Runners to note at Newmarket's traditional three-day curtain-raiser

Newmarket's bet365 Craven meeting is the first action of the season at the home of Flat racing, and the three-day fixture can offer some pointers for the remainder of the season.

The Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes and bet365 Craven Stakes are recognised Guineas trials and our Newmarket correspondent, David Milnes, pinpoints some horses to follow at the fixture.

Tuesday

Forca Brasil

Forca Brasil was due to line up in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster last month but was withdrawn by the vet shortly before the off.

The George Boughey-trained two-year-old is none the worse for that episode and is fancied locally to be worth the wait in the bet365 British EBF Novice Stakes (1.35) on the opening day of the meeting.

Wednesday

Global Giant

Frankie Dettori aims to be back for the second day of the meeting after quarantining following his winter trip to the Middle East, and he will partner Global Giant in the bet365 Earl of Sefton Stakes (3.00).

Global Giant: set to be partnered by Frankie DettoriCredit: Grossick Racing

A runaway winner of a Listed contest at Kempton last time for John and Thady Gosden, Global Giant is joined by stablemate Forest Of Dean, who carries a 3lb penalty after winning the Winter Derby.

Thursday

Oxted

The Craven meeting was lost in 2020, but the Group 3 Abernant Stakes (3.00) was run in June and won by Oxted, who won the July Cup the following month for Roger Teal and Cieren Fallon.

Oxted ridden by Cieren Fallon wins the Betway Abernant Stakes at Newmarket in 2020 Photo by George Selwyn/Pool via Getty Images)Credit: Pool

The sprinter bids to repeat the trick and is fit from a gallant first attempt on dirt in Saudi Arabia in February. Oxted looks an attractive proposition as he does not carry a penalty for his Group 1 triumph.

Valiant Prince

The best horse to win the bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes (2.25) - a race restricted to unraced three-year-olds - in recent years was Mukhadram (2012), and there are a few nice types in the field this year, including Valiant Prince, who is owned by Godolphin.

Night Circus: winner of the Wood Ditton for Charlie Appleby in 2017Credit: Mark Cranham

He cost 200,000gns as a yearling and has done everything right for trainer Charlie Appleby. Valiant Prince has been to Chelmsford for a racecourse gallop, which the yard's Night Circus did before winning in 2017.

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