Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador offers a detailed preview of the headline races at Newmarket this weekend, focusing on the Group 1 Cheveley Park and Middle Park Stakes. He’s eager for a bustling two‑day meeting, especially the Group 2 Betway Joel Stakes on Friday, which he describes as the most enticing feature of the card.
The standout in his view is Godolphin’s 116‑rated colt Talk of New York. After a striking performance at the Qatar Goodwood Festival – where he rallied from well off the pace to finish a close second in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes – the horse has proven he can handle a strong finish. Earlier still, he was only two lengths behind the impressive Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, suggesting he can now turn that form into a win, potentially at the expense of the ever‑consistent Persica, a solid performer who has yet to falter this season.
Talk of New York also faced Hankelow in a Group 3 at Haydock Park, a race that highlighted his ability to stay on a firmer surface. Karl Burke’s colt, while not having fulfilled expectations this year, showed a flash of brilliance on that day and should benefit from a more reliable track condition.
Turning to the Group 2 Betway Rockfel Stakes on Friday, the ambassador backs Wathnan Racing’s Light of Dawn. The filly, a Goodwood winner, stepped up to seven furlongs with authority in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes and could repeat that dominance here. Karl Burke’s other filly, who has moved up in class, may also improve and could out‑run Eve Johnson‑Houghton’s Sugar Yes Please – a mare the writer admires for her consistency. Recent form adds further intrigue.
Light of Dawn captured a Group 3 over seven furlongs in the Sweet Solera on Newmarket’s July Course, while Ed Walker’s Siena Storm, who finished just three lengths behind Light of Dawn in the Prestige, may still have extra mileage to offer. Inis Mor, a filly who has been in the company of top‑class horses all season, is slated for the Princess Royal Stakes on Friday. David Menuisier’s runner has placed in both the French and Irish Oaks after a Listed win, and with a seven‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance and Ryan Moore aboard, she looks well‑placed to seize a Group 3 victory.
Coedana has shown marked improvement, having run behind future Irish Champion Stakes winner Hotazhell and finishing a close second to Wimbledon Hawkeye in a German Group 1. The horse’s stamina should suit Newmarket’s expansive straight, making her a serious contender. The highlight of Saturday’s programme is the Group 1 Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes. Aidan O'Brien’s prolific Sun Goddess lines up against the runaway Prix Morny winner Senorita Bonita and the Albany‑trained Libertango.
Sun Goddess, after a second‑place finish to Libertango in the Albany, has since added two Group 1 victories and a lucrative sales race win at York’s Ebor Festival, positioning her as the writer’s top pick. George Boughey’s filly was outclassed by Senorita Bonita in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes, suggesting a relatively narrow margin between the leading contenders.
Nevertheless, the ambassador believes O’Brien’s Sun Goddess can edge the finish line. At longer odds, Andrew Balsing’s Moonrise could be a value pick.
The tough filly has impressed throughout the summer, and her Group 3 win on Polytrack may translate into a strong showing on the turf. Clive Cox’s concerns about French ground were validated when his Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox fell short of his unbeaten record in the Group 1 Prix Morny. Cox will be looking for redemption in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, where a decisive effort could restore the colt’s reputation. Godolphin’s Inner City Blues, unbeaten since his Group 2 July Stakes triumph at Newmarket, will need a standout run to challenge the established order.
The Dewhurst entry, favored just ahead of Orthodox, also merits attention, while Aidan O’Brien’s Marco Polo offers an intriguing storyline after rebounding from a disappointing Gimcrack effort in a Curragh maiden. The Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes presents another strong renewal. Aidan O’Brien’s proven Group winner Haffner steps up to a mile for the first time, and after a solid showing in the National Stakes despite testing French conditions, he could prove a threat to the field. Beyond the Classics, the ambassador highlights Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin colt First Law, who progressed from a maiden win at Sandown to a Listed placing at Haydock Park earlier this month.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up shares a similar unbeaten record but still seeks a breakthrough, making First Law a logical choice for Classic aspirations under William Buick, especially at a venue where the Appleby stable has a strong record. In the £200,000 Bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap, Hand Of God offers good value.
Harry Charlton’s five‑year‑old confirmed his potential with a strong second in the John Smith’s Cup at York after a promising Newbury win, and despite a recent defeat in French Group company, he appears better placed than the favourite Gavriel, whose Ascot win for Team Gosden has been heavily penalised. Alan King’s Alcarath, running well despite not yet winning, could also be a smart bet at higher odds, particularly if the new cheek pieces give him a tactical edge. Overall, the weekend promises a blend of proven talent and emerging prospects, with Hollie Doyle’s insights adding depth to the analysis.
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