We have a busy day’s racing on Saturday with action from Ascot, Hexham and Lingfield, live on Sky Sports Racing…
2.20 Ascot – Progressive Mudbir contests big-field cavalry charge
A cracking edition of this ultra-competitive seven-furlong Carey Group Victoria Cup at Ascot sees Mudbir top the betting for John and Thady Gosden.
A progressive son of Kingman, he made giant strides as a three-year-old, winning on three occasions from five starts, and heads here with a huge chance under Oisin Murphy. He was a little unlucky when only seventh as the 11-4 favourite at Goodwood in August and should go close if fit enough on his return from a 259-day break.
Defence Minster is one of several dangers for Hamad Al Jehani and James Doyle. He scored on his first start having undergone a gelding operation at Kempton in March and must defy a four-pound rise as he switches to the turf.
The Kevin Phillipart de Foy-trained Shiplake arrives seeking a hat-trick after winning a pair of all-weather events at Southwell and deserves a crack at this better grade.
1.58 Lingfield – Unbeaten Maho Bay takes on Maltese Cross
A potentially informative renewal of this William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes where Maho Bay headlines six runners.
Charlie Appleby’s son of Dubawi is a perfect two from two after winning on debut at Kempton before making an impressive reappearance when sauntering clear of a decent field at Newmarket. He takes another step up the ladder here but warrants plenty of respect, with further improvement likely over this additional distance.
Aidan O’Brien has claimed this race on seven occasions and Isaac Newton is his representative under Ryan Moore. He brings in plenty of experience but will need to build on his recent fourth behind Morshdi (runs in the Dee) if he is to claim this.
Bay Of Brilliance stepped forward from his first outing to win at Goodwood before following up in emphatic fashion at Recar. Up in class, he looks is a big player for Ralph Beckett and Hector Crouch.
1.28 Lingfield – Appleby’s Romantic Symphony bids to remain unbeaten
Well-bred Romantic Symphony headlines a classy field for this Listed William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield.
The Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of Dubawi is related to top-class pair Yibir and Wild Illusion and puts her unbeaten record on the line under William Buick. Having landed a Newmarket novice, she defied a penalty to win at Kempton on her return, and this imposing type should continue to improve.
Aidan O’Brien is double-handed with Bloom and Cameo, the pick of Ryan Moore. The latter showed a useful level as a two-year-old and made a satisfactory return when fifth at the Curragh. That was over a mile, and she steps up in distance and back in class.
Bloom made most when third behind Thundering On at Navan and is another who should strip fitter, while Amora Queen and Prizeland complete the quintet.
Best of the rest
12.55 Lingfield – Twisting Physics was an eyecatcher last start.
2.40 Lingfield – Group Three Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes where Royal Velvet and Copacabana Sands headline.
Ascot – Gosdens have plenty of chances.
1.10 Ascot – Exciting two-year-old novice Alfred Wallace debuts for Ed Walker. He is by Dubawi out of Snow Lantern.
1.45 Ascot – Fair fillies’ handicap where Zgharta returns for the Gosdens. Politely is a fascinating runner for Martyn Meade.
2.55 Ascot – Valedictory will be a short-price for the Godolphin and Gosden team under Billy Loughnane.
4.05 Ascot – Naga tops nine runners.
5.42 Hexham – Gardener bids for a hat-trick.
