'If he runs like that again, he will win' - Haggas counting on My Oberon's best

All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes | 4yo+| 1m | ITV4/SKY

My Oberon is the joint highest-rated horse to tackle the All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes since its first running in 2014 and William Haggas's runner is 6lb clear on official figures.

The five-year-old has established his rating from his exploits on turf. The fact he was sent off a 17-2 chance for last season's Prince of Wales's Stakes, the richest race at Royal Ascot, indicates the quality of horse we are dealing with.

My Oberon wouldn't look out of place in races like the Lockinge Stakes but he has fallen short on his three tries at the top level and this race looks much more winnable. He is one from one on the Tapeta after striking on Southwell's new-look surface in January and should be difficult to beat.

Bless Him is the only other runner in the field to have competed in a domestic Group 1 but wins infrequently for a horse of his ability, and perhaps San Andreas might provide the sternest challenge to the well-drawn My Oberon.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained six-year-old has had his form franked by the smart Pretreville recently and he is drawn widest of all, which can be an advantage on this track.

La Tihaty would surely be the second favourite for this had he not blotted his copybook when sent off favourite for the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton last time.

No excuses came to light for the below-par effort but he was a seriously progressive colt beforehand and the Roger Varian yard were a perfect two from two at Newmarket on Friday.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

From Longchamp to Newcastle, via Southwell

My Oberon has certainly seen the world in the past 11 months, finishing in the money in Group 1 events at Longchamp, Ascot and Meydan - and winning a conditions race at Southwell.

The last was a fast-track qualifier for this Mile final, in which he has a clear edge on Racing Post and BHA ratings.

My Oberon (centre) in Meydan earlier this yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

He was beaten only around four and a half lengths behind dead-heaters Lord North and Panthalassa on World Cup night and trainer William Haggas said: "He ran a bloody good race in Dubai and I was very pleased with him.

"If he runs like that again, he will win, but consistency is not his A-game. He had a really hard race in Dubai 20 days ago and I have done nothing with him since, so I do not know if that will affect him or not.

"He has a good draw which I am pleased about, as I was a little concerned about being drawn low."

What they say:

Mick Appleby, trainer of Ayr Harbour
It's a tough race but he's in good order and he has an each-way chance at a good price.

David Simcock, trainer of Bless Him
He has a few pounds to find but he's suited by the track, he's in excellent order and he should run well.

Nicolas Caullery, trainer of Fort Payne
He's doing really well and I think he goes there with nice prospects. The mile suits him well and his record on the all-weather is good. We tried him in blinkers at Chantilly and he won, so it is difficult to run without them this time, although I am not convinced that he needs them.

David Marnane, trainer of Freescape
He came back from Dubai really well and the plan all winter has been to take him to Newcastle. We were pleased with his first run in Dubai behind Lord Glitters and then it did not pan out for him in the Group 1 but it was not a bad run by any means. If they go a good gallop, he should give a good account of himself.

Roger Varian, trainer of La Tihaty
The draw was against him at Wolverhampton and he didn't have the smoothest trip but he didn't finish out the race very well either. We've put a line through it and have been happy with his condition since. We like his chances though and his form prior to Wolverhampton was progressive.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of San Andreas
We've been very happy with San Andreas through the winter and he comes into this on the back of a good win at Dundalk. He looks as though he should be competitive on ratings and we are hoping that he can run into a place.
Reporting by David Carr

Read more of Friday’s Newcastle previews:

2.35: Big chance on another big day for high-flying sprinter Ejtilaab at Newcastle

3.10: 'Group horse' El Caballo bids to prove the punters' favourite once again

3.45: John Quinn hoping for more success with bargain-buy Highfield Princess

4.15: 'Surprise' horse Earlofthecotswolds bids to hit the jackpot for Twiston-Davies

4.45: Unlucky Tyrrhenian Sea out to set the record straight in Easter Classic

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