Fact-finding Derby mission for connections in small-field Newmarket Stakes

Best Odds On Betfair Exchange Newmarket Stakes (Listed) | 3yo | 1m2f | ITV4/RTV

The road to Epsom moves up a gear with the Listed Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Newmarket Stakes with four sets of connections wondering whether their three-year-olds will showcase themselves well enough to put themselves in contention for Britain’s most important race.

While this race is being used by those involved to test their horse’s Cazoo Derby credentials, a wider appreciation of those taking part is worthwhile given the past winners of the race who went on to achieve top-level success, just not in the Epsom Classic.

Chief among them is Mishriff, who landed this race two years ago en route to capturing the Prix du Jockey Club before adding the Saudi Cup, Dubai Sheema Classic and Juddmonte International.

Mishriff: won this race two years ago on his way to major gloryCredit: Edward Whitaker

France is a possibility for Hoo Ya Mal, whose connections bypassed a shot at the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on Saturday due to the quick ground and opted instead to try their horse over an extra two furlongs following his third to Native Trail in the Craven Stakes last time.

Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh said: "The ground does not suit us very well so we have decided to go further with him. We need to know if he stays the trip and if he runs well we can decide whether to go for the French Derby or the Derby. He’s been working very well, but we know this horse is better on softer ground."

As well as Mishriff, the Newmarket Stakes has been won in recent years by Noble Mission, Mohaafeth and Hawkbill, a future winner of the Hampton Court Stakes, Coral-Eclipse and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Hawkbill is one of two winners of the race for Charlie Appleby, along with Key Victory, and this year the Godolphin trainer saddles Nations Pride, a winner at Meydan in February when last seen.

"Nations Pride was last seen in the Jumeirah Derby winning well," Appleby said. "He is now stepping up into Listed company but he has travelled back from Dubai in the last three weeks and he looks well.

"Hopefully he will put up a good run there. He is a horse that we might look at a Derby trial closer to the Derby."

Austrian Theory outran his odds when third on his reappearance in the Feilden just over a fortnight ago, while it will be interesting to see if Subastar can build on his debut success which came in a maiden here in September.

Friday's race previews:

3.15 Goodwood: Could we see another future Group 1 winner in this red-hot Listed race?

3.35 Newmarket: Jetsetting Yibir returns to the green grass of home - what is his main danger?

4.15 Punchestown: 'His second to Stattler reads very well' - Fighter could frank stablemate's form

5.25 Punchestown: 'He could give her a fright' - can anyone dethrone the mighty Honeysuckle?

6.00 Punchestown: Mullins-trained Champion Hurdle prospect sets the standard in top novice event

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