Saturday’s card at Newmarket features five graded and heritage races, including the prestigious Darley Dewhurst Stakes and the Cesarewitch Handicap. Below are Tom’s in-depth notes and Rich’s rankings race by race — a full blend of form, class, and pedigree insight across a stacked international field.
RACE 1 — Too Darn Hot Darley Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m1f
Tom’s Picks
4 – Damysus – After a terrible race in the Epsom Derby, he won nicely last time out in a listed race at Deauville. He has placed in group races before. Favorite.
5 – Gladius – Ran fourth last time at York after winning two in a row. Has a chance for his first win in a group race.
1 – First Conquest – Didn’t finish well last time at Haydock, running fourth. Ran well earlier this season with two wins in January in Dubai. Maybe Buick will make the difference.
Rich’s Picks
2 – Liberty Lane – At his best; owns the best Newmarket time at the distance.
5 – Gladius – Two-for-two when first up (debut and return).
1 – First Conquest – This is probably the lightest company he’s seen in a while.
RACE 2 — Night Of Thunder Zetland Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (2yo) 1m2f
Tom’s Picks
4 – Look To The Stars – Looked awful in the paddock last time, heavily sweating, yet still won as the favorite. Other win was on the all-weather. Extra distance helps.
6 – Mr Colonel – Finished second in both starts, each by a neck. Should appreciate more distance.
1 – Allegresse – A frontrunner with a sensible pace; Oisin can take them all the way if he controls the lead.
Rich’s Picks
7 – Pierre Bonnard – Has the best win on all-weather; can transfer that form.
3 – Endorsement – First time making two starts in a row — boom or bust.
4 – Look To The Stars – Godolphin, Appleby, Buick — what else do you need to know?
6 – Mr Colonel – A pair of necks from being 2-for-2.
RACE 3 — Emirates Autumn Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (2yo) 1m
Tom’s Picks
7 – Straight Up – Strong win last time on heavy going at seven furlongs. Adds a furlong and gets Soumillon; should win again.
6 – Pathein – Scored at Doncaster on soft at 28-1, beating two quality horses. First-year sire St Mark’s Basilica is producing winners.
2 – Archer Royal – Won his debut on the all-weather, then ran third in a Group 3 here at Newmarket. Added distance suits.
Rich’s Picks
4 – Hankelow – $1 million horse; a nose from being unbeaten. Extra distance a question mark.
1 – Al Zanati – Godolphin, Appleby, Buick again.
2 – Archer Royal – Most others are speed; closer with added distance helps.
6 – Pathein – Highest-rated debut win.
RACE 4 — Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) (No Geldings) Cl1 (2yo) 7f
Tom’s Picks
1 – Alparsian – Won both starts on good-to-firm and yielding going. Extra furlong shouldn’t be an issue.
2 – Distant Storm – Lost one of three by running too freely; won the other two impressively, including a Newmarket maiden. Buick/Appleby team.
9 – Zavarteri – Unbeaten in four starts, including three Group wins. Added distance should make him even stronger.
Rich’s Picks
9 – Zavateri – Undefeated in four; you don’t know how good he is until he loses.
2 – Distant Storm – Godolphin, Appleby, Buick again; can win from the front or back.
1 – Alparslan – Unbeaten in two easy wins; early-pace type with a good trip setup.
4 – Gstaad – A head and neck away from being unbeaten in four.
RACE 5 — Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage) Cl2 (3yo+) 2m2f
Tom’s Picks
10 – Fireblade – Tracked the leaders last out, finishing a head behind in third. Won earlier this season at Ascot; climbing from class four to class two. Small improvement makes him dangerous at a price.
8 – Alphonse Le Grande – Improving with each of three starts this season; solid fifth last time. Won this race last year from a wide draw.
11 – Ndaawi – Finished last of 24 in this race last year but has since won over hurdles and ran fourth at Chester as favorite. Ready to fire at a price.
Rich’s Picks
9 – Beylerbeyi – Extra distance could help; sharp late in last and 1-for-1 at Newmarket.
7 – Manxman – Any of his 2-mile-plus turf efforts would make him a contender.
19 – Belgravian – Four wins from seven on turf, plus a second and third.
1 – Hipop De Loire – Versatile type who could fit in a variety of race shapes.
