With the premier National Hunt fixtures such as Cheltenham and Grand National over and done with for another year, the focus of the racing world would turn to the flat. The sound of thundering hooves, prestigious racing and close finishes have returned to thrill spectators up and down the country. 

The flat turf season would officially begin with the Craven Meeting at Newmarket, the home of British Flat racing. The course at Head Quarters has seen an endless list of legends stride onto the hallowed turf over decades and centuries of old. The three day Craven meeting on the Rowley course has been perceived as the main trial races for the 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas, the first two Classics of the year which take place in three weeks. Opening day saw a whole host of quality racing with some star names on the billing. It would be the fillies who took centre stage on the card with the historic Nell Gwynn Stakes, which has produced 1000 Guineas winners during its long history. Elsewhere, the Fielden Stakes looked to be a hot contest this year with plenty of runners with Guineas or Derby aspirations later in the season while the older horses got their chance with the Group Three Earl of Sefton Stakes on the card as well. 

Pre Racing:
As the punters filed through the gates and into Newmarket for the first time this year, final preparations were being made for a couple of horse with Classic aspirations. A racecourse gallop was the order of the day for Hugo Palmer's three year old colt Seagulls Eleven, who is owned by a number of Brighton and Hove Albion FC players. The chestnut is a best price of 50-1 for the 2000 Guineas after a solid juvenile season. The son of Galileo Gold won on second start before acquitting himself nicely in Group company. He would finish placed in the Superlative and National Stakes last summer before finishing midfield at the Breeder's Cup in November. He worked with stablemate He's A Gentleman, rated much inferior, but relished the rising ground to pull well clear of his running partner. It was a case of job well done for the colt as he continues his progress towards a return here in three weeks.

Shortly afterwards, another pair of horses stepped out onto the course, this time from the Ollie Sangster yard. His filly Flight is a likely outsider for the 1000 Guineas, but she also had a decent first season. After winning by a wide margin to break her maiden tag, she then ran well in Group Three races at Doncaster and over course and distance at Newmarket where she finished behind Desert Flower and Merrily. Working with a stablemate, the daughter of Siyouni wasn't as flashy as Seagulls Eleven in the previous gallop, but ground out a comfortable margin in front as she crossed the line. It wouldn't be an encouraging display, but it showed off her wellbeing for the year ahead. 

Race One: The Weatherbys With Venatour Racing Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 13
The curtain raiser of the meeting would be a high quality and ultra competitive handicap over the sprint trip of six furlongs. It would see the covers taken off some tough and hard handicappers as well as those progressing through the ranks. Twelve months ago, the race was won by the Richard Hannon stable as Dark Thirty was always well positioned and held off all challengers to make a successful start to the season.

The filly Woodhay Wonder loves Newmarket having won with four wins combined on the July and Rowley courses. She has run to a high standard elsewhere during her career, but was last seen finishing down the order in listed company last September. Tom Clover's four year old would carry top weight in a bid to extend her Newmarket record. Another on the rise from last season would be the William Haggas-trained Elmonjed. The four year old looks to be a six furlong specialist and came good on his final two starts, where he landed a valuable race at the Ebor Festival at York in August. A former Group race winner made an appearance in this race, Indian Run. The four year old won a Group Three two seasons ago, but failed to progress and last year was a write off with plenty of low key runs. He has now switched to the Julie Camacho stable who often do well with new recruits. A runner for the Thirsk based Kevin Ryan stable would be Vantheman, another four year old who could progress further this year. He would post good efforts over five furlongs, but stepped back up to six furlongs for this season opening contest here. Last year's winning stable would be well represented here, firstly with Aramram. The four year old finished off last season in good form and has continued the trend this year with two narrow defeats on the all-weather. The grey First Folio made it two runners in the race for Julie Camacho and the seven year old broke a long losing run at Yarmouth in September last year. He would be one of many making his first start of the year in this race. Last year's winner Dark Thirty arrived back at Newmarket on a high as he landed a good quality handicap at Doncaster a fortnight ago. History has shown over the past two seasons that the five year old goes best when fresh from a break and he had Ryan Moore in the saddle. Trefor won two races for Charlie Hills back to back last summer, the latest of those coming in impressive style on the July course. He struggled from a higher rating on his final runs of the year, but finished placed twice on this course around this time a year ago. Jennie Candlish would saddle the seven year old Probe in this contest and he returned to the scene of his biggest win, a handicap on the Guineas undercard back in 2023. After missing the entire of 2024, the gelding has been down the field in two starts so far this year. Another totally unexposed four year old would be More Thunder, who made his debut for the William Haggas yard. The colt won over ten furlongs for Sir Michael Stoute last year and made a very sharp drop in distance here. Physique won for the first time over course and distance a few years ago before spending a short time in Ireland and racing over further. He would win a valubale handicap at the Galway Festival and has joined the Pam Sly stable this year. He showed plenty of encouragement when fourth last time out, "winning" his side of the race at Doncaster.The five year old Ararat has won at both Newmarket courses in the past but possesses a largely inconsistent profile. He would start this season with a new trainer, Robert Cowell, but was an also ran at Kempton recently. A runner from the John and Sean Quinn yard would be Twilight Romance, who made the journey down from Malton. The four year old has shown ability when things go his way and he remained lightly raced to date. 

Winner: MORE THUNDER (#10) (Night of Thunder x Buying Trouble) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

The rain dance performed by numerous trainers around the country was answered as a large portion of rain fell on the ground overnight and into the morning of racing. It would take the sting out of the ground and quickly switched the going reading from good to firm to good to soft.
The drizzle continued to fall on the runners and riders as they lined up for the opener. The stalls would fly open and racing on the Rowley Mile in 2025 was finally underway. The speedier types in the lineup, Vantheman and Twilight Romance, would use their early pace to lead the field through the rain at an even pace. The would be joined by fellow four year olds Aramram and Woodhay Wonder as Physique began to race slightly keenly through the early stages. Last year's winner Dark Thirty reared as the stalls opened and lost ground on his rivals as soon as the race had begun. Elmonjed was buried in the middle of the pack while More Thunder was briefly outpaced.

Approaching the dip, the race began to take place as the field fanned out. Twilight Romance had emptied quickly which left Vantheman in front, but he would be challenged by Aramram, who travelled nicely, and Woodhay Wonder who was looking for another win here. In behind, the blue and yellow silks of More Thunder had made rapid headway and looked a big threat. As the horses hit the rising ground, More Thunder shot past Aramram and towards the line. The four year old would pull clear of Aramram to the tune of a length and three-quarters. Woodhay Wonder had to settle for third as Elmonjed didn't let himself down in fourth. 

Even as far back as the five day entry stage, More Thunder's name stood out as a very interesting runner. The four year old son of Night Of Thunder hopped across Newmarket to join the William Haggas stable following last year's retirement of the legend Sir Michael Stoute. What was most intriguing was his form; the colt had raced over ten furlongs, even placing here over that trip. He would take a dramatic drop in distance, but it looks to be an inspired move, The four year old was taken off his feet in the early stages, but scythed through the field towards the business end. He picked up very well in the final stages to suggest sprinting could be his game. The style of his win also pointed out that William Haggas has a potential Group level colt this year; in the form of More Thunder. It would also be a dream return home for jockey Tom Marquand, who has been riding plenty of big winners in Australia, but only just returned to Britain. A first ride of the year in the country got him off to a flyer. 

Race Two: The Bet365 Fielden Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile, One Furlongs - Runners: 8

The first of the recognised Classic trials would take place with the Fielden Stakes for three year olds over the unique trip of nine furlongs. The race is often used as a stepping stone for horses with Guineas and Derby entries and in the past, legendary names such as Ela-Mana-Mou and Olden Times winning this race. In more recent times, Golden Horn stands out as the highest profile winner of this race as he went on to win the Derby, Eclipse and Arc during a brilliant 2015 season. Last year, the race went to Brian Meehan's Jayarebe, who dictated the pace and went on to win at Royal Ascot and a French Group Two.

This year's renewal looked to be an informative lineup with plenty of exciting talent on display. Andrew Balding is a master at training three-year-olds and his Almeric lined up here. Following an eye-catching debut fourth, he finished strongly over a mile at York in October to put himself into contention for races like these. Charlie Johnston's Green Storm took four attempts to get off the mark, but once he did he soon rose to a smart level. He would finish second in both the Zetland Stakes here and the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud, which made him a strong contender on past form. The Richard Hannon-trained King Of Cities comes from a brilliant family and got off the mark at the second attempt. He would then chase home a good type in a conditions race at Newbury in September but is another with the potential to make a much better three year old. The Northern raider would be Karl Burke's Last Galileo. The beautifully bred colt is poignantly named and came clear with a previous winner when landing his first career win at Ayr in October. Last year's winning trainer Brian Meehan would be represented by Law Of Design. He would be gelded before his debut last year, but won nicely at Ascot prompting a tilt at the Royal Lodge here in September. He would be outclassed that day but returned with a winter under his belt. The Godolphin team would be represented here with the colt Masai Moon. Charlie Appleby's son of Siyouni looked professional on debut at Kempton where he was well on top at the finish. An exciting horse for this year is Nightwalker. The grey son of Frankel went into plenty of notebooks by winning at Yarmouth and then followed up with a close third in the Autumn Stakes here. He would be a new arrival at the yard following the retirement of Sir Michael Stoute. Roger Varian's Sallaal is the product of two brilliant horses and made a pleasing debut at Yarmouth towards the end of last season. The chestnut can only improve this year and would be another dark horse in the lineup. 

Winner: ALMERIC (#1) (Study Of Man x Alvarita) - O. Murphy - A. Balding 

The light rain continued to fall on punters and produce grim conditions for what should be the start of spring. The field of eight runners remained unchanged and this year's running looked to be wide open.

From the moment the stalls opened, the Northern raiders Green Storm and Last Galileo disputed the lead after the first fifty yards, but once they settled into a rhythm, it would be Green Storm and Tom Marquand who strode out into a clear lead. The pair would then set a decent gallop in the rain softened ground and it quickly took his rivals out of their comfort zone. Law Of Design and Masai Moon both raced prominently in the early stages, but by halfway they were already getting pushed along. Hitting the downhill section of the course, the race began to change complexion. King Of Cities had been the only one to race up close to Green Storm and he began to challenge for the lead. Those held up also began to make headway. The grey Almeric travelled smoothly and into contention as he and King Of Cites began to pull well clear of the rest. Almeric continued to stick his neck out in front as King Of Cities eventually cried enough. The leader began to wobble in from and briefly hampered King of Cities, but it was Almeric who always held the upper hand. It would be another Trial win for trainer Andrew Balding as Almeric took home this classy contest. Further back in third, Nightwalker made a very encouraging stable debut by taking third away from Green Storm, who did all the hard work up front.

It would be another win for the Andrew Balding stable who have been flying of late. With four winners on the previous Saturday, including the Greenham Stakes winner Jonquil, the mood is high at Kingsclere. The handler has another promising young stayer for many years in front with Almeric, who was given a very light ride at Sandown last September. He then lined up at York in October where he faced similiar weather conditions to today's. The son of Study Of Man showed a very tough attitude to win that day and suggested he can be a top stayer. As a half brother to winning hurdler Albert Bridge, there is a well of stamina in Almeric's pedigree. The grey holds entries in the German, Irish and French Derbies, but trainer Andrew Balding was quick to hint that France will be the destination later in the year following a run at York in the Dante Stakes. 
The runner up King Of Cities lost very little in defeat. Richard Hannon's chestnut showed a likeable attitude to come well clear of the third placed horse. The son of Dubawi is a half brother to last year's star sprinter Inisherrin as well as related to the top class Triple Time and Ostilio. Third placed horse Nightwalker was held up alongside Almeric early on as they sat behind a good pace. The grey son of Frankel still looked inexperienced, but he too should have a good year in 2025. 

Race Three:  The Bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes - Group Three - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 

The focus would briefly move away from the Classic generation as the always popular Group Three event, the Earl of Sefton Stakes took place. First run in 1971, the race has seen some brilliant horses over the decades win here despite its Group Three status. The nine furlong contest was won twice in successive years by Juddmonte winner Terimon and the York connection continued with Ezzoud winning this race before adding two Juddmontes during his career. In more recent times, Group One winners Manduro and Notnowcato have won this during the 2000's while in 2022 the globetrotting star Master Of The Seas picked up a rare home win in this contest. Godolphin have farmed this race recently as Ottoman Fleet won the 2023 and 2024 runnings to make it three in a row. 

The class of 2025 would be headed by a Godolphin runner as the operation looked for a four timer in this race. First Conquest made a winning debut at this meeting a year ago before picking up a valuable handicap on the July course later in the season. He would return in Meydan at the start of the year where he showed his Group race ability by winning a Group Three there. Ambiente Friendly was a brilliant winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial before finishing best of the rest when second at Epsom. He failed to run to that form during the season and has now joined the rapidly growing James Owen yard. The five year old Cairo remains an entire and has finished second in an Irish Guineas in the past. He then struggled at the highest level for Aidan O'Brien and joined up with Newmarket based trainer Alice Haynes. His winter highlights recently have been a pair of seconds in Meydan, the latest of those coming behind First Conquest. A second runner for the James Owen stable would be Lavender Hill Mob. The four year old has yet to show form at this level, but attempted hurdling over the winter and was last seen at the Cheltenham Festival last month. This would be a tougher test all together. Winner of the last two editions of this race, Ottoman Fleet, returned for an unprecedented hat trick. The six year old has won four times in America and his latest sightings saw him finish fourth twice at Meydan. Richard Hannon's Persica joined the line up having last been seen in action in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. The four year old landed some nice handicaps last year as well as a listed race which set him up for the next step on the ladder.

Winner: PERSICA (#6) (New Bay x Rubica) - R. Moore - R. Hannon

The change in going would lead to one of the day's withdrawals, Alice Haynes's Cairo would stay at home on account of the softening ground.

It would leave a field of five which meant tactics were always going to play a big part with the potential for a messy race. The two James Owen-trained runners Lavender Hill Mob and Ambiente Friendly were first to break, but the intended pace setter Lavender Hill Mob didn't get away quickly. It meant that his stablemate Ambiente Friendly raced alongside him for a furlong at a steady pace before Hector Crouch took the bull by the horns and kicked on into a clear lead on the Derby runner up. Persica would sit in third just behind the front runners as defending champion Ottoman Fleet cut a solo path down the centre of the track. His stablemate First Conquest brought up the rear of the chasing group which were covered only by a couple of lengths. At the halfway stage, Ottoman Fleet tracked across to join the main body of the field as Ambiente Friendly continued to race with enthusiasm. Approaching the dip, Ambiente Friendly's early excursions began to take their toll as Persica travelled smoothly into a challenging position. Ottoman Fleet also made his effort at the rising ground, but Persica had already gone for home under Ryan Moore. The four year old opened up a two length advantage and despite last year's winner making a bold bid to chase him down, Persica never looked like getting caught. He would cross the line two and a half lengths to the good over Ottoman Fleet, who had to settle for second this year, with a similar gap back to First Conquest in third. Ambiente Friendly was slightly disappointing in fourth, beating only his stablemate who was eased up.

The race would live up to its potential of being a messy, tactical race as the intended pacemaker was unable to set a good pace. It would leave Ambiente Friendly to do the hard work himself, but the solid gallop he ran at would suit Persica, who always travelled like the best horse in the race. The son of New Bay won three times last season, the first of them coming at Epsom on Derby Day where he bolted up in a competitive handicap and then later in the season he repeated the feat at Sandown, again over ten furlongs. He then made the step up to pattern company by winning the listed Doonside Cup at Ayr before finishing out the back in the Champions Stakes at Ascot in October, a race he wasn't fancied for anyway. This year, he had been seen just once; where he was a non-stayer over twelve furlongs in the Winter Derby at Southwell. This Group Three race over the intermediate trip of nine furlongs looked to be an ideal race for Persica and he showed how good he can be when getting his ideal conditions. The four year old is a likeable sort and clearly talented; a tilt at the Group One Lockinge Stakes over a mile at Newbury was mentioned for his next target and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him run well at big odds there.

Race Four: The Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes - Fillies' Group Three - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 10

One of the most recognised trials for the 1000 Guineas would take place with the Group Three Nell Gwynn Stakes taking place, albeit a furlong short of the Classic's distance. To achieve the double is a rare feat, but those who have done the Nell Gwyn and 1000 Guineas double have been top class fillies. Flying Water would be the first in 1975, before One In A Million, Fairy Footsteps, Pebbles, Speciosa and the Triple Crown winning filly Oh So Sharp. Cachet would become the latest to win both, as recently as 2022. Twelve months ago, the prize went back to Malton as Richard Fahey's Pretty Crystal quickened up nicely to win, but it would be the only success of her season.

This year's lineup was headed by Arabian Dusk for the Simon and Ed Crisford yard. She would break her maiden tag by winnign a Group Two over six furlongs on the July course last summer and then bettered that form with a third in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes here in September. The Tom Clover-trained Biniorella Bay won a novice on the July course in good style before finishing just out of the placings in Group company afterwards. She would need to have improved a step over the winter to feature. The Dylan Cunha stable have gone from strength to strength with each season and they would dream to have a Classic runner in a few weeks. Cartwheel lined up here having won easily on her second start at Kempton where she coped with the rise in distance to seven furlongs. Celestial Orbit is unbeaten in two starts on the turf having improved from a modest debut showing on the all-weather. The Ollie Sangster-trained filly landed a listed race over this trip at Sandown when last seen in July and made appeal on her comeback. The exciting prospect Nardra was withdrawn from the Fred Darling Stakes over the weekend, so William Haggas's filly lined up here. She romped to a wide margin debut success at Haydock in September and a dark horse for the Guineas. Next up would be Qarlyga, for the Roger Varian stable who won this race back in 2019. She finished sixth on sole turf start here last autumn but went on to win next time out at Newcastle. She wouldn't feature in a minor contest at Kempton, but is bred to do well over middle distances this year. Andrew Balding's Remaat began her career over five furlongs before landing her first win over course and distance on her third start. It may have been just a three runner race, but she dominated proceedings. Brian Meehan would saddle the maiden Saguaro Blossom in this contest having made her debut just three weeks previously. The daughter of Arizona is bred for stamina and kept on into fifth at the sharp Lingfield track. The Godolphin team have won this race only once before, back in 2018 with Solilioquy. This year, they would rely on the exciting prospect Verse Of Love, who defied greenness to romp away over course and distance in October and make an impressive debut win. The field was completed by the Juddmonte-owned Zanzoun, for the John and Thady Gosden stable. The daughter of Dubawi finished in the placings on both turf starts but used that experience to win nicely at Southwell and stepped up in grade here.

Winner: ZANZOUN (#10) (Dubawi x Franconia) - K. Shoemark - J & T. Gosden

The rain softened ground would be far from ideal for most of these fillies, but given the urgency of their trainers to get a run into them this season, the field remained unchanged. Six of the ten runners held entries in the 1000 Guineas, with Verse Of Love going into this contest as the shortest priced horse in the ante-post betting at 12-1. 

Once the gates swung open, the pacier fillies would head to the front of the order in the opening stages. Arabian Dusk showed up at the head of the group and further wide, Remaat would race alone down the centre of the track. Biniorella Bay was also right there in the drivers' seat but would race a touch keenly. Qarlyga would also over-race, but more dramatically in her case as she received a bump early on which lit her up. The pace was no more than an ordinary one and as some raced keenly, others were held on to at the rear of the field; including the well fancied Verse of Love and Nardra. Approaching the dip, Arabian Dusk still held on to a narrow lead but still travelled strongly as the challengers lined up on each side. Remaat had tagged onto the wing of the pack but was still in contention along with the quietly ridden Celestial Orbit on the far side. Verse Of Love had also travelled comfortably through the race but became slightly unbalanced in the undulations and lost ground as the pace picked up. Towards the near side of the group, the eye was drawn to the Juddmonte colours as Zanzoun was the last to come off the bridle as she swept into the lead under Kieren Shoemark. The order changed within a few strides as the John and Thady Gosden showed a telling turn of pace on the soft ground to go clear at the finish and announce herself as a smart filly. Celestial Orbit would chase her home in second on her first start since July while credit went to Remaat who did a lot of work by herself and returned in third. Arabian Dusk weakened in the final furlong to fourth while Nardra was crowded out inside the final furlong and could only manage fifth.

It would be a very taking performance for the previously little known Zanzoun. The daughter of champion sire Dubawi was seemingly down the pecking order at the Clarehaven stables despite being bred to be useful. She is the first foal of the dual listed race winner Franconia, who was also trained by the Gosdens. Zanzoun is also a distant relative to Group One winner Winsili, another star mare bred by the Juddmonte operation. She would make her debut in a newcomer's race on the July course in August where she chased home a subsequent Group Three winner in the form of Tabiti. On her next start over a mile at Yarmouth, she would weaken into third close home. She then broke her maiden tag on her third start at Southwell, where she pulled well clear of her stablemate Naga. She has improved physically over the winter and impressed with her turn of foot in this race. It would prompt discussions about a return in a few weeks for the 1000 Guineas, but Zanzoun is one of the few who weren't entered in the race. With an apparent liking for soft ground and the prospect of facing the high class filly Desert Flower, connections are aiming towards a tilt at the French Guineas instead. She should have a solid chance in that race and has the potential to return to Britain with the Coronation Stakes or Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot as reasonable prospects.

Race Five: The Bet Boost At Bet365 EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - Five Furlongs - Runners: 7

As the pecking order for this year's Classics begin to take shape for this season, the starts of the future took to the stage with this juvenile maiden for fillies over the minimal trip. While there may have been similar events take place already this season around the country, races of this nature at Newmarket tend to attract the bigger stables and pricier horses. Smart pedigrees and Royal Ascot aspirants would likely be on show here. Last year, the race saw Hugo Palmer's filly It Ain't Two show speed and determination to win on debut before book ending her season with a listed race win back at Newmarket in November.

David Evans regularly has runners in these early season juvenile contests and would rely on Guernsey Lady here. She is bred to be sharp but would lack the credentials of a few of her rivals on paper. Richard Hannon would be represented by the newcomer Harry's Girl. The filly is a first foal of an unraced mare who is related to plenty of speedy types. Karl Burke introduced a subsequent Royal Ascot winner in this race three years ago in the form Dramatised and would look to do the same again here with Melaaf. She would make appeal with a very speedy pedigree to boot. The Newmarket-based runner Naana's Shadow would make the short journey from Alice Haynes's yard to the track for her debut. The grey is closely related to speedy winners and stable know how to send winners out on debut. Last year's winning trainer Hugo Palmer would be back this year with Ruby's Angel. She is from the eagerly awaited first crop of Starman and out of a speedy mare so she could be rapid on track. Andrew Balding is capable of sending out the occasional debut winner over five furlongs and saddled the chestnut Storm Flag in this contest. The daughter of Starspangledbanner has a nice blend of pace and stamina in her pedigree. The final runner on the card would belong to Godolphin with the newcomer Twilight Star. The daughter of Mehmas sold for a good price at the yearling sales and made automatic interest given her connections. She would look to emulate her dam, who won this race by five lengths in 2019. 

Winner: HARRY'S GIRL (#2) (Harry Angel x Autumn Magic) - T. Marquand - R. Hannon

There would be plenty of guesswork and paddock watching expertise needed for this race as all seven juveniles made their racecourse debuts. The majority would be taken to the stalls quietly and sensibly and were then on their best behaviour at the starting stalls, all walking in without major issues.

The early pace would be set by the Godolphin filly Twilight Star, who looked sharp enough in the early stages under William Buick. The pair would be joined up front by Ruby's Angel, Meelaf and the grey Naana's Shadow. Further back, Guernsey Lady raced just behind the leaders along with Harry's Girl and the slow starting Storm Flag. The field had already burned through the first half of the race and approached the crucial stage of the Dip. The outsider of the field Guernsey Lady was running a big race as she joined Ruby's Angel in the lead and the pair went clear on the rising ground. Early leader Twilight Star was brushed aside, but the last to challenge would be Harry's Angel. The penny clearly dropped with her as she showed a telling change of gear to overhaul Ruby's Angel in the final half furlong. She would pull three quarters of a length clear at the line to record a comfortable success with Twilight Star back in third.
It would be another promising newcomer winner from the Richard Hannon stable, a yard who are well versed in produced top class juveniles. The daughter of leading sprint sire Harry Angel was the most vocal in the parade ring pre-race as she was whinnying plenty, showing signs of nervousness on her first day at school. Once she was on the track, she would look professional despite a slightly slow start. Given a patient ride from Tom Marquand, she delivered her challenge on the rising ground and quickened up smartly. The filly is bred to make a precocious sort as she comes from the family of Prolific, winner of the Group Two July Stakes in 2008, also for the Hannon team. This would be a dream start to her career and races such as the Albany and Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot will be on the cards later in the season.

Race Six: The Bet365 British EBF Fillies' Maiden Stakes - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 7
The second of the intriguing maiden races took place, this time of three year olds over the Guineas trip of one mile. Despite the Nell Gwyn Stakes taking place on the card, this race could still produce a last minute contender for the Classic, but with plenty of competitive mile races throughout the year, the notebooks will be out in force. This race was won last year by Kevin Ryan's Bolsena, who is bred in the purple and went on to finish second in listed company. 

Heading the card would be newcomer Goldie Trickett from the William Haggas stable. The chestnut would make a belated racecourse debut, but is bred to be classy as a full sister to Group One winner Saffron Bay. Runners from the Brian Meehan stable tend to improve greatly on second start and he would be hoping that is the case with Mahogany Bay. The daughter of Churchill was too keen on debut in August, but is bred to make a better three year old. The sole runner for the Roger Varian stable would be the newcomer Model Yuko. The bay filly is related to winners over longer distances and would need to be smart to make a winning debut here. John and Thady Gosden would be represented by Naga in the George Strawbridge silks. The daughter of Dubawi was well held by stablemate Zanzoun on debut at Southwell and didn't show much on her return at Yarmouth recently. This would be a quick turnaround and the yard would have better prospects with Pelean. The Cheveley Park owned filly travelled well on debut at Southwell but was narrowly denied on the line. The Alice Haynes team would be represented by the newcomer Treasured Angel. She is related to a couple of multiple time winners but this race would have a hot look to it. Godolphin would also introduce a newcomer here, Victory Queen. The daughter of Kingman is a half sister to the yard's 2022 Guineas winner Coroebus so would be looking to carry on where he left off for trainer Charlie Appleby. The final runner in the field would be Andrew Balding's Zgharta. She would make her debut here at the tail end of last season, doing much of the early work up front and weakening into third. She would be another with potential to improve over this new trip.

Winner: VICTORY QUEEN (#7) (Kingman x First Victory) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

The rain that had plagued the afternoon's racing finally relented which brought relief to the punters, but the resulting soft ground led to the late withdrawal of Model Yuko, reducing the field to seven runners.

All of the fillies went to the one mile start at the top of the straight without issues and given their previous experience, walked into their stall professionally. Despite this, the three newcomers wouldn't get away cleanly. Victory Queen missed the break by a small margin but recovered nicely to take up a prominent position once finding her stride. Treasured Angel would also be sluggish from the gates and raced at the rear of the pack while the expensive buy Goldie Trickett veered to her right once the gates opened. The group was led in the early stages by Mahogany Bay, who set an average gallop under Jim Crowley. The John and Thady Gosden pair Naga and Pelean would sit second and third respectively but both raced a shade keenly. Zgharta would sit towards the rear and look on in the early stages as the group navigated the lumps and bumps of the Rowley Mile. As the race began to heat up, Mahogany Bay held a narrow lead entering the dip, joined by Pelean. As the second named began to weaken away, Victory Queen made stylish progress to challenge the long time leader. The Godolphin owned runner then got first run on the staying on Zgharta and the two fillies began to pull away from the rest. Victory Queen held a comfortable lead of a length over Zgharta and the order would remain the same crossing the line. There would be a gap back to Mahogany Bay, who stepped up from her debut last season while Treasured Angel kept on well into fourth on debut having been outpaced.

It would be a perfect start for Victory Queen, who appears to be well named. The daughter of Kingman already held a lofty reputation given her pedigree. She is a half sister to Coroebus, the brilliant winner of the 2000 Guineas in 2022 before a fatal injury cruelly cut his life short. The filly is also a distant relative to Godolphin's globe-trotting star Thunder Snow, winner of back to back Dubai World Cups. With a top class family, it won't be long before this filly is aimed at the highest level. She doesn't hold any Guineas entries for now, but races such as the Michael Seely Stakes at York in May could be up next for her before a potential tilt at the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting. Yet another exciting prospect for Godolphin this year. 

Race Seven: The Each Way Extra At Bet365 Handicap - Class Three - One MIle, Two Furlongs - Runners: 5

The closing race of day one of the Craven meeting would be a well contested handicap for three-year-olds over ten furlongs. Despite being a handicap, this race has the potential of unearthing a late blooming star. That would be the case last year as Andrew Balding's filly Kalpana destroyed her rivals by ten lengths before going all the way to the top and winning the Group One Filly and Mares's Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot.

Topping the weights would be the Godolphin-owned gelding Treasure Fleet. The son of Kingman is two from two at Wolverhampton and made his turf debut here for Charlie Appleby. One of the more exposed runners would be the Sean Woods-trained Brindavan, but he would score positive points for his consistency. The gelding returned to action with another second place on the all-weather recently. John and Sean Quinn would send down their smart prospect The Trickster from Yorkshire for this contest. The son of Persian King wasn't slowing at the finish when winning both starts last autumn and was another to put his unbeaten record on the line. Another Northern raider would be the Charlie Johnston-trained Lady Chartwell. The daughter of Churchill progressed nicely with a below par run coming in a good quality maiden. She would get off the mark last time out at Chelmsford and enjoyed her first attempt at the trip. The James Owen stable is set for a big season this year and would look to make a good start at Newmarket with the handicap newcomer Hallelujah U. The well bred colt got the hang of things with each run and battled gamely to win on his third and most recent start at Southwell last winter. 

Winner: TREASURE FLEET (#1) (Kingman x Pure Excellence) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

The finale on day one of the Craven meeting would see this tightly contested handicap with the majority of runners looking unexposed and open to improvement.

The early pacesetter would be the sole filly in the lineup, Lady Chartwell. Charlie Johnston's runner was seemingly keen to go home as she set a decent gallop under Ryan Moore. Racing in second would be the unbeaten The Trickster, who raced keenly just as he did going to post. Hallelujah U would race in conjunction with The Trickster, stalking the leader while the keen going Brindavan raced at the rear, just ahead of the favourite Treasure Fleet. Just a handful of lengths would cover the five runners who made their way back down the mile course in a tight bunch. Once again, the race began to unfold around the Dip and as Lady Chartwell's time in the line expired, The Trickster pulled his way to the front under Jason Hart. It still appeared he had a bit in reserve though as he kicked on into the lead in the Dip. His every move was tracked by Treasure Fleet however and the Godolphin-owned gelding loomed large in the rear view mirror. The race would then revolve around these two as Treasure Fleet kicked away from The Trickster to seal the race, galloping strongly to the line to win by a comfortable margin. Plenty went wrong for The Trickster, but he still ran a mighty race to take second. Hallelujah U finished best of the rest by keeping on into third, ahead of Brindavan as the runners finished in intervals. 

It would be a quickfire double to round off day one of the Craven meeting for the Godolphin team, who had been somewhat disappointed with poor runs from fancied runners earlier in the day. The £800,000 purchase Treasure Fleet would also keep his unbeaten record in tact, showing a liking for the turf on his first attempt. The son of Kingman is a half brother to Parent's Prayer, who won a Group Three at Epsom's Derby meeting in 2021 and ran to a good level. Gelded ahead of his debut, Treasure Fleet lined up at Wolverhampton in early January where he looked inexperienced on his racecourse bow, but made up plenty of late ground to win nicely in the end. He would return to the Midlands venue a few weeks later for a similar contest, where he looked much more professional. Always travelling well, he would pull clear at the finish to make it two from two. Now with a win on turf, this will open plenty of options for the three year old, both in Britain and abroard. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Treasure Fleet land high profile races in Europe or in Dubai in the next few seasons.