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One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Donnacha O'Brien: 'I think it’s easy to be humble when things are going well'
Donnacha O'Brien: is the jockey to watch at NewmarketCredit: Patrick McCann

One trainer

Andre Fabre has an excellent record at Newmarket and it speaks volumes that he sends smart juvenile Persian King to the track on his fourth start.


Watch: Ghaiyyath win last year's Autumn Stakes


The son of Kingman has won his last two starts – both over a mile – with consummate ease and should be a tough nut to crack in the Masar Godolphin Autumn Stakes (2.25).

He is 20-1 for next year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas and, although he has more to prove at this stage of his career, he does bear resemblance to the trainer's 1993 Classic winner Zafonic.

Zafonic: won the 2,000 Guineas for Andre Fabre back in 1993
Zafonic: won the 2,000 Guineas for Andre Fabre back in 1993

Fabre is also represented by Trais Fluors in the Group 3 Darley Stakes (5.25), but he will need to improve on his seventh place in the Prix Jacques le Marois.

One jockey

Donnacha O'Brien has had a spectacular season and, given his high-profile treble at Newmarket two weeks ago, you'd be foolish not to seriously consider his mounts.


Champion jockey-elect Donnacha O'Brien reaches maiden century at Dundalk


Things kick off with Sydney Opera House (1.50) in the Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes. The Australia colt was second to Mohawk in the Royal Lodge last time and should be involved again.

He's then aboard the exciting Magna Grecia in the Autumn Stakes (2.25). He won on his only start at Naas, pulling away from the field in style.


Watch: Magna Grecia put his hat into the ring for next year's Classics with an impressive debut success


Anthony Van Dyck will be bidding to give the rider another Group 1 win in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (3.00) and, although the betting suggests Too Darn Hot and Sangarius will be too hot, Aidan O'Brien has won the last three runnings.

Could Donnacha O'Brien's day be crowned in the Cesarewitch (3.40)? He has a very able partner in three-year-old Southern France, who finished third in the St Leger last time.

Southern France: bids to give Aidan O'Brien a first Cesarewitch victory
Southern France: a compelling contender in the CesarewitchCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

His final ride of the day is aboard Lucius Tiberius in the Darley Stakes (5.25).

One horse

David Menuisier's Thundering Blue has established himself as a firm fan favourite after progressing from handicapper to Group 1 performer.

After proving he can handle travelling with a win in the Stockholm Cup International in Sweden last month, connections will be hoping he can win his first Group 1 in the Canadian International (10.41).

Fellow Brit Desert Encounter is one of his rivals, as well as Bandua, who recently moved from Dermot Weld's to Jack Sisterson's stable.

Both have a considerable chance and five of the last ten Canadian Internationals have gone to British or Irish trainers.

One race

What about one for the jumps fans? The Smerdon Tree Services Novices' Chase (3.35) at Chepstow has an illustrious roll of honour, with Grade 1 winners Cue Card, Fingal Bay, Balder Succes and Finian's Oscar winning it in the last ten years.


Watch: Cue Card beat Silviniaco Conti at Chepstow in 2011


Poetic Rhythm is already a Grade 1 winner, and he stayed on strongly to win the Persian War Hurdle at this track last year.

Monbeg Legend comes into the race with experience, having won three of his four starts over fences already. That will stand him in good stead, he's unexposed for his age and should have more to offer.

Hopes are high for imposing chasing prospect Master Tommytucker
Master Tommytucker: could be a bit specialCredit: Edward Whitaker

However, most exciting of all could be Paul Nicholls' Master Tommytucker, who went into many notebooks when winning both of his novice hurdles at Exeter last season.


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Maddy PlayleDigital journalist

Published on 12 October 2018inPreviews

Last updated 15:38, 13 October 2018

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