Live Racing blog: Newbury Saturday updates

16:19 Darley 'Confined' EBF Maiden Stakes

Parade ring updates:

Kenneth: Easy to see resemblance to half-brother Gregory, big colt who is showing some signs of inexperience. Fit for debut but physical appearance suggest he'll only improve.

Furthur: Another big, raw individual with a high level of fitness. Professional attitude for return.

Al Wasl Storm: Not much size compared to some of these, but well put together and balanced. Likeable.

Gold Cup Day: Already had a moment in the pre-parade, rearing and antics. Second handler applied, will learn from the experience.

Byrant: Taken well to the application of first-time blinkers, another horse with size and scope.

Schemaya: Smart enough filly, still some growing to do and she looks likely to come forward for the run.

Whatcombe: Left late to paddock, muscly individual with plenty about him, will come forward again.

Paddock pick: Furthur

Result:

1st Furthur 7/2

2nd Kenneth 11/8 f

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

Andrew Balding: “He stays well and it was nice to know that he goes on quicker ground as well. He should keep on improving and he will certainly stay further.

“We were just a bit worried about the ground, but he has coped with it well and he looks like a nice horse for the future.

“I doubt he is one for a Derby trial, but I think he is more of a St Leger horse in time, if he is going to be that good. At this moment in time we see how it all maps out next week as we have a few more nice ones to run next week and we will know whereabouts we are in the picture then.”

15:45 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 'Confined' Maiden Stakes

Parade ring updates:

Lola Moon: Two handlers and a bit inexperienced but well managed.

Nutmeg: Two handlers, quite tentative and will undoubtedly learn plenty.

Indian Spirit: Catching the eye as a horse with a professional attitude. Can tell he's had a run. Fit.

Crown Of Oaks: Undoubtedly one of the better horses in the field. Plenty of power.

King Of The Sea: Very excitable and green, negative at this stage.

Half Moon King: Nice stamp but will come forward for the run.

King Of Narnia: Keeps catching the eye, good level of fitness. Wears red hood and relaxed.

Mighty Boy: Quality individual, deep girthed, compact and powerful. Like.

Point Of Contact: Laidback and deep girthed individual, should come forward on whatever he does today.

Ledanis: Slender frame, has become quite warm and still presenting greenly.

King Of The Sea: Very colty and tricky to saddle, going in the stable to get him tacked up.

Killenaule: Big colt with some growing room, fit for today but might be one for the notebook down the line

Beagle Boy: Green and showing signs of inexperience, just fine.

Paddock pick: Indian Spirit - Mighty Boy at a price.

Result:

1st Point Of Contact 7/2

2nd Beagle Bay 25/1

3rd Crown Of Oaks 8/11 f

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

Andrew Balding: "He had an injury and he had to have a lot of time off, but he is a fine good looking horse. I think the key to him is how far he will stay. He got the mile well today. There is a bit of a mixture as on his dam’s side there is stamina, but he is by Blue Point, so we will probably stay at the mile for the time being and when we want to go further we will. He is a smart horse."

And following the race, which was a third victory on the day for Classic winning handler Balding, and a second for Murphy, an outing in the Listed Chasemore Farm Heron Stakes on May 29th was nominated as the next port of call for the winner.

Balding said: “Usually this race takes a bit of winning so we would be entitled to look at a Listed race next and that will probably be the one at Sandown Park. He has got the physical scope to do it (be smart). This is only a maiden, so let’s not get carried away, but he has always looked like a nice horse. I think the three year-olds we have are very nice and we are lucky we have some nice horses.”

15:12 OLBG Spring Cup

Parade ring updates:

Dragon Leader: OK, no negatives

Cogitate: Good condition, likeable enough.

Pearl Eye: Just fine, no negatives.

Inishfallen: Fit for return. Like.

Classic: Attractive individual, should come forward a touch.

James McHenry: Teeth grinding and on his toes. Not a major issue at this stage.

Silver Sword: Always a difficult horse to judge from a fitness perspective bit as good as we've seen him.

Arisaig: Always makes appeal as a big filly with a bit of class about her. Seen her look better though.

Metal Merchant: Will come forward for run.

Urban Lion: Wears read hood but fine, lighter framed than some of these and loos in great order.

Son: Always a good looking individual and tends to present well. Still room for definition but not unfit.

Two Temptin: Can tell raced recently, good level of fitness. Like.

Ebt's Guard: Will come forward for seasonal reappearance

Great Acclaim: Full of himself on his return, good level of fitness and looks ready to go

Paddock Pick: Urban Lion, Ebt's Guard & Silver Sword best

Result:

1st Ebt's Guard 25/1

2nd Urban Lion 7/1

3rd Classic 6/1

4th Two Tempting 14/1

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

William Muir: “That was our first runner on grass, but we didn’t know how fit they were, but he had been working extremely well and he had been gelded. He was doing everything quite nicely. He had this race won from a mile out.

“He was always a nice horse and he should have won at Glorious Goodwood last year, but he nearly got taken down at the top of the hill and he was then taken back to last. If you go back and watch the race he then flew through and couldn’t get a gap. At Ascot the time before that he got in at the back, but he flew up the straight and he ran right up the behind of the winner as he didn’t look where he was going.

“This little horse cost me five thousand guineas. I think soft is his best ground as he won at Ascot when it was very soft, but it could be that he likes good to firm. "He has gone on everything and when he won his maiden at Thirsk it was rock hard. What a little saint. I think we can have a look at the Hunt Cup with him. I was going to take him to the Lincoln, but I felt he wasn’t quite ready. This is his owner (Jayant Pindolia) first horse he has had anything to do with.

“He wanted to come today, but he had to go to a wedding. I said to him we had a chance and I said we are quite fit, but we are drawn 11 which will make it difficult, however it couldn’t worked out better. I’m sure he will be celebrating now.”

14:35 Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes

Parade ring updates:

Saracen: Kept out until the last minute and came in with two handlers. Impressive individual, looks to have a bit of quality about him.

Chancellor: Powers from behind and still might grow some more. Whatever he does today, will be better net time as he improves physically. Fit.

Rogue Allegiance: Kept out until last minute, on his toes and quite busy. Learning experience.

Jonquil: Red hood, has been a tough agitated, but been well managed by handlers. Will keep learning.

Noble Champion: Colt with a bit of size, should continue to improve physically through the season.

Aurora Majesty: Compact, powerhouse kind of colt, two handlers and wears red hood. Muscly.

Ya Mo Be There: Athletic colt with good rib definition, has been very relaxed and catching the eye. Liked in the Coventry last year and he looks to have come forward.

Rashabar: Worth noting that he's come into the pre-parade a bit green. Saddled up now looks like he'll tighten up for the run. Lovely physical stamp.

Diablo Rojo: Loose moving colt, very relaxed and shows in his walk. Can tell he's had a run already, fit.

Al Qudra: Has a bit of presence about him, compact but still filled out into his frame, good muscle definition. Like.

Paddock pick: Saracen & Ya Mo Be There best - Al Qudra third best.

Result:

1st Jonquil 8/1

2nd Rashabar 6/1

3rd Saracen 13/2

4th Diablo Rojo 16/1

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

Andrew Balding said: “He looked a very smart horse for Sir Michael Stoute last year when he won his maiden at Sandown. I was thrilled when they said he was coming to us and his work has been very good and he settled well through the race and he hit the line strong. I’m really pleased as I thought he settled well and picked up well. He looked very smart on his debut, but then things didn’t go to plan the second time out, but we have had plenty of time with him and his work has been great.

“It looked like a mile suit him I would say. I would have thought Newmarket wouldn’t be a problem as he is a very well balanced horse. I think everyone who was connected with the horse previously was sure his run at Doncaster was just a blip as they had a very opinion of him.

“We will wait and see what next week’s trials bring as he is in the English 2000 Guineas and he is in the French 2000 Guineas. Anything is possible and we will try that mile at some stage. The Guineas is not far away so we just have to see how he comes out of it and see what happens next week.”

14.00 Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered As The Fred Darling Stakes)

Parade ring updates:

Bright Times Ahead: Very, very fit for return. A little on her toes, there isn't much of her, but she's catching the eye.

Hey Boo: Another who will come forward a touch.

British Blue: Deep girthed and should come forward for the run.

Greydreambeliever: Relaxed demeanour and intelligent filly, having a good look around and taking things in.

Enola Holmes: Second handler applied, getting on her toes, will come forward.

Heavens Gate: Impressed by the change rom two to three, she has grown into herself. Got something about her. Wouldn't be surprised if she comes forward a bit but not unfit.

Betty Clover: Always liked this filly, lovely compact individual with a bit of class. Hasn't grown much from two to three and it will be interesting to see if she'll be more of a sprinting type.

Duty First: Will come forward for the run. More fitness to find against some of these sharper types.

Formal: Two handlers. Not much size to her and keen. Couldn't put you off but others appeal more.

Ellaria Sand: One for the notebook going forward, sizeable fill and she should keep improving into her frame

Maw Lam: Light-framed filly, fit for return.

Time For Sandals: More of a three-year-old than anything in the pre-parade at the moment. An impressive physical with size and scope, wears red hood and has two handlers but very relaxed.

Simmering: Came in with two handlers and already warm between the back legs. In good order.

Mountain Breeze: Can tell she has already had runs and is fit. Second handler already applied as she's getting on her toes. One to monitor.

Paddock pick: Better Times Ahead & Heavens Gate the best pair

Result:

1st Duty First 33/1

2nd Hey Boo 40/1

3rd Time For Sandals 14/1

4th Betty Clover 80/1

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

Archie Watson: “She was placed in the Prestige and placed in the Rockfel last year, but we always knew she would do very well physically as she as a big filly last year. It is a family we know well and we trained her half-brother Army Ethos, who was second in the Coventry Stakes. It is a family Sheikh Nasser knows well so I’m delighted. She has definitely grown plenty and today the ground was a lot quicker. It was on the fast side of good when she won at Ayr, but that was just a maiden.

“Her Group race form was on heavy ground, but I would say she will be very versatile. She will definitely get the mile in the Guineas. I’ve not got her in the English 1000 Guineas, but I would imagine that is where she will run. She was actually scheduled to run in the Italian 1000 Guineas, but I don’t think that will happen today.

“She isn’t in the French 1000 Guineas as I try not to waste entry fees. I supplement them as and where I want to run her once I’ve spoken to Sheikh Nasser. It was a very strong Fred Darling if you think back to last year’s when there was only six runners and it wasn’t a very strong race. You had proper Group One horses in there. The way she has done has probably surprised me, but she has been in great order this spring.

"She was still very raw when she ran at Newmarket in the Rockfel last year, but I don’t think the track would bother me. She has been around Goodwood as well so I’d be happy going back to Newmarket.”

13.25 Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes

Parade ring updates:

Dallas Star: Very late to the paddock, can tell he's had a few runs already. Good muscle definition, bandaged back legs.

Tabletalk: Muscle definition but would be surprised if he doesn't improve for the run.

Ancient Wisdom: Compact type, compared to some of these. Wears a red hood and fine. Couldn't put you off if you're interested but more exciting options in here from paddock perspective.

Divina Grace: Mare with plenty of size and scope, likeable attitude. Others appeal more but fit. Getting excitable now. Second handler added.

Feigning Madness: Interesting prospect. Fit for return and catching the eye, lovely loose walk and filled into his frame. Will be saddled outside as reluctant to go into saddling bay, not a negative.

Sunway: Catching the eye early as a horse who is fit for return. Keen to get on with the job. Positive. Second handler now applied.

Bellum Justum: Not tall but a fairly big-framed horse. Will come forward for the run.

Paddock pick: Sunway best - Feigning Madness at a price

Result:

1st: Divina Grace 14/1

2nd: Tabletalk 14/1

3rd: Sunway 6/4 f

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

Andrew Balding: “Rae (Guest) had helped us with the way she wants to be ridden and that seemed to suit her well (going from the front). She was really tough today. We were slightly guessing because we haven’t had her that long, but Rae had been very helpful with what she is like at home. He had come and seen her train at home so we got all the help we could. She was very tough, but it was an excellent ride as well.

“She looks a bit wintery, but from a fitness point of view we weren’t worried. We did think she might have to settle for a place when the others came to challenge her, but she showed us just how tough she is. We will take every step as we go. At this stage I’ve not really got a plan as to what we do next.”

FRIDAY

15.37 Darley EBF Novice Stakes

Parade ring updates:

Falconer: The best Balding horse we've seen today. Compact, good level of fitness on return and has developed physically since last season.

Marnier: Having a good look around and noisy. Undoubtedly fit and one for the notebook as will learn plenty from today.

Dangerman: Likeable type, typical Cracksman stamp. Wears red hood but has been relaxed. Fine.

Saddadd: Deep-girthed type, hard to judge from a fitness perspective and think he'll continue to come on. Tracks up well in the walk.

Peaky Blinder: Compact individual, will come forward a touch. Has been a little green but nothing of note.

Meblesh: Impressive individual, caught the eye at Doncaster last time and showing a really professional attitude.

Star Chasing: Two handlers and occasionly throwing himself about. Learning on the job and will improve for experience.

Dancing Tiger: Lean with a good level of fitness.

Gethin: Two handlers but walking around well. Filled physically into frame, good level of fitness of return.

Pick of the paddock: Falconer & Meblesh

Result:

1st Gethin 7/2

2nd Saddadd 5/2

3rd Marnier 12/1

Video replay

Winning connections reaction

Owen Burrows said: "He is still a big raw baby and I think he will be better again for getting that out of his system. He was a bit fresh in the stable yard and he moved a shoe. He was a handful for the farrier to get that back on. He is a work in progress, but you can’t be anything but impressed by him with the way he travelled through. He was a little bit gassy for a furlong, but once Callum said he got a lead he dropped in and settled well and went up through the gears from two down and hit the line strong. I felt the ground was safe, and God willing he is fine in the morning as he is a big lad."

"On what he has done now the Derby dream is alive. I like this race timing wise as it gives us a bit of time before Chester, Lingfield and York. We will see what the opposition is and make a decision which way to go. I can’t see why he won’t handle Epsom as he is a well balanced horse."

15.03 Dreweatts Maiden Fillies' Stakes

Parade ring updates:

Lady Ridgewood: Already been washed down as has become very warm, a little on edge. Will need monitoring.

Lady Randolph: Large framed filly with plenty of size and scope. Impressive individual but entitled to come forward.

Rock Music: Catching the eye among the debutants, a filly with real size and quality. Two handlers but taking proceedings well.

Cynthia: Small, probably the most compact in the field. Good level of fitness and couldn't put you off.

Llangynin Lass: Wears red hood but has generally been easy going. Will come forward a touch for the run.

Serenity Prayer: Quality individual and has a good walk, uses herself nicely. Similar comments apply as to the Balding filly in the last race. Not unfit but will improve for this.

Star Of Dubai: Preferred of the Balding two, compact, but might come forward a touch again.

Queen Of Thieves: Filled into her frame over the winter, professional and likeable.

Pick of the paddock: Rock Music

Result:

1st Serenity Prayer 2/1 jt-fav

2nd Lady Ridgewood 6/1

3rd Queen Of Thieves 2/1

Video replay:

14.27 Bridget 'Confined' Maiden Fillies' Stakes (GBB Race)

Parade ring updates:

Consecrated: Catching the eye early, ,fairly long backed, wearing the red hood but very relaxed. Likeable

Glamorous Dancer: Big, imposing type, typical of the sire. Fair level of fitness.

Breckenbrough: Plenty of size about this filly, walking well and clearly has quality. Has been a little green in places and may come forward a touch - not unfit.

Wordoodd Nice attitude, taking preliminaries well, should come forward for the run

Havana Hero: Quite compact, has been green and looking around

Mystic Maureen: String in the paddock, others appeal more at this stage

Cajole: Quality individual with good confirmation, Became slightly lit up, second handler added.

Doctor Daulia: Closely put together, sprinting type. Perhaps one for the notebook further down the line.

Bintofie: Will come forward for the run, nice attitude.

Paddock pick: Consecrated

Result:

1st Consecrated 5/2 f

2nd Breckenbrough 10/3

3rd Woroodd 7/1

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction

Maureen Haggas, assistant trainer: “She is a beautifully bred filly and you hope they will come out and do something like that so that was great. Cieren (Fallon) was sensible and let her bowl along. She hasn’t done a lot to be honest with you, but she goes nicely enough. We trained her mother (Sacre Caroline), and she was very good, and she is by Frankel so you don’t get much better than that.

“I think we got away with the ground today, but I don’t think it was ideal for her. Cieren couldn’t pull her up at the end so she will get further. We will probably step her up to a mile next time and see really

“I would think she probably won’t run with a penalty and will run in a Listed race or something like that. This time of year you can run with a penalty and you don’t know what you are up against. Something like the Michael Seely at York could be for her. She still looks quite backward and she is long and skinny. She is not beautiful, but she has got an engine and that is what counts. I think she is one of those that will improve as the year goes on. She is quite immature looking and hopefully she will mature as time goes on.”

13.52 Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup EBF Maiden Stakes

Pre-parade ring updates:

Sweet Lord: Early eyecatcher, bit more size already than some of these juveniles. Well balanced, loose, easy walk. One we like.

Coyy: Walking around but quite green and having a good look at everything. Carrying some condition but they do tend to present like that from the yard.

Chale Chalo: Two handlers from the outset but has been well managed. Closely put together, fine.

Inca Heights: Very green and being talked around the pre-parade. Sprinter type, very compact.

Grand Echo: Will come forward for the run. Lacks the quality of some of these.

Siren Suit: Just come into the pre-parade. Two handlers, red hood and very green.

Private Affair: Good attitude, been very relaxed in preliminaries, taking it all in. Compact, well put together, like.

Vinciamo: Came into paddock with two handlers but has been well behaved. Just fine and will come forward for this.

Ten Cuidado: Late in, green and having a good look around. Needs it.

Pick of the paddock: Private Affair

Result:

1st Inca Heights 17/2

2nd Private Affair 3//1 f

3rd Vinciamo 9/1

Video replay:

Winning connections reaction:

Clive Cox, trainer of Inca Heights: I’m very pleased for Stephen (Barrow) and Julie (Deadman) as they have been long standing owners and to see this one win in the Reckless Abandon and Tis Marvellous colours is very special. I’m thrilled to bits for Nando Parrado, who has made a wonderful start to his first runners. This guy hasn’t been away from home to gallop or anything and we haven’t been on the grass for three or four weeks so I did manage expectations a little bit quietly.

“I’m thrilled to bits and we can look forward to more progress. I know he will take a big step forward and David (Probert) gave him a super ride. popped him out of the stalls the other morning and he was great. He has a wonderful mind on him and he is a lovely moving horse so this is exciting.

And following the race Cox hinted that he will now work back from the Royal meeting in June with Inca Heights, a meeting where his sire secured victory in the 2020 Coventry Stakes.

Cox said: “This weather will determine where we go and we will try to keep him as upwardly mobile as possible in the build up to Ascot from what I’ve seen and that will be the plan. He has got the speed there, but he galloped out so well so six furlongs will be no problem and knowing his dad well that will definitely be the case.
On the dam’s side there is the scope to go further as well. Showing that class he has today is wonderful.”

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