* All times GMT.
A lowkey weekend of racing in the UK and Ireland, with all focus now on the start of the flat season. Before that, we have Meydan Super Saturday in a week’s time – due to go ahead despite the tumultuous situation in the Middle East – and cards from Newbury and Kelso this weekend.
The latter sees the Listed Beeswing Hurdle (13:00, Saturday) open the card. This looks a match between Hollygrove Cha Cha and the Irish invader World Of Fortunes. The former is a very likeable mare who knows how to win and has a minor edge on ratings, but World Of Fortunes produced a nice career best last time out and is going the right way herself.
The mares are also centre stage at Newbury with the Grade 2 British EBF “National Hunt” Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (15:00, Saturday). Fresh from their success in handicaps at Cheltenham, the Skelton’s have the favourite here in Getawhisky. She was given a tender float up last time out when only fourth at Musselburgh and should perform much better here upped in distance. This is a wide open affair with several holding claims.
Race Of The Weekend
There are several Group 1 races in Australia this weekend, with the highlight being the Golden Slipper (05:35, Saturday), the premier race for 2-year-olds Down Under. The most valuable juvenile race on the planet, bookmakers in the UK currently bet 6/1 the field in this 20-runner affair with old rivals Chayan and Streisand heading the market.
Horse To Watch
Shaool runs at Naas in the Devoy Stakes (16:22) this Sunday and really caught the eye at the back end of last year. A handicap winner off just 85 on her penultimate start, she was backed as though defeat was out of the question at Listed level on her final start of 2025 and duly obliged in the manner of a high class performer. This lightly-raced 5-year-old is very adept on deep going and can land the hat-trick here before going on to make an impact in good Graded events when the mud is flying.
