The horse racing broadcaster picks out his best bets for the action at Newmarket and York, with the focus on the first day of the Dubai Future Champions Weekend.
An indication of the changing seasons comes with a couple of jumps races from Chepstow, part of a marathon 10-race card on ITV this Friday. However, the main focus will be on Newmarket and the first day of Dubai Future Champions Weekend — a two-day meeting that aims to establish a pecking order among the younger horses and offer clues for the Classics ahead of the winter break.
The feature race is the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile, previously won by Desert Flower and Minding en route to Classic success. Three others — Hermosa, Love, and Mother Earth — were placed in this race before going on to win the 1000 Guineas.
Precise heads the market after defeating Venetian Sun and stablemates Beautify and Composing in the Group 1 Moyglare. She appeared to be assigned to mark Venetian Sun, so it was a surprise to see her pick up so well. She’s a deserving favourite, as that form line is the strongest on offer. QUEEN OF HAWAII 8/1 (14:57 Newmarket) is one of several potential improvers in the field, having progressed with each run, culminating in a decisive victory over Moments of Joy and Sugar Island (both reoppose) in a Group 3 at the Curragh. She looked a strong stayer that day, and although this is another step up in class, she could well be up to the task. The fact that Coolmore saddle several runners suggests they may not see Precise as a standout. In fact, Diamond Necklace, impressive on Arc day in the Marcel Boussac, could emerge as their leading Guineas contender.
In the opener, I won’t be deserting the powerful filly REVIVAL POWER 5/2 (13:15 Newmarket) in the Cornwallis, despite her having to give weight to the boys following her victory in the Flying Childers. Tim Easterby isn’t one to chase targets like the Abbaye or Breeders’ Cup, and instead she looks to emulate her full sister Winter Power, who won this in 2020. Revival Power can be keen and will need to handle the Dip, but her blazing tactics can put rivals under pressure early and cap off a fantastic season—one that began with a remarkable debut win at Thirsk, where she posted impressive mid-race sectionals despite being miles behind early on. Personally, I’m glad Brussels is in the field to help shape the market. He’s been busy and still looks like he needs time to fill his substantial frame. He may need to sprout wings to catch Revival Power.
The Group 2 7f Challenge Stakes could benefit from a calendar repositioning earlier in the year, as it’s now somewhat overshadowed by the Foret and the upgraded City of York. This was a process of elimination, leaving just the solitary POET MASTER 3/1 (14:25 Newmarket). Audience is a tricky ride, Beauvatier may find the ground too lively, and Scoville struggled with the rise in class in France last time. Cosmic Year deserves respect, with his yard in better form and having had no luck at Goodwood, but he hasn’t always finished off his races strongly. Poet Master is proven at Newmarket and likely to lead the main group, with the antisocial Audience racing solo. He’s had just a couple of runs this season and shaped well off a break in France last time, suggesting he can take advantage of a soft-looking race for the grade.
Away from Newmarket, NORTHERN EXPRESS 5/1 (13:30 York) will appreciate the better ground than he encountered at Ayr and can capitalise on a falling mark. I had expected him to line up in the Balmoral on Champions Day, so his appearance here in a softer race makes him the bet of the day. The Dods yard have been quiet, which explains Northern Express dropping to a mark of 97 — having previously won off 102 and placed off 106 — so he looks very well handicapped.
Later on, HORNSEA BAY 7/2 (14:40 York) can finally be rewarded for a string of placed efforts and secure his first win since his debut last season. He ran well at Ayr last time, meeting trouble at a crucial stage, and with a clearer passage and a good pace to run at, he looks competitive.
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