*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
A field of nine fillies and mares will contest the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Saffron Beach is back to defend her crown on the Rowley Mile but last year’s winner faces fresh challengers in the form Irish 1000 Guineas scorer Homeless Songs and Falmouth heroine Prosperous Voyage.
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John & Thady Gosden have thrown a wildcard into the mix after supplementing Laurel, while By All Means, Fonteyn, Grande Dame, Lights On and Mrs Fitzherbert complete the field.
Sun Chariot Stakes odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, otherwise Timeform’s nifty runner-by-runner guide and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.
Sun Chariot Stakes runners
Lights On
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Jockey: Richard Kingscote Age: 5 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 6
Three-time winner last year, including Pontefract listed race in July. Better than ever when landing Sandown Group 2 on return but hasn’t gone on from that at the highest level since, though reared leaving stalls in the Matron 3 weeks ago.
**
Mrs Fitzherbert
Trainer: Hughie Morrison Jockey: David Egan Age: 4 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 2
Picked up where she left off in 2021 with victory in Goodwood listed race in April. Had excuses at Epsom next time and has got back on track since, winning Group 3 at Chantilly a fortnight ago. Faces stiff task up in grade.
**
Saffron Beach
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam Jockey: William Buick Age: 4 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 1
Ended 2021 with success in this corresponding race and as good as ever this term, adding another Group 1 win in the Prix Rothschild. Lost little in defeat in Matron Stakes last time. Can make bold bid to defend her title.
****
By All Means
Trainer: M. Baratti Jockey: Simon Planque Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 3
Useful performer in France, winning 3 of her first 4 starts including listed race at Chantilly in July. Ran well when beaten a neck by Oscula in Group 3 at Deauville in August, but looks up against it in this company.
**
Fonteyn
Trainer: Kevin Ryan Jockey: Neil Callan Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 8
Has shown improved form this year, narrow winner of listed event at York in May before finishing fourth in the Nassau despite racing freely upped in distance. However, not quite so good at Sandown over this trip last time.
**
Grande Dame
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Jockey: Jamie Spencer Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 9
Won on debut at Ascot before only losing out to Fonteyn in York listed race next time. Had tough ask at Royal Ascot but has resumed progress at Sandown last 2 starts, runner-up in Group 3 on latest. May have more to offer.
***
Homeless Songs
Trainer: D. K. Weld Jockey: C. D. Hayes Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 4
Built on her successful return in the Guineas Trial with a most impressive display in the Irish 1000 Guineas itself. Unable to reproduce that form in the Matron Stakes after 4 months off but expected to fare a lot better in first-time tongue tie now. Leading claims.
*****
Laurel
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Jockey: Robert Havlin Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 7
Created very good impression when making winning debut at Newmarket and again looked something out of the ordinary when defying a penalty at Kempton 10 days ago. Well worth her place at this level.
****
Prosperous Voyage
Trainer: Ralph Beckett Jockey: Rob Hornby Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 5
Finished in the frame all 6 starts as a 2-y-o and progressed again when runner-up in the 1000 Guineas. Caused an upset when landing the Falmouth Stakes in July, but below-par at Deauville last time. Could bounce back here.
***
Sun Chariot Stakes tips
Timeform: A high-class renewal, with preference for HOMELESS SONGS to confirm the big impression she made in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the second attempt. She is entitled to come on from her run in the Matron Stakes having been off for 4 months and now wears a tongue tie. She can see off the challenge of last year’s winner Saffron Beach. Exciting prospect Laurel completes the shortlist.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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