AT THE RACES Royal Birth to stay on track

NEWCASTLE stages the latest Fast Track Qualifier, and the veteran Royal Birth looks a good bet to continue his renaissance in the Betway Conditions Stakes (writes TED ROSE).

The Stuart Williams-trained 10-year-old has won his last two outings, both over the minimum trip at Lingfield.

But while he officially won over five furlongs last time out, he must have covered a fair bit more given his wayward tendencies.

Royal Birth hung right off the home bend before then hanging back into his left, but he managed to get up to win close home. Thankfully Newcastle is straight.

A real all-weather specialist, he is rated some 16lb lower on turf yet he is not a million miles away from his career-high mark, suggesting he retains plenty of ability.

It is a testament to Williams’ skill as a trainer that a sprinter of this age is still competing at such a high level, and it would be nice to see him book a spot on Good Friday.

Williams may already be on the board by then, courtesy of the giant Herculean in the Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Handicap.

From a famous Juddmonte family, it is fair to say Herculean has not lived up to early expectations since winning on his debut for Roger Charlton.

Despite being winless in his last six outings, the handicapper has refused to relent and he finds himself just 2lb lower than his opening handicap mark which indicates somebody thinks ability is there.

He showed up well for a long way on his debut for Williams at Newmarket in July but was then last of eight at Ascot on his next outing in October.

While he did win on his debut at Ascot, he also disappointed on his final run for Charlton there, and might be one of those who dislikes the place.

He has only run on the all-weather once and, although well beaten, it is too early to say he will not prove as effective, and this son of Frankel and Group One sprinter African Rose may be best caught fresh.

SELECTIONS:

LINGFIELD: 12.40 Lottie Marie, 1.10 Save The Spirit, 1.45 Spurofthemoment, 2.15 Stay Smart, 2.50 Tick Toch, 3.20 Miss Elsa, 3.50 By Jove.

NEWCASTLE: 3.25 Zabeel Star, 4.00 Herculean, 4.30 Mythmaker, 5.00 ROYAL BIRTH, 5.30 Vintager, 6.00 Baileys Warrior, 6.30 Higher Kingdom.

WETHERBY: 12.30 Dreams Of Home, 1.00 Lust For Glory, 1.30 Rockstar Ronnie, 2.05 Eclair D’Ainay, 2.35 Potters Venture, 3.10 Mortens Leam, 3.40 Tweed Skirt.