'Perfect Power will have a better chance at Longchamp than Newmarket'

The Flat turf action is well and truly back and the build-up to the first Classics of the year is well under way. A highly informative card at Newbury, featuring the Fred Darling and Greenham Stakes, takes centre stage on Saturday and here we provide the key details and analysis of a selection of the big races . . .

1.50 Newbury

Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Group 3), 1m4f

What happened?

Thunderous set a decent pace early on under Christophe Soumillon but steadied approaching the turn, bringing the hold-up horses into contention. Rob Horny seized the opportunity aboard Max Vega, who took over as they passed the furlong pole to finish clear of Raymond Tusk, who found himself a little bit short of room on the straight.

The winning time

Max Vega struck at 9-2 in a time of 2m 36.31s, slow by 4.81s on ground officially described as good.

Ante-post market moves

Max Vega was introduced at 10-1 for the Yorkshire Cup on May 13 by Betfair and Paddy Power.

What do our experts reckon?

This looked quite a competitive affair but it lacked a standout.

Max Vega has looked at his best with some ease in the ground in the past. He handled this watered surface fine and won in fairly convincing fashion. The Yorkshire Cup looks a possible target now and he won't mind going back up in trip.

Raymond Tusk was an easy winner at Doncaster last time but this required more. He didn't get an entirely clear run but was keeping on at the finish and confirmed his wellbeing.

Stowell was weak in the market and might just have needed this, while the penalised favourite Ilaraab is also entitled to come on for the run.
Steffan Edwards, Raceform analyst

Full result and race replay

2.25 Newbury

Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Group 3), 7f

What happened?

Symphony Perfect was out sharpest to take an early lead on the far side and led until a furlong out. Wild Beauty travelled strongly on the near side under William Buick and was briefly headed by 11-4 favourite Jumbly but fought back to win stubbornly.

The winning time

Wild Beauty won at 3-1 in a time of 1m 24.93s, slow by 2.03s, on good ground.

Ante-post market moves

Coral have cut Wild Beauty to 12-1 from 20 for the 1,000 Guineas.

What do our experts reckon?

Nothing has come out of the Fred Darling to win the 1,000 Guineas since Lahan in 2000, and it's unlikely that trend will change this year.

Wild Beauty won a Grade 1 in Canada last year but was comfortably held by Guineas favourite Inspiral in a couple of starts in Britain, so it's understandable that connections are favouring the French Guineas over Newmarket. It took her a while to get on top here and returning to a mile can only help.

Jumbly impressed in the Radley Stakes here last year and shaped well in second, but she'll need to step forward to be competitive in a Guineas, and the money for her beforehand suggested that perhaps she was ready for today.

Steffan Edwards, Raceform analyst

Full result and race replay | Report

3.00 Newbury

Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes (Group 3), 7f

What happened?

The market leaders were worked up ahead of the start. Angel Bleu jumped out well and was keen with Frankie Dettori trying hard to keep him quiet. Perfect Power was niggled along behind The Wizard Of Eye and Angel Bleu and finished strongly, with Lusail unable to mount a telling challenge on the near side.

The winning time

Perfect Power won in a time of 1m 22.77s, which was fast by 0.13s.

Ante-post market moves

Betfair cut Perfect Power from 20-1 to 8 for the 2,000 Guineas.

What do our experts reckon?

There were a couple of Group 1 winners in the line-up and this had the look of a solid renewal.

Perfect Power is welcomed into the winner's enclosure by trainer Richard FaheyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Perfect Power won twice at the top level last year, both wins coming over 6f, but he showed he can be effective over further this year, seeing this race out pretty well. A mile will ask another question, though, and Longchamp will probably give him a better chance of seeing it out than Newmarket.

Lusail settled better than when disappointing in the Champagne Stakes last autumn, and he ran on for second, with the long time leader Angel Bleu dropping back to third having raced too freely. He'll be better off ridden with more restraint, as he was at two, and getting back on soft ground should help as well.

Steffan Edwards, Raceform analyst

Full result and race replay | Report

3.35 Newbury

Highclere Thoroughbred Racing 30th Anniversary Spring Cup Handicap, 1m

What happened?

Modern News was behind plenty of his rivals in the Lincoln but was ridden more prominently by in-form jockey William Buick, who was rewarded for committing him early. The four-year-old tracked the gutsy leader Isla Kai and finished a neck clear of Migration.

The winning time

Modern News won following a bunched finish in a time of 1m 36.74s, which was slow by 0.74s.

What do our experts reckon?

Modern News ran a creditable race in the Lincoln, and with William Buick taking over in the saddle from a 7lb claimer he stepped forward here, keeping on well enough to hold the late bid of Migration. The runner-up is better over further and ran well under top weight. He'll be worth another try in Listed or Group 3 company.

Rogue Bear was best of those drawn high in the Lincoln and posted another good effort in defeat, while Isla Kai gave it a good go from the front. He was a big improver last year and still looks to have more to offer.

Steffan Edwards, Raceform analyst

Full result and race replay

Read more . . .

'She's very genuine' - William Buick impressed as Wild Beauty lands Fred Darling

Charlie Appleby: 'We're using this as a springboard to the French 1,000 Guineas'

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