Dubai: April heralds the onset of spring in Britain and also the first of the ‘major’ Classic trials which take place at Newbury, the popular West Berkshire racecourse this weekend.
Largely sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, the two-day fixture features two recognised races which serve as key points to the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas — the Group 3 Greenham Stakes and the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes.
Fresh from his latest triumph in the $10m Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan ten days ago, Emirati handler Saeed Bin Surour saddles two runners in the Greenham Stakes, a race which the late Sir Henry Cecil used as a launch pad for the immortal Frankel who would go on to capture the Guineas.
Be Ready, a well-bred son of New Approach, and Invincible Spirt’s smart three-year-old Golden Town, are among 20 likely runners in Saturday’s seven furlong contest that is the showpiece event of a mouth-watering card.
Bin Surour is looking for his first success in the event with his first runners since Shawell finished fifth to Jim Bolger’s Vocalised in 2009.
Be Ready, who was given his name by Bin Surour, makes his first start since flying home to win the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster in September.
Bin Surour revealed he chose the moniker Be Ready because he felt that the colt had the potential to progress into a Classic contender. Saturday’s race will provide more evidence to Bin Surour’s skills both as a handler and as a visionary.
Golden Town, who announced himself as an exciting prospect with a length and a half beating of favourite Red Galileo in a maiden at York last August, will also be looking to lay down his Classic credentials.
Together the Godolphin duo are likely to take on leading contenders for the May 3 2,000 Guineas including Australia, Toormore, Kingman and Kingston Thunder.
Other runners with Dubai interests include Group 2 July Stakes scorer Anjaal, who is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and the William Haggas-trained Saayerr, who will carry the colours of Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security.
Richard Hannon’s Night Of Thunder represents prominent owner Saeed Manana while Dubai businessman Jaber Abdullah is two handed with Prince Of All and Shining Emerald, who are trained by Paul Deegan in Ireland.
Along in the strong line-up are John Gosden’s beaten Kingman, one of the early Guineas favourites.
Latest Odds
At Newbury, England
2,000 Guineas (G1) 1,600m:
Saturday May 3
Australia (5/2), Toormore (7), Kingman (9), Kingston Hill (9), Night Of Thunder (14), War Command (14), Be Ready (16), Berkshire (16), Lat Hawill (16), Noozhoh Canarias (25), Outstrip (25), Shifting Power (25), Astaire (33), Charm Spirit (33), Geoffrey Chaucer (33), Karakontie (33), Anjaal (40), Bookrunner (40), Ectot (40), Ertijaal (40) Show all
