Fine Form
Al Qareem MU – 2.30
will rely on his big-race experience to get his 2026 season under way with victory in the Virgin Bet Goliath Cup Stakes at Musselburgh.
Karl Burke’s seven-year-old embarks on his 29th stakes start when he travels to Scotland, aiming to claim his 10th success during a busy career to date.
The son of Awtaad – a three-time winner of the Group Three Cumberland Lodge at Ascot – will carry a 5lb penalty, but he should have too much quality to outshine his rivals.
Another plus for Al Qareem is the return of Clifford Lee, who has just his second booked ride since sustaining a serious neck injury in October.
Eternal Sunshine MU – 3.42
should follow in the hoofprints of stablemate American Affair in the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap.
American Affair provided home trainer Jim Goldie with the maiden Group One victory of his career when landing the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, starting his campaign in this race.
Goldie tends to target this contest and has three runners, but Eternal Sunshine, who has blossomed under apprentice jockey Lauren Young, looks his best shot at defending his crown.
At Haydock,
Genois HY – 3.20
can continue his resurgence in the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
Trained by Jonjo and A J O’Neill, the 10-year-old has won two of his last three starts, including the qualifier for this race at Exeter last month.
The JP McManus-owned runner can progress further now among his own age group at his optimum distance.
Dance And Glance HY – 2.12
can return to better form on his preferred surface in the Pertemps Network Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle.
He was a distant fifth in the William Hill Hurdle in February and has not been seen since, but he had to negotiate heavy going for the first time in his career.
With sounder ground, Anthony Honeyball’s charge should be in the mix and he drops 1lb this time around.
Royal Jewel NA – 3.49
is fancied to keep his good Newton Abbott record intact in the Happy 45th Birthday Andy Hurtley Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old has never been outside of the top three on three starts in Devon, which includes winning over course and distance last time out.
He is on an all-time high mark, but with 3lb claimer Callum Pritchard aboard and back down in trip, Philip Hobbs and Johnson White’s contender can lead the way.
Sean Bowen and Olly Murphy are a formidable combination and they team up with
Tap Tap Shamie CL – 12.43
in the Cumberland Show Saturday 6th June Maiden Hurdle at Carlisle.
The six-year-old makes only his second start after narrowly going down a neck on debut at Wincanton in February and is clearly the one to beat.
Is This For Real HU – 3.47
already has a win over timber next to his name for Fergal O’Brien and should make it two in the Join Our Syndicate At Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon.
On the all-weather at Wolverhampton,
Chasing Time WL – 5.15
is an interesting Godolphin newcomer for Charlie Appleby in the opening Thank You GRP Solutions For Sponsoring Maiden Stakes.
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