The 110-rated Albasheer tops the weights for the BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap over six furlongs, having posted a taking win at the course two weeks ago.
Archie Watson’s six-year-old and Chipstead (Roger Teal) are both in with a chance of a £30,000 bonus following their AWC Trials Day wins at Newcastle and Lingfield Park.
Cover Up is a perfect three from three for John & Thady Gosden since switching to the all-weather, with the latest of his two Newcastle successes resulting in a 13lb hike to a mark of 101.
Batal Dubai has gone close on all three starts this year for Harry Charlton, finishing third in both trials and second to Andrew Balding’s Fivethousandtoone at Kempton Park.
Gordon Elliott sends over course winner Coachello, who was a Listed winner at the Dubai Carnival in 2023 and finished fourth behind Diligent Harry at Lingfield Park on his only outing this year.
All-Weather Champion Trainer Mick Appleby saddles Juan Les Pins, who chased home Diligent Harry in the Listed BetUK Hever Sprint last month, and progressive four-year-old Billyjoh.
Summerghand, the 2021 winner of this race, heads a trio of runners for David O’Meara. The veteran sprinter is joined by Stewards’ Cup victor Aberama Gold and Misty Grey, who has run creditably in both starts since joining the yard.
Lightly raced course scorer Solray sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap for Jane Chapple-Hyam, while John Ryan’s The X O shaped better than the bare result when finishing a close eighth behind Chipstead at Lingfield Park. Bergerac completes the lineup for Kevin Ryan.
The view from connections
Peter Shoemark, racing manager for John & Thady Gosden, said: “Cover Up has been in great form all season – he started off rated 76 and is now up to 101. He has won over six furlongs, although that came at Lingfield and Newcastle is a lot stiffer, so that will be a new test for him, plus the fact he is 13lb higher than last time.”
Tim Palin of Middleham Park Racing, who own Batal Dubai, said: “If you could create a perfect storm for Batal Dubai, it would probably be six furlongs in a big field competitive handicap at Newcastle. This is very much him playing at home.”
Gordon Elliott, trainer of Coachello, said: “Coachello is in good order. He has not done much wrong so far this season and we are looking forward to sending him over. It looks a strong race, but he is a solid horse and hopefully runs well.”
Mick Appleby, trainer of Billyjoh and Juan Les Pins, said: “They are both decent horses. I think Billyjoh still has more to offer and could surprise people, while the handicapper knows all about Juan Les Pins. Juan Les Pins might be better on grass as well, but he should still run well.”
Andrew Balding, trainer of Fivethousandtoone, said: “He has been running well all season and has a bit of course form, which is always a help. He seems in good shape at home and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Roger Teal, trainer of Chipstead, said: “All is well with him. He did a nice piece of work the other day and we are going into the race on a good note. I think he has a good each-way chance. He has done nothing wrong all season and won nicely at the trials meeting. You need luck on the day with these sprinters but, if everything goes right, you have to put him in the mix.”
David O’Meara, trainer of Aberama Gold, Misty Grey and Summerghand, said: “I was delighted to see Summerghand finish second in the trial at Lingfield. It was a fantastic run and shows there is still plenty of life left in those old legs yet. Whether Newcastle brings out the best in him, I am not convinced, but it is big money and he has to have a go at it. I was happy with Aberama Gold at Newcastle in November, when he finished fourth in the Listed race, and then he probably wasn’t quite sharp enough for his first run of the year over five furlongs at Southwell. Fingers crossed, this test should suit him better. Misty Grey had a lovely run at Wolverhampton in the Lady Wulfruna. Whether he can replicate that form in a straight six-furlong race would be a question, but I was delighted with the way he travelled at Wolverhampton and he is well entitled to take his shot at a great prize.”
Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Solray, said: “I had my fingers crossed Solray got in because I own a leg in him and wanted to run here. The track suits him and getting a stone plus off the top horses, even though they are seasoned sprinters by comparison, could see him flying at the finish.”
