The upcoming Newbury card on Friday will feature a headline clash between Spy Chief and Catullus, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing as part of a seven‑race programme. This meeting revives the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup, a contest that has traditionally attracted high‑quality middle‑distance talent, and this year the focus falls on two Godolphin runners.
Spy Chief, partnered with veteran jockey Ryan Moore, arrives with a modest résumé – his only win to date came in a novice race at Yarmouth. However, his recent form suggests untapped potential. In his penultimate start he chased down Almeraq, a dual Group One winner, at Salisbury, finishing a close second.
Replicating that effort at Newbury could easily see him placed among the finishers, if not contesting the win. Charlie Appleby’s Catullus is a progressive colt who posted a career‑best third‑place finish at Goodwood in July.
The drop back to seven furlongs may suit his running style, offering a chance to improve on his recent showing. Catullus has shown the ability to accelerate in the latter stages of a race, and a favourable pace scenario could see him challenge Spy Chief for supremacy.
Other notable entries include Charlie Hills’ Elarak, a horse that warrants a close look given his recent performances, and Northern Champion, who earned a win at this level in July and could be a factor if the race unfolds as expected. The Haynes Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes also promises excitement, featuring debutants Algaihabane and Bin Jahwar among a ten‑horse field.
John and Thady Gosden have entered Algaihabane, a colt who built on his maiden effort with a narrow victory in a Sandown race, earning high praise from William Buick. Ryan Moore will take the reins in the conditions race, adding further intrigue. In the supporting card, Buick will also ride Charlie Appleby’s Bin Jawhar, a horse that impressed with a dominant eight‑and‑a‑half‑length win at Newmarket despite being a long‑shot.
While the step up in class will be challenging, Bin Jawhar’s raw ability suggests he could be a useful contender. Donning Valmont colours, King High represents trainer Owen Burrows. This Kingman son captured a maiden over the course and distance on the previous day, beating future Goodwood winner Quicken Away, indicating he may be ready for higher‑grade competition.
Other horses to watch include Impasto, who made an eye‑catching debut at Ascot and may improve, and seasoned campaigners Flying Pirate and Apulia Bay, both of whom have proven they can hold their own at this level. Across the Atlantic, the program notes that with Sovereignty a non‑runner, Forever Young is poised for a return to the United States in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at the newly reopened Belmont Park.
The former Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, who previously defeated Nysos in the Saudi Cup and later fell to Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup, remains a class act if he can rediscover his best form. Trainer Bill Mott fields Baeza, a horse that was disappointing in the Whitney Stakes after a six‑length defeat. Should Baeza have regained his confidence, he could pose a threat to the market favorites. Meanwhile, Phileas Fogg, who recorded a stunning ten‑length victory in Grade 2 company last time out, may thrive when stepping up in class.
At Newton Abbot, the Colin Willcocks Memorial Handicap Hurdle will see a field of seven, highlighted by Service Minimum and Kom Tu Voudras. Service Minimum returns after a break and is expected to bounce back after a disappointing run at Uttoxeter, while Kom Tu Voudras, owned by JP McManus and trained by Faye Bramley, impressed with a win at Fontwell and now aims to test himself at a higher grade. Another contender, Jamie Snowden’s Rebel Tribesman, has won his first two of five hurdle starts and should be feared despite a recent four‑pound penalty after a Stratford victory. The Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises British EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes will feature Sorrengail and Sweetwonderfulyou among five runners.
The race has a notable pedigree connection: Quadrilateral, a previous winner, went on to claim the Fillies’ Mile in 2019. Ed Walker, who has enjoyed considerable success in Newbury’s opening Kennet Valley Syndicates Nick Robinson EBF Maiden Stakes, will saddle Solo Quest today. Meanwhile, War Chest, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, ran a respectable third on debut and appears to be the most experienced of the field.
Finally, Wolverhampton will host a nine‑race evening card starting at 4:02 pm, all of which will be streamed live on Sky Sports Racing, offering fans a full night of action across flat and jumps racing. The broadcast promises in‑depth analysis, interviews, and the latest racing news, ensuring viewers stay informed about every development on the day.