Small field for mile contest at Newbury

dubai — A small, but select field was declared for the Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes to be run at Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire, on Thursday, according to a press release.

All bar one of the four runners is rated 90 or over, so the standard of competition will be high for the mile contest, for which the winner will receive an original bronze trophy, sculpted by longtime ARO sponsor Debbie Burt.

The field is headed by Lou Raynal and Alazeez - both have been Group 2 PA placed and are winners this season, whilst Zayin Zodiac was just out of the frame in a Group 3 over course and distance last year.

The only filly in the field, Al Raha, is a dual winner at this trip in Sweden. She has shown signs of coming to hand in two runs since moving to the UK over the winter, including when fourth to Alazeez in a similar conditions event over shorter on their most recent start.

James Owen, trainer of the favourite, Alazeez commented: “We’re looking forward to running on Thursday, as we’re delighted with the way he came out of his win at Chelmsford.”

Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive commented: “The quality of entries for this race is high and it was framed to give opportunities for consistent young horses that are progressing through the grades, particularly with our feature event, Dubai International Arabian Races coming up.”