Friday at Newmarket: Insights from those involved

Matilda Picotte Aims to Seal Excellent Campaign with Victory in Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes

In an exciting display of talent and determination, Matilda Picotte is set to compete in the highly anticipated Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes at Newmarket. With a remarkable track record, this race presents an opportunity for her to solidify her exceptional campaign.

Kieran Cotter, the trainer of Matilda Picotte, has high hopes for his stable star. Having secured a Listed win at Headquarters in her juvenile season and finishing third in the prestigious 1000 Guineas earlier this year, she has proven herself as a formidable competitor.

Following those impressive performances, Matilda Picotte claimed fourth place in the Sandy Lane at Haydock and second place in a Group Three race at Tipperary. She then triumphed in last month’s Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster, showcasing her strength and determination on the track.

Cotter made the decision not to pursue another shot at Group One glory but instead focus on Friday’s feature event. He believes that Matilda Picotte is more than capable of seizing gold in this Group Two competition.

A Strong Field Presents Tough Competition

The Challenge Stakes will see fierce competition from Richard Hannon’s Shouldvebeenaring and Chindit, both having achieved notable successes including Prix de la Foret third-place finish for Shouldvebeenaring. Additionally, Charlie Hills’ Pogo aims to defend his crown as last year’s winner.

However, John and Thady Gosden’s Audience emerges as a likely favorite after securing runner-up positions in both the City of York Stakes and Park Stakes races. Lord Massusus trained by Joe Murphy completes this strong field as an outsider contender.

Excitement Builds for the Cornwallis Stakes

The Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes will mark the beginning of an action-packed eight-race card. Trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy is eager to saddle Inquisitively, a promising colt by Ten Sovereigns. Having impressed with two placements under Ollie Sangster’s training, Inquisitively made a stunning debut for de Foy at the Listed Roses Stakes in York last August.

This highly anticipated race demands fast ground for Inquisitively to showcase his exceptional turn of foot. With minimal rain expected at Newmarket, this could be his final run of the season before preparing for future challenges.

Asean Primed for Group Three Challenge

Donnacha O’Brien brings Asean into the spotlight as she rises to Group Three level after securing victories in both a Cork handicap and a Listed prize at the Curragh. This talented filly is expected to excel on her preferred nice ground and display her impressive speed over five furlongs at Newmarket.

Intriguing Clash in Oh So Sharp Stakes

The Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes promises an enthralling contest between Ralph Beckett’s Skellet and Charlie Appleby’s Dance Sequence. Skellet recently triumphed at Salisbury under Beckett’s guidance while Dance Sequence dominated a maiden race on July Course several months ago.

Juddmonte has acquired Skellet since her last outing, adding further intrigue to this encounter. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await both fillies’ performances as they continue their journeys towards future success.