Newcastle draws bumper entry for Monday racing card

A total of 369 entries have been made for Monday's planned resumption of racing at Newcastle.

There has been no action on British tracks since March 17, but the British Horseracing Authority is aiming to start the sport on June 1, subject to Government approval.

The six-furlong Callerton Novice Stakes and the 10-furlong Annitsford Maiden Stakes, both for threeyear-olds and up, have proved particularly popular on the eight-race card, drawing 64 and 68 contenders respectively.

The Hazelrigg Handicap over 12 furlongs has drawn the smallest entry with 29, but with all races limited to 12 runners as the BHA tries to minimise any risks in the initial stages of resumption, there are more than enough horses to fill the race twice over should they all be declared.

*Victor Ludorum heads three con tenders for Andre Fabre in Monday’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains, with 11 colts entered in the first French Classic of the year.

The Godolphin-owned runner, who was a Group One winner as a juvenile, suffered a surprise defeat on his return at Paris Long champ earlier this month, but he could still take his chance along with stablemates Alson and Arapaho.

Alson was a Group One scorer last year before joining Fabre’s team, while Arapaho struck Listed gold on his reappearance earlier this month.

Earth light, another Fabretrained runner, is an absentee as he recovers from a minor setback. The Summit beat Victor Ludorum in the Prix de Fontainebleau and he is set to represent Henri-Alex Pant all. Ecrivain, who caught the eye in second in that race for Carlos Laffon-Parias, is also contention.

Laffon-Parias has another possible in Twist, while Kenway and Helter Skelter, who were fourth and sixth respectivelyin the Fontainebleau, also feature. Fabre has two chances in the fillies’ equivalent, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

Tropbeau won her trial in style earlier in May, with stable mate Tick le Me Green back in third. Dream And Do was second and is in the mix together with fourth-placed Ellerslie Lace.

Simeen was a comfortable scorer on her reappearance and she could represent Jean Claude Rouget.

The Classics are usually run at Paris Long champ but have been transferred to Deauville this year, as their traditional home is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions.