Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador offers a detailed preview of the marquee races slated for Newmarket’s Friday and Saturday meetings, highlighting the Group 1 Cheveley Park and Middle Park Stakes among other key contests. I’m eagerly anticipating a thrilling weekend at Newmarket, with the standout for me being the tantalising Group 2 Betway Joel Stakes (3.00) on Friday – a race that promises high‑octane action and a solid platform for emerging talent. Turning to the colts, Godolphin’s 116‑rated Talk Of New York has captured my attention as the horse that everyone will need to outpace.
His recent performance at the Qatar Goodwood Festival was eye‑catching; after a demanding trip he rallied to finish a respectable second in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes, showcasing both stamina and a turn of foot. Earlier in the season, he was only two lengths adrift of the brilliant Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, indicating that he can thrive against top‑class opposition. If he continues on this trajectory, he could very well claim a reward at the expense of the ever‑reliable Persica – a consistently solid performer who has yet to falter this year. Talk Of New York’s recent form also includes a commendable run behind Hankelow in a Group 3 at Haydock Park.
That effort underlines his versatility and suggests he can confirm his class when matched against Karl Burke’s colt, a horse that has yet to fulfil the lofty expectations placed upon him this season but did show a flicker of promise on a softer surface. A firmer going could see him finally unleash the potential that many pundits believe is just beneath the surface. On the Friday card, the Group 2 Betway Rockfel Stakes (2.25) should see Wathnan Racing’s Light Of Dawn, a Goodwood winner, take centre stage.
Light Of Dawn relished the step up to seven furlongs when she dominated the Group 3 Prestige Stakes, and that performance suggests she is primed for another impressive run. Karl Burke’s filly, who has moved up in class, appears to have taken a further step forward since we last saw her, and she could well outshine Eve Johnson Houghton’s Sugar Yes Please – a filly I hold in high regard for her consistency and grit. For those following the latest horse‑racing news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing, there is plenty to discuss.
Light Of Dawn’s credentials are bolstered by a Group 3 victory over seven furlongs in the Sweet Solera on Newmarket’s July Course. Meanwhile, Ed Walker’s Siena Storm, who finished three lengths behind Light Of Dawn in the Prestige, may still have untapped ability that could surface under the right conditions. Inis Mor has been keeping company with some of the season’s hottest prospects and is poised to enjoy the spotlight in the Princess Royal Stakes (1.50) on Friday. David Menuisier’s filly has placed in both the French and Irish Oaks after breaking through at Listed level, and with Ryan Moore aboard and a seven‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance, she appears to have a genuine chance to secure a Group 3 win.
Coedana has shown marked progress this year, having been placed behind the future Irish Champion Stakes winner Hotazhell and finishing a close second to Wimbledon Hawkeye in a Group 1 in Germany. That form is solid, and the expansive Newmarket track should suit her powerful galloping style.
Saturday’s headline race is the Group 1 Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes (2.27). The fillies’ showcase pits Aidan O’Brien’s prolific Sun Goddess against the runaway Prix Morny winner Senorita Bonita and the Albany champion Libertango. Sun Goddess, who was second to Libertango in the Albany, has since added two Group 1 victories to her résumé, including a valuable sales race win at York’s Ebor Festival, making her my benchmark for the day. George Boughey’s filly was outclassed by Senorita Bonita in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket, suggesting a relatively narrow margin between the leading contenders.
Nevertheless, I believe Aidan O’Brien’s Sun Goddess possesses the class to edge the finish line. At longer odds, I would love to see Andrew Balsing’s Moonrise make an impact. This tough filly has been a focus of my attention throughout the summer, and her Group 3 win on Polytrack should translate into a strong performance on the Newmarket turf, offering excellent value for punters.
Clive Cox’s concerns about testing ground in France were validated when his Norfolk Stakes star Orthodox suffered his first defeat in the Group 1 Prix Morny last month. The Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (3.00) on Saturday offers Orthodox a chance to restore his reputation, though it will require a standout effort to challenge Godolphin’s Inner City Blues, who remains unbeaten since his Group 2 July Stakes triumph at Newmarket.
In the Dewhurst Stakes, my vote leans slightly towards the Dewhurst entry over Orthodox, while Aidan O’Brien’s Marco Polo is an intriguing prospect after rebounding from a disappointing Gimcrack run with a maiden win at the Curragh. O’Brien would not have entered him at this level without confidence in his underlying ability. The Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (1.55) on Saturday also looks promising. Aidan O’Brien’s proven Group winner Haffner will step up to a mile for the first time.
After a testing run in the National Stakes, Haffner appears to have improved and could pose a serious threat to the field. Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your mobile device – stay informed wherever you are. I am also impressed by the progressive profile of Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin colt First Law.
After breaking his maiden at Sandown, First Law smoothly transitioned into Listed company at Haydock Park earlier this month, indicating a natural aptitude for stepping up in class. Karl Burke’s Burning Up shares a similar unbeaten record in two starts, yet still has more to prove. I am inclined to back First Law for Classic aspirations, especially under the experienced hands of William Buick at a venue where the Appleby team consistently excels. The £200,000 bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap (3.40) on Saturday presents a lucrative opportunity.
Harry Charlton’s five‑year‑old Hand Of God confirmed his promise with a Newbury win in the spring and a strong second in the John Smith’s Cup at York, despite an unfortunate draw. Although he was penalised for his recent Group effort in France, his form suggests he offers better value than the favourite Gavriel, whose Ascot victory for Team Gosden has been heavily weighted. Alan King’s Alcarath also merits consideration at longer odds, particularly if the conditions suit him. He has been running well without yet securing a win and is currently handicapped at 92, a mark that could give him an edge if the new cheek pieces perform as expected.
In summary, the Newmarket weekend promises a blend of established stars and rising talents across both sprint and middle‑distance divisions. From the Sun Goddess showdown in the Cheveley Park to the tactical battles in the Middle Park and Cambridgeshire, there is ample excitement for racing enthusiasts and punters alike. Hollie Doyle’s insights, shared with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, provide a valuable perspective on form, tactics, and potential upsets as the season reaches a pivotal juncture.