Le Vase d'Argent in April. While he is unlikely to dominate, a respectable placing would be a fitting finish to his campaign. In other racing news, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is pursuing a Cheltenham Festival dream with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
Meanwhile, at Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes showdown. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, and Aidan O’Brien’s four‑horse contingent, led by Benvenuto Cellini, is set to contest the Epsom Derby.
At‑track analyst Kevin Blake of At The Races has released his Derby selections, while former jockey Levi Williams has been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a pub‑side altercation. Back to the Wolverhampton card, the four‑year‑old New Ground, who finished fourth in last year’s Derby, will make a return after a fifth‑place finish in a conditions race at Chantilly in March – his first outing since being gelded. If he can recapture the form that saw him place in the Derby, he could be a strong challenger in today’s race. Also in the ownership group of Basher Watts is the mare Oh So Perfect, who is eyeing a third consecutive win after a four‑month spell away from the track.
She entered the season as an eight‑run maiden at Chelmsford in February and has since climbed from a rating of 46 to 56. The handicapper may still be gauging her true ability, but she should not be discounted for a hat‑trick.
Course and distance specialist Based returns after a disappointing run under a six‑pound penalty at Newcastle, where he was a joint‑favorite at 4/1. Dropped a pound for today’s start, the connections hope the lighter weight will restore his competitiveness.
Finally, Musical Soldier has suffered a string of near‑misses, being denied victory twice by margins of less than a length. Retaining a rating of 55, the horse could finally break through under the guidance of jockey Ollie Sangster, especially with the advantage of a three‑pound claim from Jack Callan.
If the handicapper has finally assessed his true merit, today may be the day Musical Soldier secures his first win. Overall, the Wolverhampton meeting promises a blend of debutants, seasoned campaigners, and intriguing storylines that should keep racing enthusiasts glued to the screen.
Whether it’s the promising half‑sister of Ombudsman, the improving French contenders, or the seasoned veterans looking for a final flourish, there is plenty to discuss and analyse as the evening unfolds.