Newmarket Dubai Future Champions Festival Day 2 Tips
Day 2 of Newmarket’s Dubai Future Champions Festival takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon with a seven-race card.
The big field Cesarewitch Handicap takes place at 15.40 and there’s Group 1 action in the form of the Dewhurst Stakes 40 minutes earlier.
We have picked out selections for all seven races on the Rowley Mile this Saturday including a couple of value picks in the big races.
13.15 - Newmarket - Darley Stakes
After a narrow defeat in this contest last year, Liberty Lane looks capable of running a big race in the opener.
The less exposed horses dominate the market but Karl Burke’s five-year-old sets a solid standard on form and he loves this venue, having taken out last season’s Cambridgeshire over this course and distance.
Selection: Liberty Lane @ 5/1
13.50 - Newmarket - Zetland Stakes
This race has thrown up some smart prospects down the years and if there’s a future star in this renewal, it could be Endorsement.
This Ballydoyle colt looked green on debut but showed much more when winning a Tipperary maiden over this trip last time out and given this race was singled out as the target after that success, expect him to run a big race.
Selection: Endorsement @ 9/4
14.25 - Newmarket - Autumn Stakes
There was plenty to like about the debut of Straight Up who bolted up in a Listowel maiden first time out.
The yard’s newcomers often take a sizeable step forward from their introduction and this well bred son of Wootton Bassett who is out of a Galileo mare is going to relish an extra furlong with a stiff finish here.
Selection: Straight Up @ 3/1
15.00 - Newmarket - Dewhurst Stakes
Bookmakers appear to have taken a chance with the unbeaten Zavateri who already has a Group 1 win in the form book.
He made it four from four on foreign soil at the Curragh last time when defeating re-opposing Gstaad and there was no fluke about that effort. Given that he’s already proven at this venue, albeit on the July course, he appears to have been underestimated.
Selection: Zavateri @ 7/2
15.40 - Newmarket - Cesarewitch Handicap
There is no shortage of horses with claims in the Cesarewitch but one that looks capable of running a big race at double figure odds is Dawn Rising.
This JP McManus-owned son of Galileo is always at his best when seen over further than two miles and arrives on the back of two solid efforts at Galway and in the Irish Cesarewitch last time, both over 2m1f. He wasn’t beaten far when sixth in this contest last season and returns on a lower mark this time around.
Selection: Dawn Rising @ 15/2
16.15 - Newmarket - Nursery Handicap
Kamakameleon has been shaping like he’s ready for a longer trip and this could be a good opportunity after some creditable efforts in very valuable sales races this season.
He was denied a clear run at a crucial stage last time out and should get more competitive dropping in class.
Selection: Kamakameleon @ 11/2
16.50 - Newmarket - Boadicea Stakes
A return to quicker ground is really going to suit Alfa Kellenic who will have found the ground against her on her belated reappearance. She was previously on an upward trajectory last season and looks capable of a big run with Silvestre De Sousa on board.
Selection: Alfa Kellenic @ 9/2
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
