Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador offers a detailed preview of the marquee contests slated for Newmarket this weekend, spotlighting the Group 1 Cheveley Park and the Middle Park Stakes on Saturday, as well as several key Group 2 events on Friday. The excitement is palpable, with the Friday card highlighted by the tempting Group 2 Betway Joel Stakes (3.00), which I consider the most compelling race of the day.
One of the standout performers heading into Newmarket is Godolphin’s 116‑rated colt Talk Of New York. After a striking display at the Qatar Goodwood Festival – where he surged through the field to finish second in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes – he has firmly established himself as the horse to beat. Earlier in the season he was only two lengths shy of the brilliant Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, a performance that suggests he can now claim a reward, likely at the expense of the consistently solid Persica, a horse that has been nothing but reliable this year. Talk Of New York’s recent form also includes a respectable run behind Hankelow in a Group 3 at Haydock Park, confirming his ability to hold his own against quality opposition.
Karl Burke’s colt, although not having lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him this season, showed a flicker of promise on that day and should benefit from a firmer going. Turning to the Group 2 Betway Rockfel Stakes (2.25) on Friday, Wathnan Racing’s Light Of Dawn looks a strong contender. The filly, a former Goodwood winner, thrived when stepping up to seven furlongs in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes, winning emphatically. Her progression suggests she can handle the extra distance and the quality of the field.
Meanwhile, Karl Burke’s filly, who is moving up in class, appears to have improved since her last outing and could out‑finish Eve Johnson Houghton’s Sugar Yes Please – a filly I have long admired for her consistency. For those seeking the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features, Sky Sports Racing continues to be a valuable resource. Light Of Dawn’s recent Group 3 triumph on Newmarket’s July Course, where she claimed the Sweet Solera, adds further credence to her credentials.
Ed Walker’s Siena Storm, who finished three lengths behind Light Of Dawn in the Prestige, may also have more to offer, especially if she can replicate that form. In the Princess Royal Stakes (1.50) on Friday, Inis Mor is set to enjoy a moment in the spotlight. The filly has been keeping company with some of the season’s best and could capitalize on a favorable weight allowance of seven pounds, thanks to a 7lb weight‑for‑age concession, under the experienced guidance of Ryan Moore. David Menuisier’s filly, who has placed in both the French and Irish Oaks after a Listed win, is another strong candidate for the Group 3 contest.
Her recent performances indicate she is well‑placed to secure a victory against a field that includes the rising star Coedana. Coedana has shown impressive development this year, having been placed behind the future Irish Champion Stakes winner Hotazhell and finishing a close second to Wimbledon Hawkeye in a German Group 1.
The expansive Newmarket track should suit her long‑striding style. Saturday’s highlight is undoubtedly 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 finished behind Libertango in the Albany, has since added two Group 1 victories and a valuable sales race win at York’s Ebor Festival to her résumé, making her my top pick.
George Boughey’s filly, who was outclassed by Senorita Bonita in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket, appears to be a step behind the leading contenders, yet I still believe O’Brien’s Sun Goddess can edge the finish. At longer odds, Andrew Balsing’s Moonrise could be a dark horse; I have followed this tough filly closely over the summer and expect her Group 3 win on Polytrack to translate into a strong performance on turf.
Clive Cox’s Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox, whose unbeaten streak was snapped in the Group 1 Prix Morny last month, will be looking to redeem himself in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (3.00) on Saturday. It will take a stellar effort to challenge Godolphin’s Inner City Blues, who remains unbeaten since his Group 2 July Stakes triumph at Newmarket.
In the Dewhurst entry, I favour the filly just ahead of Orthodox, while Aidan O’Brien’s Marco Polo is an intriguing prospect after rebounding from a disappointing Gimcrack run in a Curragh maiden. O’Brien would not have entered him at this level without confidence in his class. The Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (1.55) on Saturday also promises a strong field. Aidan O’Brien’s proven Group winner Haffner is stepping up to a mile for the first time and should be a serious threat, especially after improving his performance from the National Stakes.
Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews, and features are always just a tap away on your mobile device. Among the younger talents, Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin colt First Law stands out. After a maiden win at Sandown, he seamlessly progressed to Listed company at Haydock Park earlier this month. Karl Burke’s Burning Up shares a similar unbeaten record in two starts, but First Law’s broader experience gives him a slight edge.
I expect First Law to make a strong Classic claim under William Buick on a track where Appleby’s team traditionally excels. The £200,000 Bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap (3.40) at Newmarket on Saturday features a notable entry in Hand Of God.
Harry Charlton’s five‑year‑old validated his potential with a commanding second place in the John Smith’s Cup at York after a spring win at Newbury. Although he fell short in recent Group company in France, he offers attractive value compared to the favourite Gavriel, whose Ascot win for Team Gosden has been heavily penalised.
Alan King’s Alcarath also presents a tempting option at longer odds, especially if the track conditions suit him. He has been consistently close without securing a win and carries a handicap mark of 92, which could prove advantageous if the new cheek pieces give him a tactical edge. In summary, the weekend at Newmarket promises a blend of proven champions, rising stars, and intriguing handicappers. Whether you are backing the seasoned Sun Goddess, hoping for an upset from Moonrise, or looking for value in the Cambridgeshire, there is plenty of action to keep any racing enthusiast engaged.
Hollie Doyle’s insights, shared with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, add an extra layer of expertise to the already rich tapestry of this prestigious meeting.