The excitement of the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals may have quietened down as they get submitted to the books of history and the focus would switch fully to the flat as the season opening Craven meeting took place at the home of flat racing, Newmarket. The three day meeting is all about preparation for the year ahead with key trial races for the 1000 and 2000 Guineas over course and distance in just a few weeks. The Nell Gwyn and Craven Stakes may take place on the following days, but day one would be one that offered plenty of clues for the newest stars of this year. A class two conditions race for three year olds, formerly run as the Free Handicap, has been won by smart horses in recent years, while competitive handicaps and intriguing maiden events would also feature on this card. The Suffolk venue would open its doors to a host of excited followers of the flat discipline.

Racecourse Gallops: 

As is the theme with this trials meeting, there would a pair of gallop sessions before the main action took place on the Rowley Mile. These racecourse gallops are the closest thing to a race scenario, if there isn't any suitable upcoming races to aim for. The focus would be on the 1000 Guineas in two and a half weeks as the Charlie Johnston stable sent down a trio of horses to work. Last autumn's Fillies Mile runner-up Venetian Lace would take to the track under Jason Hart in what would be one of her last pieces of fast work before the Classic. She was joined by Jennifer Jane and Amora Queen, who both ran to a good level last season. Jennifer Jane won once from four starts before taking a second in a listed race while Amora Queen won her first two races before finding the Fillies Mile a step too far in October. As the gallop got underway, the trio ran closely together with Venetian Lace in second. As the pace quickened, Jason Hart remained motionless as his mount breezed into the lead and came in first, hard held. With plenty of stamina in her pedigree, the Oaks in June could be the ultimate aim for Venetian Lace, but the battle hardened filly confirmed her well being and is set for another productive season in Group company.

The second gallop session would feature horses from the Ed Walker stable, but this time there would just be two high class competitors. The elder lead horse would be the talented Queen's Reign, who has placed in a number of listed races as the promising filly The Prettiest Star warmed up for her upcoming seasonal return. Queen's Reign would go forward as planned, but approaching the dip, The Prettiest Star came off the bridle and needed urging along. Once they met the rising ground however, The Prettiest Star's class began to show and she would pull clear of Queen's Reign at the line. It would be a gallop which delighted her trainer Ed Walker as Queen's Reign is a reliable guide to ability. The daughter of Starman was impressive at Nottingham on her debut last year, winning by four and a half lengths, before running to a good level when a staying on second in the Rockfel Stakes here last autumn. Her liking for the course and the improvement she has shown since the winter makes her a leading contender for the 1000 Guineas.

Race One: The Alex Scott Maiden Stakes - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 8
The opening contest of Newmarket's season would look to provide a starting point for horses who could return to this course later in the year at a better level. The seven furlong contest takes place over the intermediate distance of seven furlongs and is named in honour of the high class but much missed Newmarket trainer Alex Scott. As expected for a race at head quarters, leading stables would be strongly represented in this contest. Two years ago, the younger half brother of Frankel, Kikkuli, would take his first win in this contest while last season, the race went to Godolphin's Indian Springs who has turned into a decent handicapper since his win here. 

Heading the field would be the gelding Alpine Culture. The James Owen-trained runner has just one run to his name which came at Southwell in December, but he would fade away after leading for a long way. There would be a strong mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree though. The first newcomer in the line up would be Ed Walker's colt Big Snoopy. The debutante is nicely bred out of a French 1000 Guineas winner and his trainer isn't shy of finding winnable opportunities for his newcomer. Godolphin's runners are often in good form at the start of the turf season and the all blue silks would be carried by Charlie Appleby's Cerro Blanco. The colt is out of a useful racemare and cost six figures at the yearling sales which would be positives as William Buick opted for him as his ride. Richard Hannon has made a decent start to the season already and would be represented by the colt Galba. He would make his debut at the back end of last season at Newbury where he kept on into third on slow ground and should be an improved sort this year. Richard Spencer is one of the fastest rising stables in Newmarket and would have a runner here in the form of Kimbara. The son of Night Of Thunder comes from a top class family, but was never involved on his debut at Newcastle last month. Jane Chapple-Hyam is also capable of saddling winning newcomers and would be represented here by Makerstoun. The colt has a fair amount of stamina in his pedigree, so this distance could be the bare minimum for him. George Boughey is set for a big season this year and would hope to kick off Newmarket's season with a winner in the form of Powder Monkey. The No Nay Never colt has run twice this year on the all-weather, placing twice but brushed aside by some talented horses in the process. Completing the line up would be Andrew Balding's Wield, who carried the silks of Juddmonte. The son of Showcasing blew out on his debut last season, but looked much better on his second start recently when third and is related to a number of classy winners.

Winner: CERRO BLANCO (#3) (Wootton Bassett x Duneflower) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

The gates would open for the first time in 2026 and passionate patrons would make their way in to welcome the new season. A bright, sunny day would be accompanied by Newmarket's traditional strong winds on this former airfield site. Horses would go to post for the first time on the Rowley Mile and this opening contest was seemingly all about one horse in the betting as Cerro Blanco was backed off the boards compared to his rivals.

At the seven furlong starting point, the gates would crash open to signify the start of the race and it would be Wield in the Juddmonte silks who moved into the early lead on the inside running rail. Alpine Culture would sit in a share of second place along with Kimbara and the keen going Galba, with the newcomer Big Snoopy racing on the far side of the pack. The all blue colours of Godolphin were smothered up in the early stages as William Buick's mount Cerro Blanco sat in midfield and the slow starting duo of Powder Monkey and Makerstoun would sit at the rear. The group remained tightly packed with no more than four lengths covering all eight runners at the halfway stage. Wield remained in the firing line under Oisin Murphy with Galba now moving forward to contest the lead. As the ground began to fall away under their feet entering the Dip, Cerro Blanco was still behind a wall of horses, but was moved sharply to the right where he was suddenly in the clear. His acceleration would be instant once Will Buick asked for an effort and despite hanging back to the left, Cerro Blanco was in the lead. As the ground began to climb uphill again, Cerro Blanco romped away to win by a length and a half officially but he could have won by even more. Wield ran a good race on his third start, keeping on at the finish to take second whilst Alpine Culture rallied back into third having been outpaced briefly. Fourth would go to Kimbara, who pleased his connections with the effort on his second start.

The money was strong for Cerro Blanco in the build up to this race, but punters faced a few nervy moments during the running of the race. Despite the early anxiety, many feel that they have seen a potential high class horse in the making as Cerro Blanco defied the trouble and won impressively without needing maximum effort. The colt is a son of Wootton Bassett, now regarded as one of the leading sires on the flat and his dam Duneflower was a smart listed race winner during her career. Cerro Blanco held entries in the conditions race on this card as well as the Craven Stakes which suggests he had been showing a lot on the gallops at home. Charlie Appleby has a whole host of exciting three-year-olds, including Talk Of New York, Hidden Force and Distant Force, so the Guineas may not be on the table for Cerro Blanco. Despite this, there are plenty of top races over seven furlongs and a mile for Cerro Blanco to aim for and he looks a superb prospect for this year and the future.

Race Two: The Gabriel Rose London British EBF Novice Stakes - Class Four - 2-y-o Only - Five Furlongs - Runners: 5

Next up would be the turn of the juveniles with this novice race for two-year-olds over the flying five furlongs. Royal Ascot will undoubtedly be on the minds of the trainers involved and these precociously bred types are made for speed. Last year, the race would go the way of Military Code for the Godolphin team of Charlie Appleby and William Buick. He would go on to finish second in a pair of listed races later in the season.

The card would be lead by Hugo Palmer's colt Adaay Of Scarlet. The son of Mehmas is the first foal of a very smart racemare and his pedigree is very speedy which will suit this test. The dual license stable of Richard Newland and Jamie Insole has turned into a very shrewd operation of late and would be represented by Anna Belardo. The colt is bred for the task as a distant relative to a Super Sprint winner. Jack Channon has made a strong start to this season and would be represented by the colt Innichen. He comes from a talented family and looked a shade unlucky on his recent debut at Bath. James Owen has emerged as one of the best dual purpose trainers in the country and would look to add juvenile sprinters to his bow with Rocket Boots. The son of Too Darn Hot is bred to be smart over middle distances, so it would be an interesting start over this trip. Richard Hannon is often synonymous with two year old types and would give a debut to Shadow King. The son of Dark Angel carries the silks of the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid so he would be a poignant winner and is a relative to some talented handicappers. 

Winner: ADAAY OF SCARLETT (#1) (Mehmas x Adaay To Remember) - O. Murphy - H. Palmer

There would be a small but select field of juveniles in this novice contest and crucially, the quintet behaved themselves in the paddock. They would do so again at the stalls and within no time, all five runners were stood patiently in their gate.
The stalls would open and from the outset, Rocket Boots would go forward under Cieren Fallon, but was soon pressured by the keen going Anna Belardo. The well backed favourite Adaay Of Scarlett sat towards the outer on the shoulder on the leading duo as Inncihen came next. Rounding out the order would be the slow starting Shadow King, who had managed to grab onto the coat tails of those in front. Approaching halfway, Rocket Boots would be well named to this point as his still showed good speed in front with Anna Belardo keeping tabs on the leader. Adaay Of Scarlett travelled very strongly under Oisin Murphy and once the time was right, he unleashed the colt. The response was instant as the son of Mehmas went into top gear with his head low and legs reaching with every stride. The juvenile quickly put daylight between himself and his rivals and he would cross the line four and a half lengths to the good. It would be the best display from a two-year-old on turf so far this season as Adaay Of Scarlett would become a name to remember. Innichen sat in fourth throughout and a closed the gap only slightly at the finish to take second, while Anna Belardo would take third narrowly from the long time leader Rocket Boots, who had to settle for fourth.

The Hugo Palmer stable are well versed in training juvenile winners, but this is one the yard can get excited about for the upcoming season. The Cheshire outfit sent out a similarly speedy two-year-old winner at Bath over the Easter perioid, but this colt looks a cut above. The first foal of a racemare who showed Group race quality with a placing in the Group Three Summer Stakes at York in 2022, With the speed influence from his sire Mehmas, Adaay Of Scarlett would know what to do on his first day at school. It is hard to evaluate the form right now with four of the five runners making their debut, but it is hard not to be impressed with the colt and races such as the Norfolk Stakes and Windsor Castle Stakes could be the target at Royal Ascot.

Race Three: The Federation Of Bloodstock Agents EBF Conditions Stakes - Class Two - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 5

The headline event of the afternoon's meeting would see this class two contest in which the winner could throw his hat into the ring as an outside chance for the upcoming 2000 Guineas. The seven furlong contest was formerly run as the European Free Handicap, won by the likes of Indian Haven, Danehill and Green Desert but the race was given a re-profile in 2023. Last year's contest saw a small field go to post, but the outsider Pellitory caused a surprise with a comfortable success but it would be his sole win of the year.

This year's line up saw plenty of classy three year olds, led by Richard Hannon's progressive colt Lost Signal. After a pleasing debut at Newbury, he would win his next two starts with some ease over six and seven furlongs and looks a good prospect for the year ahead. Godolphin would be represented by the Charlie Appleby-trained Maximized. The early type won his first two starts, including the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom, but was found out in Group company later in the season. He has since run well in a pair of similar events in Dubai at the start of this year. Ralph Beckett has established himself as a leading trainer in recent years and would saddle Richie's Rocket in this contest. The chestnut broke his maiden tag in wide margin style at Lingfield last winter before an unlucky run in listed company at the same course in February. He looks to have a fair amount of talent in this contest. The grey Shaatir is related to plenty of good sprinters and landed his first win at the second attempt at Lingfield. He struggled on his only other start of the year at Royal Ascot and he wasn't seen until last month where he took fourth in a listed race in France. A leading fancy in the race would be Charlie Appleby's promising colt Talk Of New York. He made a very good first impression at Kempton where he bolted up on debut before a trip to Meydan earlier this year. He pulled too hard early on but still ran well to take a close up third.

Winner: TALK OF NEW YORK (#5) (Wootton Bassett x Usherette) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

The feature contest would see another small turnout to go to post and the all of the pre-race talk would come to an end. As the five horses entered their allocated stall, the race would get away following a brief pause. 
It would be the improving Lost Signal who went straight into the lead under Shane Foley, but he would be joined by Godolphin's second runner Maximized, who wore the all blue silks. Richie's Rocket would sit handily in third while Talk Of New York followed him in fourth along the rail, but most importantly looking a little more relaxed this time. Shaatir would sit at the rear of the quintet of runners as Maximized and Lost Signal continued to force the pace up front. The pack had covered the first half of the race at a good rate of knots and the final two furlongs were fast approaching. Lost Signal would still hang on to the lead as Maximized was pushed along for the first time, but further back, Talk Of New York began to cruise forward and make his challenge. The white cap of the Godolphin challenger took over in front on the bridle and quickly settled the contest by sprinting away inside the final furlong, handling the undulations nicely and pulling away to win by three lengths at the line. Lost Signal lacked the winner's finishing burst, but held on for second while Maxmized could only plug on into third. Shaatir completed the frame placings by taking a well held fourth place.

It would be a case of job done for the exciting Talk Of New York, who handled this key test in his stride. A son of leading sire Wootton Bassett and out of the Group Two winning mare Usherette, the colt is bred to be talented over a mile. He was patiently trained last year and didn't make his debut until October at Kempton, but he produced a stunning performance to win. Despite racing keenly and leading in the early stages, he was able to have enough in reserve to quicken away from his rivals in eye catching style. After the five and a half length victory, the Guineas automatically came to mind, but his next start would be out in Dubai, often a revered destination for Sheikh Mohammed's horses during the winter. His first run on turf came in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan, where he started slowly but made up good late ground to take a close third, despite a lot going wrong during the run. He returned to Britain for this contest and wore a hood for the first time. He would race a little more naturally in the new headgear and the presence of Maximized to force a quick early pace helped his cause. A big race move through the field at halfway was eye catching and the way he stretched clear was pleasing. He has a similar profile to last year's 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court and is now second favourite to give Godolphin back to back wins in the first Classic of the year. 

Race Four: The AR Legal Collections Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 13

The action would move to handicaps now as there would be potential to find horses to follow for the rest of the season. The seven furlong contest is limited to three year olds, the majority of whom remain largely unexposed with the potential to step forward from what they showed last year. Last year, Hugo Palmer's King Casper turned this race into a procession, winning by three lengths and then running well when fourth in the Silver Bowl at Haydock a month later.

Top weight would be carried by the Northern raider Kody B for Malton based trainer Craig Lidster, who has done well with his runners here in the past. He would show decent form as a juvenile and was a powerful winner at Pontefract on his latest start in October. Hardy's Hero stepped forward from his debut effort to win twice last season for William Haggas before a quiet display on his last start in September. He hasn't been seen in action since then, but has been gelded and could return a stronger horse here. Another Newmarket based stable with a runner at their local course would be Ed Dunlop who saddled Sierra Sands. The chestnut colt made a promising start to his career before a slightly disappointing run at this course next time out. He would get his career back on track by winning at Catterick on his last start and has the making of a useful handicapper. The Stuart Williams-trained Stellar Vision looks set for a good season as a three year old and has already made a good impression. After a promising debut effort here at the end of the turf season, he would return in March with a dominant performance at Wolverhampton and now makes the switch to handicap company here. Another with quite a few runs under his belt would be the Charlie Hills-trained Cashbox. He would improve gradually throughout the season, breaking his maiden on the all-weather before landing a similar contest over course and distance. He will hope to put that experience into good use for this contest.  Starting out for new connections would be Try Storm Cat, who made his debut for the Jess Macey stable in this competitive heat. The gelding had been progressing nicely last season for Charlie Johnston, but has failed to stay the trip over a mile recently and hopes will be pinned on a change of scenery bringing about improvement. Startled found improvement on the all-weather after his debut effort last season before relishing heavy ground with a good win at Nottingham on his last turf start. Richard Hughes's gelding hasn't been seen since a promising return in a stronger race at Lingfield in February. The Wathnan Racing silks would be carried in this contest by High Approval from the Hamad al Jehani stable. The gelding failed to progress in maiden company, but ran well on his latest start at Wolverhampton so could be better suited to this kind of race. Roger Fell would send down Harswell Angel from his Nawton base in Yorkshire for this useful looking contest. The gelding landed his first win at Redcar at the third attempt and has had valid excuses for two defeats in handicap company since then. James Owen would also be represented by the newly gelded Starryfield. The three year old ran well on his debut in July, but then missed a large portion of the season before running twice in quick succession either side of the New Year. He now turns to handicapping in search of a first win. Andrew Balding is well versed with handicappers and would saddle the filly Crazee Icon in this contest. A keen going nature has hampered her progress so far, but she ran very well despite it on her last two starts, finishing a close second at Chester and Goodwood. Another from the Lambourn area would be Ed Walker's runner Senor Campanaro, who improved at a steady rate of knots through last year. He finished down the order in novice company but looked a different horse after a gelding operation where he won at Newcastle on his final start of the year. Completing the line up in this open looking handicap would be the filly Daretobedifferent. Des Donovan's runner placed a few times on turf last season but wasn't at her best on the all-weather when last seen. She has a fair bit of experience to rely on as well. 

Winner: STARLED (#7) (Bated Breath x Star Snap) - W. Buick - R. Hughes

The first handicap of the season at Newmarket looked to be a very tricky one to solve with a number of potential improvers, but all thirteen runners went to post as advertised.

As the gates opened and runners emerged, the field would settle down into two groups down the Rowley Mile. The split came just under halfway through the field as those drawn in the first six stalls stayed on the far side while the ones drawn closer to the stands side ran down the centre. It would be Starryfield who held the overall lead under Kieran Shoemark, but he had plenty of company in the early stages. Stellar Vision had started slightly slowly, but pulled hard in the opening stages, forcing himself into a share of the lead with Starryfield. Also in the box seat would be the grey Cashbox, who raced along the near side rail. The likes of Kody B, Sierra Sands and Hardy's Hero all raced just behind the leaders with Startled buried in the midfield. Daretobedifferent, Harswell Angel and the slow starting Senor Campanaro would all race at the tail of the group as they passed the halfway stage. Despite his keen going ways, Stellar Vision remained in a good position up front and hadn't come off the bridle as yet. Entering the dip, he would move into the overall lead as Starryfield faded away, while Startled was shoved along. Hardy's Hero was next to challenge with Sierra Sands shadowing the move on the nearside. The group of three would soon turn into a group of four as Startled began to motor on the far side and showed a strong late burst to grab the narrow lead from Hardy's Hero and Stellar Vision. Under a power packed drive from Will Buick, Startled finished best of all to have the advantage at the line, winning by a neck. Hardy's Hero would just hold on to second over Stellar Vision while Sierra Sands did best of those drawn in high numbered stalls.

This competitive looking handicap was turned on its head in the final stages with four useful prospects for this season coming to the fore. The winner Startled had a little more experience than some of his rivals as this was his eighth career start, but he had only won once prior to this race. Richard Hughes's son of Bated Breath began his career over sprint distances, but failed to show much in his first two runs. After a gelding operation, he showed a little bit more ability but appeared to relish the heavy ground when successful for the first time at Nottingham in October. After a short break for the gelding, he would reappear on the all-weather; this time at Lingfield in February. Once again he caught the eye with his closing finish over six furlongs which prompted this attempt at seven furlongs for the first time. He saw out the new distance very well and could even reach a mile in time. He isn't as unexposed as other horses at this point of the season, but there will be nice and valuable handicap prizes to aim for in the coming weeks. 

Race Five: The Betway 4 To Win Handicap - Class Three - Five Furlongs - Runners: 8

The action would soon turn into the fast and furious as this competitive looking handicap would take place over the flying five furlongs. The gap between handicaps and Group races has been notoriously small in recent times and past winners of this race Twilight Calls and Arecibo went on to place in Group One company later in their careers. Last year's renewal would go the way of Regal Envoy from the William Knight stable, who was rapid on the day and went on to win twice at class two level. 

Heading the weights in this dash for the cash would be Jakajaro, from the Robert Cowell stable. The former Irish trained runner hasn't won in over two years, but has shown very good form since joining his current yard; including minor placings in the Portland Handicap and Stewards' Cup. Another classy sort who is dropping down in grade would be Roger Teal's Rosario. The five year old finished down the order in last year's race but progressed to take third in the Portland Handicap and two seconds at class two level when last seen in action. The speedy We Never Stop would also contribute to the early pace as Kevin Ryan's five year old is naturally very quick. He would continue his good record on the all-weather with a pair of wins on that surface during the summer and returned to the turf for this contest. The grey Sturlasson was also in good form before his winter break and John Ryan's gelding will be looking to improve further this year. He would win twice at Southwell and once at Yarmouth after switching stables, so it would be interesting to see how far he goes in 2026. Last year's winner Regal Envoy would return to defend his crown for the William Knight stable, but needs to return to form. After his win here twelve months ago, he picked up two more valuable prizes at Windsor, but struggled in better quality events on the turf and all-weather during the autumn. The pink and green silks of owner Fitri Hay would also be carried by Dionysos, trained by Ian Williams. The four year old showed smart form in France, but struggled in Britain initially due to a high handicap rating. He showed his wellbeing recently out in Dubai with a good third in handicap company there. The five year old Tan Rapido has a slightly better record on the all-weather but is a very quick horse for Charlie Fellowes. The gelding remains lightly raced for his age and wasn't at his best of softer ground at the end of the season last year. The veteran of the field would be Stuart Williams's eight year old Existent. He is a sporadic winner, but got his nose in front at Southwell recently and has finished second in a Group race during his prime. Completing the line up would be Solvency from the James Owen stable. The gelding won on his debut on turf at the end of 2024, but has raced exclusively on the all-weather ever since. He would return to the surface in a search for better fortunes. 

Winner: JAKAJARO (#1) (Too Darn Hot x Summer Flower) - J. Spencer - R. Cowell

It would be the time of the elder horses here, but the field was reduced by one with Solvency's withdrawal on the morning of the race. 

Just like in the previous contest, there would be a split in opinions as to where the best ground was and the field ran in two groups. Over on the far side, Jakajaro was quickly away from his stall and took up the early running. He was shadowed by the pair of Dionysos and Tan Rapido as the pace looked a decent one. The near side saw a slightly larger group on the running rail as Regal Envoy showed plenty of bright early pace under Oisin Murphy. Just behind him came We Never Stop, the keen going Sturlasson, Existent and finally Rosario. The advantage remained with Jakajaro however as the five year old continued to blaze the way down the centre of the track. The leader began to wander a little approaching the final furlong and as Dyonisos came to challenge, Jakajaro drifted slightly to his left. He would take impede Dyonisos only slightly but was already clear at this point. Jakajaro kept up the gallop to romp home to a two and three quarter length victory. Dyonisos would make it a 1-2 for owner Fitri Hay by taking second place while third went to Regal Envoy, who faded after doing a lot of the hard work early on. Fourth would go to Existent, who ran well but never landed a blow.

It would be a very good return to form for the talented gelding Jakajaro, who was winning for the first time since March 2024. Starting his career in Ireland and trained by David Marnane, his first season was a busy one with just one win and a few placings for his troubles. It would be the following season as a three year old where the son of Too Darn Hot began to make waves. A fourth in the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot showed his ability before placing in a couple of listed races and a fourth in a Group Two. He would then cross the Irish Sea to Newmarket where he joined Robert Cowell's yard in late 2024, but he was unable to make an instant impact. Once he had settled however, the gelding showed better form in big summer handicaps such as the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood where he finished third and then a close up fifth in the Portland Handicap. He was last seen in action out in America, where he competed in a claiming contest, but this slightly easier race was much to his liking. He looked a much better horse here than he has shown in the past and his speed hasn't faded either. This will set up a good year for the gelding and the big heritage handicaps over five or six furlongs will once again be on the radar.

Race Six: The Betway Sportsbook App Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners:

The second of two handicaps restricted to three year olds would take place, this time over the straight mile course. The class four event has the potential to unearth some dark horses who could progress up the ladder and find themselves in better company by the end of the season. Last year, the race split into two divisions. The first half would go to the smart Power Fizz, while the second half went to Art Market, who completed a double for William Haggas.

This year's contest would see Pandemonium carry top weight for the Simon and Ed Crisford stable. The colt won a pair of novice events at Yarmouth and Redcar very easily, but struggled in a Group Three on his final start of the season. This would be a better gauge of his ability. George Scott would saddle Major Neigh Sayer, who broke his maiden tag at this course last autumn. The colt was impressive that day, but he would struggle in a heavy ground listed race in France when last seen. Andrew Balding is often good at finding winning opportunities and would be represented here by Tiger Power. The useful colt won on debut at Haydock before tasting defeat for the first time, but bounced back at the start of this year with an impressive win at Southwell which suggests he can improve further. Another who made up for lost time during the autumn would be the Hugo Palmer-trained We're Goosers. The Starman colt ran three times within a month and finished second on his first two starts including at this venue. He looked a decent prospect when pulling clear at Newcastle for his first win and has scope to improve. The unbeaten Too Darn Gallop would line up here for the James Tate yard but this would be his first try on turf. The colt showed a good turn of pace to win twice during November and looks an interesting contender here. Ruth Jefferson is usually associated with hurdlers and chasers, but the Malton based handler would have a runner in this contest with Blue To Blue. The colt won three times for Karl Burke last year and has gained useful experience in handicap company already. Clive Cox is another trainer to fear in this sort of contest and he would be represented by Blue Courvoisier. He has a mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree and made a winning debut over seven furlongs, but was turned over at a mile on his next start. St Anton was entered in quite a few different races on this card, but Richard Hannon would settle on this one. The son of Mehmas finished third on his debut at this course before running with credit in second on his next two starts. Akho Mezzna bumped into some useful prospects in his novice race starts last summer before getting off the mark in his own right at Salisbury on his final start of the season. The Jack Jones-trained runner has been gelded over the winter ahead of this handicap debut. John Butler's representative Arbaawy remains a maiden after six starts, but has placed in four of those runs. The gelding placed twice at Newmarket last year and rounded out the season with a third behind an exciting prospect at Doncaster in October. Horses can often improve dramatically for a gelding operation or switch to handicaps and that has been the case for Eve Johnson Houghton's Raging Raj. The three year old showed modest form in novice events, but has since finished first and second in four starts in lower grade contests on the all-weather. William Knight's Luzon Heights would round out the line up for this contest on the back of some improvement over the winter. The son of Pinatubo looked to enjoy the step up to a mile with a win and a second on the all-weather when last seen.

Winner: DARN HOT GALLOP (#5) (Too Darn Hot x Contribution) - H. Crouch - J. Tate

The penultimate race would see an equally as competitive line up as the other three-year-old handicap earlier in the card. This time, the action would take place over a mile, the longest race of the day. 

As the race settled into a rhythm, the field remained packed together down the centre of the course this time and Blue Courvoisier would be the early leader despite pulling hard. Major Neigh Sayer would put pressure on the leader as the front runners were all drawn on the far side of the group. Others to race prominently included Darn Hot Gallop and We're Goosers, who had come in for some strong late support in the betting. Arbaawy and Raging Raj would come next in the order with the likes of Tiger Power and St Anton sitting further back. 
The pace looked an even one as Blue Courvoisier was swarmed by his rivals approaching the Dip. The eye would be drawn to We're Goosers, who had travelled especially strongly throughout the contest and had cruised into the lead under Jason Hart. The jockey was left with no choice but to kick for home at the final furlong marker and his mount bounded clear at a good stage of the race. The remainder would have to play catch up, but the leader was there to be aimed at. As We're Gooser's began to weaken, the door was left open and Blue Courvoisier was on the scene. Darn Hot Gallop met the rising ground on a good stride and began to power up the hill under Hector Crouch and battled hard to take the narrow lead approaching the line, Having gone backwards at one point, Darn Hot Gallop was strong at the finish and landed this contest comfortably by half a length. Blue Courvoisier would return in second, just ahead of St Anton and those two look good handicap prospects this year. Flying home from the rear would be Arbaawy, who snatched fourth from Luzon Heights on the line.

The form of this race will be worth plenty with the rest of the season in mind and the winner Darn Hot Gallop looks to be a filly to follow. Trained locally by James Tate, the daughter of Too Darn Hot extended her unbeaten streak to three with this game effort. She made her debut at Wolverhampton in November over seven furlongs where she was strong at the finish that day. A couple of weeks later, she was back in action; this time at Newcastle. She looked much better this time around by pulling clear in the final stages and winning by over a length. Winning a race of this nature on her turf debut suggests that 2026 could be a good year for Darn Hot Gallop. She had been outpaced as the pace lifted, but rallied bravely and emerged comfortably on top in good style. The filly is very well bred too as a half sister to French Oaks fourth-placed Agave as well as a distant relative to the exceptional mare Enable. She looked to see out this mile trip nicely which suggests races like the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot could be a suitable target, but her pedigree also has the potential to race even further in time. Darn Hot Gallop remains unbeaten and a very bright prospect. 

Race Seven: The Betway The Bet Responsible Way Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 10
The final race would reward those who stayed around until the final event as it would be run as a valuable class two race over the straight mile. This race is also open to four year olds and older, so there would be a number of well known faces making their return to action here. Last year, the William Haggas-trained Bullet Point continued his improvement through the previous winter to land this contest before going on to finish in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot and win at the Ebor Festival later in the year. 

Top weight would be carried by the mare Arisaig from the Charlie Johnston stable. The five year old went without a win last year, but ran well on a number of occasions, including a Group Three third place in August. The gelding Tycoon held slim Epsom Derby aspirations at the start of last year, but they weren't realised and he would be purchased by Amo Racing during the summer. The four year old struggled over ten furlongs, but looks an interesting runner now dropped back to a mile for the first time. Real Gain was highly progressive during 2023 and won here during that season. Last year, he would be seen less often, but still managed a third in the Golden Mile at Goodwood. He would start out for the Hamad al Jehani stable for this assignment. Mister Winston was very impressive when winning on the July course in August last year and was a handicapper on the up last season. He struggled in the Cambridgeshire Handicap here when last seen, but that race may have come too soon in his career. Yorkshire based trainer Declan Carroll often does well with new recruits and he would give a debut to Esherann in this contest. The well bred colt was a lightly raced improver in Ireland last year and took a good handicap at Leopardstown on his last start. The Richard Hannon-trained Christian David seemingly needs things to fall his way but is a talented sort when he is on form. The five year old won twice towards the end of last year and finished in the top half of the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster recently which was a good effort. The ten year old Bopedro has been to every gig when it comes to valuable handicaps and won this race in 2023 for the David O'Meara stable. The old boy would return here for his seasonal debut and he was still capable of a third in the Royal Hunt Cup last year. Great Chieftain is half the age of Bopedro, but lined up against him for the Oliver Cole stable. The five year old has won over course and distance in the past and ran very well in the Cambridgeshire last year. This would be his first start after a couple of runs in Dubai at the start of the year. Another well travelled sort would be Sterling Knight from the Ed Dunlop stable. The seven year old has developed from a sprinter to a miler in recent seasons and held his form nicely last year. He arrives here following a respectable run in the Spring Mile at Doncaster last month. Completing the field wold be another local runner, the George Margarson-trained Mythical Guest. The six year old wasn't able to win last year, but finished close up in some very good handicaps; including last year's renewal of this race. He appears to run well when fresh which is a bonus for this seasonal debut.

Winner: MISTER WINSTON (#4) (Churchill x Crazee DIamond) - O. Murphy - A. Balding

The finale would be raced under a glowing sun as all eight runners stood their ground for the start. 

Well backed favourite Mister Winston was sent into the early lead by last year's champion jockey Oisin Murphy and dictated the pace. Behind him came Mythical Guest and Great Chieftain as Arisaig brought up the rear in the small group on the far side. The central group would be led by the veterans Sterling Knight and Bopedro as the pace looked to be an average one in the opening stages. Real Gain and Esherann would come next as Christian David was ridden with patience in the opening furlongs. As the race began to warm up approaching the two furlong post, Oisin Murphy kicked for home on Mister Winston. His mount responded by quickening into a healthy lead as Arisaig gave chase in vain. Mister Winston would drift all the way to the far side rail, but with the rail to guide him, he straightened up and moved clear of his rivals again; crossing the line a length and a quarter to the good. Arisaig chased the winner down all the way, but was never near enough to be a threat whilst Christian David would run better this time around with a staying on third, a place ahead of Real Gain.

This would be a relatively simple success for the four year old gelding Mister Winston, who was campaigned liked a good horse last year. He took five races to find his first victory, but he had shown solid placed form in the spring of 2025 before his first win at Chester in late June. He was then well fancied for a good handicap at the July Festival across the road from this venue and he returned home in fourth that day. He landed a second win shortly after, back on the July course in August where he made all on quick ground and won by a big margin. His last race came in the historic Cambridgeshire Handicap over nine furlongs here in September, where he was sent off at big odds, but ran with credit considering his age to finish fifteenth. With another winter on his back, Mister Winston looks to be the finished article now and was impressive here. Major handicaps such as the Royal Hunt Cup, John Smith's Cup and a return to the Cambridgeshire Handicap could be big targets this season, but his next port of call could be the Suffolk Stakes, a handicap over nine furlongs at the upcoming Guineas Festival at this venue.