Classic big guns poised to limber up

A number of trainers take the wraps off their Classic contenders this week with trial races very much the highlights of the week.

The likes of Dutch Art, Sander Camillo and Hamoody could return to the fray as Newmarket and Newbury start the Stan James Guineas Festival build-up.

Newmarket kicks off the action with a two-day meeting, which features the Shadwell Nell Gwyn Stakes on Wednesday.

The seven-furlong contest boasts a rich heritage and it was 1000 Guineas victor Speciosa who triumphed last year, beating eventual Sun Chariot Stakes winner Spinning Queen.

Colts get their chance in the European Free Handicap which now shares top billing, while the Feilden Stakes on the same day often throws up a good middle-distance type for the future.

Killybegs won last year’s Craven Stakes and although he failed to develop into a top miler, the one-mile Classic prep on Thursday is still worth watching.

The Weatherbys Earl Of Sefton Stakes provides a good opportunity for the top older horses to return to the track, while the Abernant Stakes provides an early showcase for the speedsters.

Newbury kick-off their Flat season with a low-key day on Friday but Saturday sees a triple-header of top racing.

The Dubai Tennis Championships Stakes, otherwise known as the John Porter, is the feature for the older runners, with the Lane’s End Greenham Stakes another possible starting point for 2000 Guineas hopefuls.

The Dubai Duty Free Stakes, registered as the Fred Darling, offers the fillies a similar chance of advertising their Classic claims.

Away from the level, top-class fare is on offer at Ayr, with the Coral Scottish National the feature event.

Friday’s card is fine in its own right but Saturday’s fixture offers the extended four-mile marathon as the pick on a star-studded card.

The Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle and the Ashleybank Investments Future Champion Novices’ Chase provide more than adequate support on a day that is the jewel in the crown north of the border.

Cheltenham also close their campaign with a two-day fixture on Wednesday and Thursday that features the Grade Two Faucets For Mira Showers Silver Trophy Chase and the Yorkshire Bank Mares’ Only Handicap Hurdle.

Fixtures (FLAT in capitals)

Monday: Wetherby, WINDSOR, WOLVERHAMPTON.

Tuesday: Exeter, NOTTINGHAM, WARWICK.

Wednesday: BEVERLEY, Cheltenham, NEWMARKET.

Thursday: Cheltenham, NEWMARKET, RIPON.

Friday: Ayr, LINGFIELD (evening), NEWBURY, Hereford (evening), THIRSK.

Saturday: Ayr (CH4), Bangor, NEWBURY (CH4), NOTTINGHAM (evening), THIRSK, WOLVERHAMPTON (evening).

Sunday: SOUTHWELL, Stratford, Wincanton.