Newmarket Saturday Preview - 06/10/2018

Perfection 3/1

The first of seven races at HQ on Saturday is the British EBF Breeders’ Fillies’ Series Sprint Handicap Stakes, and PERFECTION can bid to give messes’ Dettori and Gosden a great start ahead of what could be a memorable weekend for the duo, with the Arc looming on Sunday.

She won easily at Yarmouth a fortnight ago in an easier contest, and now takes a big step up in class against some highly experienced rivals. Fille De Reve is bidding for the hat trick, but this filly owned by Cheveley Park has a valuable course win to her name which may prove decisive.

Turgenev

Only Il Paradiso, Dragon Sun and TURGENEV have seen the racecourse before in this British EBF Crown At Stowupland Novice Stakes, and the Gosden colt could be on the road to something special.

This son of Dubawi won hands and heels at Newcastle two weeks back, a venue where several of Gosden’s stable stars such as Enable and Stradivarius began their illustrious careers.

Has a high draw to deal with, but could turn plenty of these unknown quantities over before reaching Newmarket’s infamous dip. Could be an early double for Gosden and Dettori.

Laurens 5/2

The feature race at Newmarket is clearly the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes and LAURENS who shocked all turning over Alpha Centauri in the Matron Stakes in Ireland last time out, and prove once more why she is one of the best 3yo fillies around.

She disappointed the start before at York in the Yorkshire Oaks, but there was no shame going down in defeat to the impressive Sea of Class, who takes her place in the Arc in France on Sunday.

She also finished second in the 1000 Guineas on her first start this year. She is very tough, and will be hard to beat.

Chapman Billy

Next up is the £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes, and CHAPMAN BILLY can take this seller for Keith Dalgleish and Colm O’Donoghue.

He scored in a novice stakes at Ayr three weeks ago on heavy conditions in a class four event, so will need to handle the step up, but does look a progressive type having learned from his greenness at Carlisle on his debut.

Has an RPR of 92 and with this his third run, it will be interesting to see what his mark will be if he takes these honours.

Move Swiftly

MOVE SWIFTLY was just denied victory crossing the line at York back in August, by a horse named Crossing The Line.

He just failed to land the hat-trick that day having scored at Glorious Goodwood and in a novice stakes at Wolverhampton. Conditions are not a problem, and should get back to winning ways, for a trainer bang in form.

William Haggas – who has Sea of Class in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday in France, has had 13 winners from his last 54 chances. The Doyler aboard.

Hamley

The penultimate race at Newmarket is the British EBF Breeders’ Fillies’ Series Middle Distance Handicap and HAMLEY, who is seeking a three-timer, can take advantage of a 5lb claim from Ben Coen.

Having won comfortably at both Roscommon and the Curragh – the latter at big odds, she sails over to the British Isles for Peter Fahey to take on the likes of Dynamic - a previous course winner, and Asoof, who has won three of his last four.

Will be interesting handicap, and could go anyone’s way. It looks to me however, that the handicapper has not quite caught up with this mare out of Fastnet Rock.

Jedhi

The day closes with the British EBF Breeders’ Fillies’ Series Handicap and Hughie Morrison’s JEDHI can progress from his good third at Ffos Las halfway through September to take this class 2 handicap here.

He won with ease at Kempton back in August, and there were lots to like about his return to turf. Only concern would be good ground; he will need some rain to be at his peak.

Kieran O’Neill returns to the saddle after a layoff.