Hollie Doyle previews a quintet of contests on the Rowley Mile on Saturday, headlined by the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, plus two competitive events at York.
Charlie Appleby can enhance his great record in the Dewhurst with the unbeaten Desert Castle. Godolphin's trainer has won the race three times in the last seven years, most recently with Shadow Of Light in 2024. Doyle was impressed by the colt's dominance in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last month, his first outing since stepping out of novice company, and believes he can cement his place at the head of the 2,000 Guineas market. Aidan O'Brien's Derby favourite Darkness Falls has already won at this level and poses a considerable threat, though Doyle is not convinced the drop back to seven furlongs will suit him.
In the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap, Brian Ellison's Sea Lantern could be very well treated off a mark of 89, but Doyle prefers Mountain Road. The horse was a solid second to Small Fry over two miles at York and should appreciate the extra quarter-mile, with Paul Mulrennan back in the saddle for the first time since his win at Thirsk. Sea Lantern, however, looks a thorough stayer who may be underestimated, and this is a considerable step up in grade and trip.
In the Modern Games Darley Stakes, The Lost King is a worthy favourite on the strength of his second in the Joel Stakes over a mile. Andrew Balding's gelding finished behind the classy Talk Of New York that day and should enjoy the extra furlong. Haatem, who won a Grade Three at Kentucky Downs, is a huge threat with Ryan Moore on board if he is on his A-game.
In the Native Trail Zetland Stakes, it will be interesting to see how Drumbeat copes with the step up in trip after his third in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at The Curragh. Andrew Balding's Wykehurst Park also looks interesting at bigger odds.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing