The Friday card at Newbury features a headline clash between Spy Chief and Catullus, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing as part of a seven‑race program. Both horses are owned by Godolphin and will contest the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup, a race that promises a high‑quality renewal. Spy Chief, piloted by Ryan Moore, has only one win to his name—a novice victory at Yarmouth—but he showed promise when he chased the future dual Group One winner Almeraq at Salisbury in his penultimate start.
If he can replicate that performance, he should be in contention for a placing. Charlie Appleby’s Catullus is a progressive type who recorded a career‑best third‑place finish at Goodwood in July. The drop back to seven furlongs at Newbury could suit him well, and he will be looking to improve on his recent form. Also worth watching is Charlie Hills’ Elarak, who may provide a strong challenge, while Northern Champion, who performed admirably at this level in July, adds depth to the field.
In the Haynes Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes, debutants Algaihabane and Bin Jahwar join a ten‑horse lineup in what promises to be a superb renewal. Trainers John and Thady Gosden have entered Algaihabane, who built on his maiden effort at Sandown by winning a maiden there by a neck.
William Buick praised the colt’s performance, and Ryan Moore will take over the ride for the conditions race. Meanwhile, Charlie Appleby’s Bin Jawhar, who broke his maiden at Newmarket with an impressive eight‑and‑a‑half‑length victory at long odds, will step up in class. Though the competition will be tougher, his dominant debut suggests he could be a useful contender. Donning Valmont colours, King High represents Owen Burrows.
The Kingman‑sired colt won a maiden over the course and distance on the previous day, beating the subsequent Goodwood winner Quicken Away, indicating he may continue to progress. Other notable entries include Impasto, who made a striking debut at Ascot and could improve further, as well as returning winners Flying Pirate and Apulia Bay, both of whom merit respect.
Across the Atlantic, Forever Young is set to make a return to the United States in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at the newly reopened Belmont Park. The former Breeders' Cup Classic winner, who last raced in the Saudi Cup before being beaten by Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup, remains a class act if he can recapture his best form.
Trainer Bill Mott fields Baeza, who was disappointing in the Whitney Stakes after a six‑length defeat. Should he find his stride again, he could challenge the market’s expectations.
Phileas Fogg, who won a Grade 2 race by ten lengths on his last outing, looks poised to step up in class and test the top contenders. At Newton Abbot, the Colin Willcocks Memorial Handicap Hurdle will feature seven runners, headlined by Service Minimum and Kom Tu Voudras. The Skelton stable continues its dominance of the summer jumps scene, with Service Minimum returning from a break after a disappointing run at Uttoxeter; expectations are high that he will rebound.
Kom Tu Voudras, owned by JP McManus and trained by Faye Bramley with Harry Cobden aboard, impressed with a win at Fontwell and will be given a chance at a higher grade. Also in the jumps program, Jamie Snowden’s Rebel Tribesman merits attention.
The six‑year‑old has won his first two of five hurdling starts and, despite carrying an additional four pounds after a recent Stratford victory, remains a threat. The Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises British EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes will feature a five‑horse field including Sorrengail and Sweetwonderfulyou. Past winner Quadrilateral captured this race before taking the Fillies’ Mile in 2019, underscoring the quality of this contest.
In the Kennet Valley Syndicates Nick Robinson EBF Maiden Stakes at Newbury, Ed Walker, who has enjoyed considerable success in the opening races, will ride Solo Quest. Eve Johnson Houghton’s War Chest, who finished a respectable third on debut, appears to be the most experienced contender. Finally, Wolverhampton will host a nine‑race evening card beginning at 4:02 pm, all shown live on Sky Sports Racing, offering a full slate of flat and jump action for fans to enjoy.