Spy Chief takes on Catullus in the feature of seven races from Newbury on Friday – live on Sky Sports Racing.
4.07 Newbury – Godolphin pair Spy Chief and Catullus clash
Godolphin runners Spy Chief and Catullus do battle in a quality renewal of the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury.
Spy Chief, the ride of Ryan Moore, only has a Yarmouth novice success to his name. He did however chase home subsequent dual Group One winner Almeraq at Salisbury on his penultimate start and a repetition of that would see him in the money.
Charlie Appleby’s Catullus is an progressive type who ran a career best when third at Goodwood in July and might be suited by the drop back to seven furlongs.
Charlie Hills’ Elarak is worth closely inspection, while Northern Champion scored at this level in July.
3.32 Newbury – Algaihabane and Bin Jahwar contest hot Haynes Hanson & Clark
A superb renewal of this Haynes Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes sees debut winners Algaihabane and Bin Jahwar feature among a field of 10.
John and Thady Gosden field Algaihabane who built on his debut effort to land a Sandown maiden by a neck. William Buick was effusive in his praise after, and Ryan Moore takes over in the plate.
Buick takes the ride on Charlie Appelby’s Bin Jawhar who made a winning start at Newmarket, justifying skinny odds to win by a whopping eight and a half lengths. This test will be stiffer, but he looks potentially useful.
Donning the Valmont colours, King High represents the Owen Burrows stable. This son of Kingman won a maiden over course and distance the last day, defeating subsequent Goodwood winner Quicken Away.
Of the others, Impasto made an eye-catching debut at Ascot and could improve on that, while last-time victors Flying Pirate and Apulia Bay warrant respect.
9.14 Belmont Park – Forever Young returns in Jockey Club Gold Cup
With Sovereignty a non-runner, the stage looks set for Forever Young to make a winning return to the United States when he lines up in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at the newly reopened Belmont Park. Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner defeated Nysos on reappearance in the Saudi Cup before being defeated by Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup. If still on song, he is the class act of the field.
Forever Young won last year’s Breeders’ Cup (Photo by Karl Anderson/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
Bill Mott fields Baeza, who was disappointing when beaten by six lengths in the Whitney Stakes last time. If he has rediscovered his mojo, he could challenge the market principle. Phileas Fogg recorded a stunning 10-length success in Grade 2 company last time and could thrive stepping up in class.
4.22 Newton Abbot – Service Minimum and Kom Tu Voudras headline
Service Minimum and Kom Tu Voudras headline a field of seven runners at Newton Abbot for the Colin Willcocks Memorial Handicap Hurdle.
The Skelton team continue to dominate proceedings in terms of the summer jumps scene and Service Minimum returns from a break with excellent claims. A beaten favourite when last seen disappointing at Uttoxeter, he will be expected to spring back to life and continue his upward trajectory.
Kom Tu Voudras is an exciting runner for Faye Bramley and Harry Cobden. The JP McManus-owned six-year-old was impressive when scoring at Fontwell and deserves a crack at this higher grade.
The Jamie Snowden-trained Rebel Tribesman is another to consider. In the first two on all five hurdling starts, he must be feared despite a 4lbs rise for his recent Stratford victory.
Best of the rest
Sorrengail and Sweetwonderfulyou feature among a five-runner field for the Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises British EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes. Quadrilateral won this race before going on to take the Fillies’ Mile in 2019.
Ed Walker has had plenty of success in Newbury’s opening Kennet Valley Syndicates Nick Robinson EBF Maiden Stakes and saddles Solo Quest today. Eve Johnson Houghton’s War Chest ran a decent race in third on debut and looks the pick of those with experience.
Wolverhampton plays host to a nine-race evening card from 4.02pm – all live on Sky Sports Racing.