A first for Fellowes as Newmarket trainer set for runners in Qatar

Charlie Fellowes will break new ground this weekend when he fields three runners at the two-day Qatar Derby meeting at Doha.

Two of the trio from Bedford House Stables, Devious Company and Choice And Chance, will contest Saturday's seven furlong Al Rayyan Stakes in which British raiders have an excellent recent record.

The $100,000 juvenile contest was won a year ago by the Archie Watson-trained Maystar while fellow Newmarket trainer George Scott landed the spoils with Concierge in 2018 when ridden by Jason Watson.

The jockey is booked to ride Devious Company in this weekend's renewal, in which a maximum field of 16 have been declared with two reserves.

Devious Company will be having his first outing for Fellowes in the Middle East having shown some classy form for Tom Dascombe in the summer, including when second to Battleground in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in July.

The son of Fast Company was last seen finishing a respectable eighth behind St Mark's Basilica in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October.

The 104-rated Devious Company has since been bought privately by Qatari owner Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari after being unsold at 100,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale.

Fellowes said: "Both Devious Company and Choice And Chance have travelled out to Qatar well and should be suited by the sharp seven furlongs. Devious Company comes out best on ratings in the race but has had a long year, so we've put the visor on him to sharpen him up."

Charlie Fellowes: Newmarket trainer set to saddle three runners at the two-day meeting at DohaCredit: Edward Whitaker

Choice And Chance is another new horse to Fellowes having been picked up at the sales for 50,000 guineas after winning a maiden at Fairyhouse for Jessica Harrington.

Fellowes added: "Choice And Chance has been impressing in her work on all-weather surfaces, but she's drawn in the car park in stall 14 which will be a drawback."

Stablemate Bottom Bay provides the overseas interest in Sunday's $500,000 Qatar Derby and he will also be having his first start for Fellowes after joining the team last month.

The son of Oasis Dream won twice for Michael Bell during the summer and his new trainer said: "It's not a strong renewal of the race this year and Bottom Bay would not be without a chance. He's not short of speed and this easy mile and a quarter should suit him.

"Whatever happens, the plan is for all three horses to stay in Qatar and join new trainers after they've run this weekend."

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