'I'm hoping he'll become a Group 1 horse' - Ghiani excited by weekend chances

Friday has the makings of the biggest day of Marco Ghiani's career with the apprentice title leader excited about potential big-race rides on Real World and Romantic Time at Newmarket's Cambridgeshire meeting.

Ghiani, who has ridden only once in a Group 2, could be aboard Real World in the Joel Stakes, with Saeed bin Suroor's four-year-old also having options in the Qatar Prix Dollar and Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein at Longchamp on Saturday week.

The Italian jockey, who rode out his claim at Yarmouth at the start of July, has enjoyed his biggest days on Real World this term, winning the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, the Listed bet365 Stakes at Newbury and the Group 3 Sky Bet and Symphony Group Strensall Stakes at York last month.

'He's never stopped improving'

Ghiani said: "Real World has the option of Newmarket this week or a couple of races at Longchamp on Arc weekend and I'm really looking forward to getting back on him.

"A mile on a stiff track would really suit him and this is a big ride for me. There's a lot of feeling involved as he's been a special horse this year, so hopefully we get some luck.

"He's never stopped improving and I'm hoping he'll become a Group 1 horse."

Real World is a general 3-1 joint-second favourite for the Joel Stakes, in which Godolphin could be well represented with stablemate Benbatl and the Charlie Appleby-trained Master Of The Seas also entered.

Romantic Time (left): a Group 3 winner at Salisbury last timeCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Romantic Time has been a stable star for trainer William Stone, winning three of her six starts, and she is a best-priced 10-1 with bet365 to land the Rockfel Stakes.

Ghiani is back aboard the daughter of Time Test, who landed the Group 3 Ire Incentive Scheme Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury under Hollie Doyle this month.

He said: "I missed out on riding Romantic Time last time but I'm back on her and she's been going really well. She has improved through the year and William [Stone] has done a great job with her.

Newmarket Friday entries

"She seems to be fast but stays as well, so if she settles she'll definitely get the trip and hopefully will run well."

Ghiani leads Saffie Osborne by 16 winners in the apprentice jockeys' championship with just under a month to go but won't be satisfied until the trophy is in his hands.

He said: "It's been a really good season and hopefully I can win the apprentice title. It's gone a little quiet and Saffie is going really well at the minute. She's catching me up, but hopefully I can ride a few more winners and get away."

Read more:

Apprentice Marco Ghiani joins the senior ranks after riding out his claim

Hunt Cup-winning team combine again on mixed day for Marco Ghiani

'Our expectations weren't fantastic' – shock Group winner thrills veteran owner

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