One of the finest days on the horse racing calendar is almost upon us as we get ready for Newmarket’s Champions’ Day on Saturday.
There are six intriguing Group One races on the illustrious day and jockeys and trainers alike will be out to write their names in the history books.
Dubbed the Home of Racing, immortality beckons for those who are fortunate enough to prevail during the high-class Flat race meeting.
We will take a look at three of the feature races at the Suffolk venue that doubles up as British horse racing’s headquarters.
Champion Stakes.
The race is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. Raced on the Rowley Mile, a distance of one mile and two furlongs will be covered.
The spectacular event made its debut back in 1877 and this year’s entrants will be out to succeed Twice Over, who claimed a fine victory last term.
Under the fine guidance of Tom Queally, the 4/1 shot flew to victory, staving off the challenge of Mawatheeq and Sariska in some style.
The Henry Cecil-trained beast will be out to defend the title and he is the current sportsbook favourite to win the contest once more.
But with Vision d’Etat, Snow Fairy, Await The Dawn, Cape Blanco and St Nicholas Abbey set to feature, a second score could prove difficult.
Can anybody stop Twice Over winning the Champion Stakes? – Latest Horse Racing Betting
Dewhurst Stakes.
Open to two-year-old thoroughbreds and colts, the Dewhurst is a short, sharp seven-furlong sprint.
A sprightly performance by Beethoven last season saw champion trainer Aidan O’Brien land his first success since Rock of Gibraltar hit the front in 2001, but the massive favourite this year is Cecil’s Frankel.
The fine two-year-old is proving to be a fantastic racehorse after three successive wins this season.
Newmarket’s European Breeders’ Fund Maiden Stakes, the Frank Whittle Partnership Conditions Stakes at Doncaster and Ascot’s Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes have already been won by the newcomer and it appears another easy win is on the cards here.
But likely challengers Dream Ahead and Saamidd could run the Prince Khalid Abdullah-owned horse all the way.
Cesarewitch Handicap.
The two miles and two furlongs showpiece is a tough one to call with several runners expected to take their place at the start of the race.
Darley Sun took the honours a year ago with Andrea Atzeni on board and he has been pencilled in for a return this time.
But with huge odds against his name, the money-men are looking elsewhere with Admiral Barry, Universal Truth , Ghimaar, My Arch and Majestic Concorde predicted to figure in the final shake up.
