Fun and Games From Four Fancies Racing on Saturday
Modern Games, twice a winner at the Breeders’ Cup, can confirm himself to be one of the world’s best milers with success in Saturday’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes. The globe-trotting four-year-old made his seasonal debut in a Keenland Grade-1 a month ago. And, losing no caste in defeat, he is now ready to return to the winner’s enclosure.
A big field should hold no fear for the supporters of Charlie Appleby’s star. Modern Games has already won in Group-1 and Grade-1 level against ten or more rivals four times. As a bonus, he is drawn the widest of 13 runners on Saturday. It should allow his rider, William Buick, to negotiate a clear passage throughout.
Modern Games can win his first British Group-1 on Saturday. ©GettyImages
As a filly, Laurel receives a three pounds weight allowance from her rivals. But fillies have a poor record in this contest. My Prospero or Jadoomi are therefore considered the biggest dangers to Modern Games. They both lack a recent run. It is a fact that makes them viable forecast links instead of potential conquerors.
Space Can Fly Home for Frankie
Frankie Dettori and the Gosden stable team up in Newbury’s Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes. Mid-week, the partnership landed the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes with a filly, Soul Sister, who was well-beaten on her seasonal debut.
Inner Space was also trounced on her first run of 2023 – finishing 13th of 15 in the Group-3 Nell Gwyn Stakes – and she too could prove that early season form was wrong. Her shot at redemption comes in the 4.45 pm contest at flat racing’s headquarters.
From a strong dam-line of Group-1 winners that saw out 12 furlongs at the highest level well, Inner Space should relish Saturday’s three-furlong step-up in trip. At the very least, she should reward each-way supporters at the 13/2 odds offered by the best horse racing betting sites.
Gate Can Go In Again
At Newmarket, The Gatekeeper can win his second seven-furlong handicap in a fortnight at the Suffolk racecourse. A three-pound rise in his official mark for his latest victory is not an insurmountable handicap. And, off the track for almost two years before making a winning return to action in March, this Charlie Johnston-trained horse probably has more to offer.
Fraser Can Produce a Divine Ride
Apprentice Kaiya Fraser resumes his association with Divine Comedy in Doncaster’s 5.50 pm. This runner changed stables during the spring, but her new trainer, Harry Eustace, knows Fraser has ridden this five-year-old mare to victory in the past.
Although professionally ridden, Divine Comedy did not receive a great ride on her first and only outing for Eustace. She could have finished a lot closer to the winner when third at Doncaster three weeks ago. Now, with Fraser aboard in a race restricted to apprentice jockeys, she is expected to make amends.
What Are Saturday’s Best Bets?
Modern Games 3.35 pm Newbury
Inner Space 4.45 pm Newbury
The Gatekeeper 3.50 pm Newmarket
Divine Comedy 5.50 pm Doncaster
