A Winter Derby Trial at Southwell takes center stage this Friday, showcasing strong contenders including Eydon, trained by Andrew Balding.
6:30 Southwell – Eydon and Champagne Prince Contend in Winter Derby Trial
Eydon, rated at an impressive 109, stands out in this competitive field. After finishing last season with notable performances, including a close second to Champagne Prince at Kempton, he aims to reclaim his winning form in the BetUK Winter Derby Trial Conditions Stakes.
Champagne Prince, trained by Jane Chapple-Hyam, enters the race with four victories from his last five starts on the all-weather surface, positioning him as a formidable competitor.
Newcomer Intinso, under the guidance of Craig Lidster, will be looking to improve after a satisfactory debut in third at Wolverhampton. Meanwhile, Claymore will aim to recover from a recent disappointing outing at Newcastle.
2:45 Lingfield – The Two Amigos, Lady Balko, and Major Dundee Lead National Contenders
Nicky Martin’s star, The Two Amigos, demonstrated his capabilities with a strong finish in a Class 2 handicap chase last month. A drop in class could work to his advantage, even with a heighted 3lb mark.
Major Dundee, a seasoned competitor in marathon races, is entered just 1lb above his Midlands National-winning weight from 2023. However, he will need to shake off a troubling recent performance that saw him finish well behind the top contenders.
Lady Balko, trained by David Pipe, is another to watch after a successful run of three wins over fences in December. She faces a more suitable challenge in the Surrey National Handicap Chase and is expected to rebound with Jack Tudor aboard.
3:28 Newcastle – Hierarchy and Muscika to Battle in Feature Race
Hierarchy, under trainer Jamie Osborne, aims to rectify a disqualification from his last outing with the potential to impress in the BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap. Veteran Muscika is looking to build on a recent victory and could follow up strongly from a higher mark. Antony Brittain’s Bellagio Man shows promise as an each-way contender, provided he can start well.
Best of the Rest
Haut Folin seeks to end a streak of unlucky outings in the 1:45 At The Races App Form Study Handicap Chase at Lingfield, while Drayton Flyer aims for a better result after a credible debut at Wetherby.
At Newcastle, Antiquity looks to capitalize on a previous victory despite carrying a 6lb penalty. The Best Odds Guaranteed At Maiden Stakes features promising horses like Target Man and Power Fizz, but A War Eagle could surprise after a strong debut finish.
In international news, a busy day in Sha Tin features top jockeys and the Group 3 Centenary Vase, with Encountered and Five G Patch as prospective contenders, alongside the Royal Ascot winner Mickley in the Hong Kong Classic Mile showcasing a prize pot of £748,000.
Stay tuned for all the action from Southwell, Newcastle, Lingfield, and Sha Tin.
