Focus on Newbury today. The ground yesterday was described as either  ‘dead’ or ‘gluey’ but a dry night and morning sunshine have allayed fears that we would have unsuitable conditions. The official going is now Good to Soft. Clerk of the course Richard Osgood said: “We’re not too far off good ground. There are just a couple of areas that are softer than others but we will see how they dry out with this nice weather set to continue all day.”

 2.45 Newbury Al Rayyan Stakes (Registered As The Aston Park Stakes) (Group 3) (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

Eagle Top is a high class and will win if anywhere near his best.

However two below form runs at the end of last season in his Arc trial and the Arc itself have to be excused. Conditions shouldn’t be an issue. Difficult to price accurately because of that dip in form at the season end, but the 4/5 available would be a gift if Eagle Top is back to his mid-season standard shown in the two Ascot runs.

Ryan Moore takes the ride on Carnachy for the first time as the filly looks to extend her unbeaten run.

 

 

4.30 Newbury Al Zubarah London Gold Cup (Open Handicap) (CLASS 2) (3yo)

Good Run was noted on his final start last season when staying on well to win a 9f nursery  handicap at Newmarket and is expected to run a big race.

Conditions are suitable, and fitness not an issue with the Godolphin horses going well.  The current 6/1 seems about right.

In all, a really good day of racing that should provide plenty of pointers for the season ahead.