'She has the form to merit going off favourite' - Liam Headd marks your card for day one of the Craven meeting

What's the big story?

Day one of Newmarket's Craven meeting is a big occasion for James Owen, who saddles last year's Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes (3.00).

Formerly trained by James Fanshawe, the four-year-old was an impressive Lingfield Derby Trial winner before chasing home City Of Troy in the Epsom Classic. Having changed stables over the winter, he will take on five rivals, including stablemate Lavender Hill Mob, on his reappearance.

Ambiente Friendly is 13-8 second favourite behind the Godolphin-owned Ottoman Fleet, who is bidding to complete a hat-trick of victories in this contest for Charlie Appleby.

Richard Hannon, winner of this race in 2017 with Calderon, is represented by Persica, while the Appleby-trained First Conquest and Alice Haynes's Cairo complete the small field.

Ambiente Friendly15:00 Newmarket

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Jky: Hector Crouch Tnr: James Owen

Who wins the Nell Gwyn Stakes (3.35)?

I was really impressed with the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Arabian Dusk last year and believe she can land another good pot for her connections.

The daughter of Havana Grey ran a huge race when third behind Lake Victoria in the Cheveley Park in September, quickly putting a poor Prix Morny effort behind her. That run in France was her only disappointment last term.

She appeared to relish quick ground in the Listed Empress Stakes in June when she finished a close third behind Celandine. The winner has franked the form and Arabian Dusk followed up next time in the Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes. 

She handled herself well at the top level and, back down in grade, has the form to merit going off favourite for this one.

Arabian Dusk15:35 Newmarket

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Jky: James Doyle Tnr: Simon & Ed Crisford

What's the bet of the day?

Hugo Palmer enjoyed another fruitful year with his juveniles in 2024 and I expect him to continue in the same vein with Ruby's Angel in the 5f fillies' maiden (4.10).

Palmer won the race 12 months ago and his representative this time is a half-sister to two winners over this sprint distance and is a daughter of Starman, who has produced two quick winners in his stallion career. She can make a winning debut from a middle draw of stall three.

Ruby's Angel16:10 Newmarket

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Jky: Jason Hart Tnr: Hugo Palmer

What else to look out for at Newmarket?

The Listed bet365 Feilden Stakes (2.25) is an intriguing affair with little to separate a number of the key players.

Godolphin's Masai Moon posted a winning debut at Kempton last year and is likely to go off favourite, but Nightwalker, who has his first run for John and Thady Gosden, shaped with promise last season with Sir Michael Stoute.

Andrew Balding, whose strong weekend included a four-timer at Newbury, runs York winner Almeric, while Sallaal, Green Storm and King Of Cities are not ruled out. 

Last Galileo and Law Of Design, who complete the eight-runner line-up, also have wins to their name and this should be a belter.

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Harry Wilson struck with a 10-1 winner in his last column - read his tips for every race on day one of Newmarket's Craven meeting  

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