UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

Sunway made good progress in high-profile races during 2024, registering his biggest achievement by finishing a close second in the Irish Derby last June. David Menusier's experienced stable-star boasts tempting credentials from subsequent Group 1 exploits but there is a slight query about him first time up as a four-year-old. With that in mind, a chance is taken on BELLUM JUSTUM, who won the Lingfield Derby trial on his reappearance last year. Last seen winning the Nashville Derby at Kentucky, there is a lot to like about the Sea The Stars colt. Ancient Wisdom and Tabletalk are other strong contenders.
Prediction : 1st Bellum Justum 2nd Sunway 3rd Ancient Wisdom

Mountain Breeze made the most of a couple of decent opportunities at the Dubai Carnival and commands obvious respect coming into this on the back of winning the UAE 1000 Guineas. However, this is an intriguing renewal and there several other strong contenders to consider. Last year's Princess Margaret winner SIMMERING being one in particular that has progressed nicely since her Ascot success. A subsequent Group 2 winner in France, this looks a good starting point for Ollie Sangster's progressive filly. Ballydole's Heavens Gate is another striking option, while Bright Times Ahead is another open to any amount of improvement.
Prediction : 1st Simmering 2nd Mountain Breeze 3rd Heavens Gate

RASHABAR might have been a surprise winner of the Coventry at Royal Ascot last June but it is hard to crab his subsequent performances that saw him fill the runner-up spot in a couple of Group 1 races in France. The son of Holy Roman Emperor progressed at a rate of knots and, still a lively outsider for the 2000 Guineas, he could get his season off to a flyer here. Chancellor readily landed a novice stakes at Doncaster when last seen and looks ready for the step up in class. Al Qudra, Jonquil and Rogue Allegiance are others to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Rashabar 2nd Chancellor 3rd Al Qudra

JAMES MCHENRY goes well fresh having won at Carlisle on last year's seasonal bow. He showed further progress during the year, culminating with a fine second in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in September, and William Buick's presence is another positive. Silver Sword arrives on the back of a victory on the turf in Dubai last month. He could land a blow raised only 4lb and is preferred to last year's winner Metal Merchant, who is 6lb higher on this occasion. Pearl Eye and Two Tempting could both go well at bigger prices.
Prediction : 1st James McHenry 2nd Silver Sword 3rd Metal Merchant

William Haggas won this contest with the subsequently high-class Economics last year and CROWN OF OAKS bids to emulate his stablemate. He is evidently held in high regard based on a string of fancy entries, and the brother to the smart English Oak can build on last year's promising debut third at Newmarket. Nutmeg made a pleasing introduction when second at Southwell last month, while Indian Spirit are King Of Narnia are other likely improvers.
Prediction : 1st Crown Of Oaks 2nd Nutmeg 3rd Indian Spirit

William Haggas landed this in 2023 with Klondike and he is fancied to taste further success courtesy of OPPORTUNITY. The Frankel colt, who holds entries in both Derbies, did a lot wrong on his debut at Nottingham but he caught the eye when staying on late into fourth. He looks certain to relish a step up in trip and is preferred to Furthur, who chased home a promising colt over a mile here in October. Others to note include Kenneth and Bryant.
Prediction : 1st Opportunity 2nd Furthur 3rd Kenneth

GREAT CHIEFTAIN was progressive over a mile last season and perhaps needed the outing at Wolverhampton last month, having been off the track since August. Returning to turf will be of benefit too and given he is only 2lb higher than his most recent Newmarket success, it would come as no surprise were he to find further improvement. The form of Lone Piper's Windsor triumph has worked out well and he merits respect from 4lb higher, as does top-weight Metallo. A beaten favourite over 5f at Newcastle in October, Londoner warrants a market check stepped up significantly in trip.
Prediction : 1st Great Chieftain 2nd Lone Piper 3rd Metallo