Fawaareq is fancied to give ‘rookie’ trainer Owen Burrows success with his first runner at ‘good’ Newmarket today; the 3-y-o Maiden Stakes looks well within capabilities of this Hamdan al Maktoum-owned Invincible Spirit colt, mount of Paul Hanagan.
It’s imperative Burrows gets on the score sheet with regularity; this year he’s taken over the license from veteran maestro Barry Hills, who recently reached the grand old age of 79 and felt it was time to move on and give Sir Michael Stoute’s former ‘pupil’ assistant his chance. He’s already had an all-weather winner.
Although he’s mentioned devoting his time 100 per cent to the activities of his own ‘Faringdon’ stables complex, which he designed and is now managed by son Charles, you can bet Barry will still be keeping his eye on Hamdan’s ‘Kingwood’ yard. As it happens Charles saddles Menai, reckoned to be a danger, to Fawaareq!
These HQ maidens take some winning, Fawaareq is rated 80 and Menai considered much better than his form suggests. There is also a clutch of well-bred newcomers and lightly-bred types handled by ‘fashionable’ trainers but none is likely to trouble the aforementioned principals. Intriguing, eh?
Frankie Dettori partners once-raced nap Swiss Range in the opening Maiden Stakes over the famous Rowley Mile; it will be a surprise and disappointing if John Gosden’s charge doesn’t go one better and indeed put herself in line for the 1000 Guineas next month. On the time-handicap Swiss Range is clear ‘best-in’ and should be backed accordingly.
Of particular interest will be race-times; just how ‘good’ will the famous surface ride following months of persistent rains country-wide? Newbury is expected to be ‘heavy’ on Friday!
SELECTIONS
9.10 Swiss Range (nap)
11.20 Lucky Beggar (e.w)
1.05 Fawaareq