Did we see an Oaks winner at Haydock and which horse's odds continue to shorten?

The 2022 Flat season is picking up pace and it is full steam ahead to the first of the Classics – the Qipco 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket – on April 30 and May 1.

Market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials are run in Britain and Ireland, but big-race contenders can come from anywhere and it is easy to miss a potential dark horse. Our Classic Clues series, which runs every morning, has you covered.

Here's a recap of the action on Saturday and how it has impacted the Classic betting, while we mark your card with key names to note on Sunday.

Racing round-up: Nashwa puts herself in the Oaks mix after dominant display

There was scope across multiple tracks to find a Classic hopeful on Saturday, but none stood out quite like the John and Thady Gosden-trained Nashwa, who dominated eight rivals in a mile novice stakes at Haydock.

She travelled with purpose before taking the lead a furlong out, effortlessly quickening clear of the field under Hollie Doyle to record a comfortable six-and-a-half-length victory. She was immediately cut to 14-1 (from 40) for the Oaks.

Across the water at Navan, Aidan O’Brien took a Listed race with Concert Hall, who is also entered in the Oaks. Although she didn’t win with the authority of the Gosden-trained filly, she showed she handles left-handed tracks while showcasing a willing attitude.

Nashwa: impressive winner at HaydockCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Magisterial showed his Derby entry is not fanciful as he made all under Frankie Dettori at Leicester to repel the challenge from Ruling Dynasty, an odds-on newcomer from Godolphin who also has an entry for the Epsom Classic.

This was a step up in trip and probably an improved performance from what Magisterial showed at two, and he could be one to keep an eye on as he heads to York for the Dante.

Market Movers

1,000 Guineas
Discoveries 6 (from 9)
Homeless Songs 11-2 (from 10)

Cazoo Oaks
Emily Upjohn 5 (from 7)
Concert Hall 8 (from 12)
Nashwa 14 (from 40)

What they said

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Nashwa
It was her first run of the season and she was fresh early, but Hollie got some cover and once she pulled her out and asked her, she quickened up nicely. She's owned and bred by Imad Alsagar and the Oaks is every owner's target, so we'll go for a trial now and see how we go from there.

Bjorn Nielsen, owner of Magisterial
We always thought he was a nice horse. This is his first start of the year giving 7lb away, we didn’t really want to lead but there were a lot of debutants here. The big danger was the Godolphin horse because he’s getting 7lb and I know he’s a very nice horse, we did get an easy lead so it’s hard to tell how good he really is but it was a nice comeback. One always hopes for Derby horses, it’s the blue ribbon of the turf – it’s always the aim.

All eyes on … possible Group and Royal Ascot horses

On a day where the racing is limited to Bath and Wetherby, and with no Classic entries on show, let’s look through the cards to find a dark horse lurking for black-type races.

Montassib won on his debut back in September 2020 over 6f and returns off a mammoth absence of 598 days, up in trip in the novice stakes (2.55) at Wetherby. William Haggas took this race last year with Ametist, who defied a winner's penalty, so could be one to watch with the future in mind.

In the opening 1m2f fillies’ novice stakes (1.45) on the same card, Fresh Hope looks to break her maiden at the third try. Interestingly, she holds an entry for Wednesday on Royal Ascot trials day, which suggests connections believe she has improved ahead of her three-year-old campaign.

How the markets look

Qipco 2,000 Guineas (3.40 Newmarket, April 30)

bet365: 11-10 Native Trail, 7-2 Coroebus, 9-2 Luxembourg, 12 Perfect Power, Point Lonsdale, 14 Dubawi Legend, 25 Checkandchallenge, 33 bar

Qipco 1,000 Guineas (3.40 Newmarket, May 1)

Sky Bet: 5-2 Tenebrism, 11-2 Homeless Songs, 6 Discoveries, 8 Tuesday, Malavath, 11 Zellie, Mise En Scene, 16 Cachet, 20 Wild Beauty, Sandrine, Prosperous Voyage 25 bar

Cazoo Oaks (4.30 Epsom, June 3)

Paddy Power: 4 Tuesday, 5 Inspiral, Emily Upjohn, 8 Concert Hall, Life Of Dreams, 9 Agave, 14 Nashwa, Magical Lagoon, 20 bar

Cazoo Derby (4.30 Epsom, June 4)

William Hill: 5-2 Luxembourg, 8 Reach For The Moon, 10 New London, Point Lonsdale, 12 Native Trail, 14 Walk Of Stars, Antarah, 16 Coroebus, 20 bar

Read more . . .

'It's totally out of order' – Richard Hughes blasts Haydock going description

Impressive Nashwa marks herself out as another Oaks contender for Gosdens

3,860-1 five-timer! Aidan O'Brien dominates Navan's eight-race card

GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter