Classic hopefuls go head-to-head in Flat season opener

CLASSIC aspirants Angel Bleu and Perfect Power, both dual Group 1 winners last year, will go head-to-head for the Watership Down Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes when Flat racing returns to Newbury on Saturday, the first day of the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials weekend.

The two colts feature among nine entries for the 7f Group 3 prize, long established as one of the most significant trials for the Qipco

2,000 Guineas, on a card which also features the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Finest

Surprise John Porter Stakes.

Angel Bleu, trained by Ralph Beckett, won the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood and ended the year with victories in the Prix JeanLuc Lagardere and Criterium International.

The Richard Fahey-trained Perfect Power landed the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes after claiming the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Since the great Frankel won the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes in 2011, a host of future stars have added their names to the race’s roll of honour, among them Kingman, Muhaarar and Mohaather.

Angel Bleu ran eight times last year, winning five times.

“We plan on running,” said Beckett. “He has to have a prep race and slowish ground at Newbury is our best option.

“I’d be unlikely to run him on fast ground on the Rowley Mile so he will go to Longchamp where he has shown a liking for the place.”

Fahey confirmed that Christophe Soumillon, the 10-time champion jockey of France, would travel over to continue his unbeaten association with Perfect Power, who the Belgian steered to both Group 1 wins, over six furlongs.

The Fahey-trained Barbanera is among 13 entries for the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, registered as the Fred Darling Stakes, .

And Thunderous, winner of the Dante Stakes in 2020, heads the nine entries for the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprises John Porter Stakes which also includes Ilaraab and Max Vega, first and second in last year’s St Simon Stakes at Newbury.

There’s also plenty going on off the track, starting with the Racing Experience Day on Saturday.

People can meet Ouzbeck a retired racehorse, find out about being a jockey, have a go on an mechanical horse, learn about syndicate ownership and even head down to the start and watch the starting stalls in action.

On Easter Sunday is the ‘Eggstravaganza’, where the mischievous Peter Rabbit will make an appearance.

There is also a petting zoo, storytelling for the kids and Easter egg hunts, face painting and crafts.