Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador offers a detailed preview of the marquee races at Newmarket over the weekend, focusing on the Group 1 Cheveley Park and Middle Park Stakes as the headline events. The excitement builds for a packed Newmarket card, with the Group 2 Betway Joel Stakes (starting price 3.00) set to be the standout race on Friday. The Joel Stakes promises a thrilling contest, and I’m eager to see how the field unfolds. One of the most intriguing prospects is Godolphin’s highly rated colt Talk Of New York, who carries a 116 rating after a striking performance at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
In that race he surged through the field to finish a close second in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes, demonstrating both stamina and a turn of foot. Earlier in the season he was within two lengths of the outstanding Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, suggesting he can compete at the highest level. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could pose a serious challenge to the reliable Persica, a horse that has been consistent throughout the year and remains in good form.
Talk Of New York also faced Hankelow in a Group 3 at Haydock Park, a race that highlighted his ability to handle softer ground and a fast pace. Karl Burke’s colt, while not having fulfilled early-season expectations, showed a flash of brilliance on that day and should benefit from a firmer surface at Newmarket. Turning to the Group 2 Betway Rockfel Stakes (2.25) on Friday, Wathnan Racing’s Light Of Dawn appears a strong contender. Light Of Dawn, a Goodwood winner, stepped up to seven furlongs with confidence, having taken the Group 3 Prestige Stakes by a decisive margin.
The filly’s progression suggests she can handle the extra distance and the quality of the field. Karl Burke’s filly, who has moved up in class, may have also improved since her last run. She could potentially outpace Eve Johnson Houghton’s Sugar Yes Please, a filly I hold in high regard for her consistency and turn of foot. Recent headlines from Sky Sports Racing highlight the latest news, interviews, and feature stories across the sport, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the racing world.
Light Of Dawn’s resume includes 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 Stakes, may still have untapped potential and could be a factor if the race unfolds favorably for him.
Inis Mor has been a standout this season, consistently running against high‑quality opposition. She is set to enjoy a prominent role in the Princess Royal Stakes (1.50) on Friday, where her proven ability over a mile could see her capitalize on the soft ground. David Menuisier’s filly, after placing in both the French and Irish Oaks, has now stepped down to Listed level and is looking for a Group 3 win with Ryan Moore aboard.
She also benefits from a seven‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance, giving her a tactical edge. Coedana has shown marked improvement this year, having been placed behind the future Irish Champion Stakes winner Hotazhell and narrowly beaten by Wimbledon Hawkeye in a German Group 1. The expansive Newmarket track suits her powerful galloping style, and she could be a serious threat if she hits her stride.
Saturday’s headline race is the Group 1 Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes (2.27). The filly division’s showcase pits Aidan O’Brien’s prolific Sun Goddess against the runaway Prix Morny winner Senorita Bonita and the Albany‑trained Libertango. Sun Goddess, after finishing behind Libertango in the Albany, has since captured two Group 1 victories and triumphed in the valuable Sales race at York’s Ebor Festival, establishing herself as the benchmark for the day. George Boughey’s filly Senorita Bonita proved superior in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket, but the margin between the top contenders is slim, and I believe O’Brien’s Sun Goddess has the class to edge the finish.
At longer odds, I would love to see Andrew Balsing’s Moonrise make an impact. Moonrise has been a tough, resilient filly throughout the summer and could translate her Group 3 Polytrack win into a strong performance on the turf, offering excellent value if she connects. Clive Cox’s Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox suffered his first defeat in the Group 1 Prix Morny in France, a loss that validates Cox’s concerns about the French ground.
Orthodox now seeks redemption in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (3.00) on Saturday, and a dominant run would restore his unbeaten reputation. However, Godolphin’s Inner City Blues, unbeaten since his Group 2 July Stakes win at Newmarket, will be a formidable opponent. It will take a truly outstanding effort to break his flawless record.
In the Dewhurst Stakes, I lean slightly towards the entry that includes the previously mentioned horses, with a particular eye on Aidan O’Brien’s Marco Polo. After a disappointing run in the Gimcrack, Marco Polo rebounded in a Curragh maiden, and O’Brien would not enter him at this level without believing he possesses the necessary class. The Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (1.55) on Saturday also promises a strong field. Aidan O’Brien’s proven Group winner Haffner will step up to a mile for the first time.
Haffner, a product of the Acomb stable, showed improvement after a testing run in the National Stakes and now poses a serious threat to his rivals. Beyond the Group races, I’m impressed by the progressive form of Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin colt First Law. After a maiden win at Sandown, First Law smoothly transitioned to Listed company at Haydock Park earlier this month, indicating a rapid development curve.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up shares a similar unbeaten record in two starts but still has a lot to prove. I am placing my confidence in First Law to continue his ascent and possibly lay the foundations for a Classic campaign under William Buick, especially at a venue where the Appleby team has historically excelled. The £200,000 Bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap (3.40) on Saturday offers a substantial betting opportunity. Hand Of God, a five‑year‑old trained by Harry Charlton, confirmed his promise with a solid Newbury win in the spring and a strong second place in the John Smith’s Cup at York, where he was denied a favorable draw.
Although he was beaten in Group company in France recently, he appears to be good value compared to the favorite Gavriel, whose Ascot win for Team Gosden has been heavily backed. Gavriel’s recent penalty may affect his odds, but his progressive form keeps him in contention. I also see potential in Alan King’s Alcarath, who has been consistently placed without yet breaking his duck.
Carrying a handicap mark of 92, Alcarath could benefit from the new cheek pieces being used for the first time, potentially giving him a tactical edge. Overall, the weekend at Newmarket promises a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and intriguing handicappers.
The mix of Group 1 sprints, middle‑distance contests, and high‑stakes handicaps ensures there will be plenty of action for racing enthusiasts. Hollie Doyle, speaking with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, highlighted the quality of the fields and expressed optimism about the performances we can expect from both established Group winners and promising newcomers.