Seven races from Newbury on Friday, Sept 22nd – starting at 13.50 and running through until 17.20. A Listed contest is arguably the highlight at 16.10, and some of the biggest names in the sport are in attendance at the Berkshire venue.

Newbury 15.35 King’s Gambit @ 3/1

The ground forecast indicates the likelihood of ‘heavy’ at Newbury on Friday afternoon. Horses with the capacity to shine under such conditions must therefore be at the forefront of our thoughts.

This mile trip for 2-yr-olds will really take some getting then, and my selection has at least seen the racecourse twice, experience-wise. Several of his rivals are either once-raced, or making their debut.

King’s Gambit won a maiden here over the trip 5 weeks ago, and there was juice in the ground that day. We have to hope that’s an indicator of his ability to cope with heavy. His sire Saxon Warrior won a Group 2 in the soft for Aidan O’Brien back in the day, so the signs are very hopeful.

That Newbury win was impressive and the Charltons are in fine form right now. Jockey Kevin Stott has had an eventful season but remains an excellent rider.

Newbury 17.20 Sayf Al Dawla @ 9/4

Ten-furlong Class 4 handicap for the lucky last, and a 5-yr-old gelding trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam.

This is a son of the mighty Frankel who returned in July from a very lengthy racecourse absence (632 days) and won a comparable contest to today’s at Sandown Park. He showed a similar level of form as to before the lay-off, and is penalised 5lb for that win here.

The horse is a gelding, so persevering with his career is not motivated by any stud possibilities. It’s purely down to achievements on the track, and his shrewd, experienced handler will hope to maximise any such opportunities, starting I hope with Friday’s 17.20!

It’s a small pot that’s being chased as the horse no doubt finds his way back into the groove as it were, after such a lengthy rest period. Fingers crossed he can take another nice step forward, and get his career back on track.