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TEMPLEGATE is fully engaged in the thrill of the Flat season, diving into the opening day of the Craven meeting at Newmarket while seeking winning horses.
Place your bets by selecting their odds below.
VERSE OF LOVE (3.35 Newmarket, nap)
Demonstrated potential as a candidate for the 1,000 Guineas following an impressive maiden win at this track and distance last year. Initially a bit green when asked to quicken by William Buick, she later found her rhythm and sprinted ahead. With expected significant improvement, Charlie Appleby has high hopes for this filly.
MASAI MOON (2.25 Newmarket, nb)
Brilliantly accelerated off a slow pace to claim victory on debut at Kempton in October. His pedigree suggests he has stamina, making his impressive burst of speed a promising indicator for this Dante entry. Improvement is expected on his first turf outing, and the extra furlong will be beneficial.
ARAMRAM (1.50 Newmarket, treble)
Had a busy season last year and proved effective, notably with a close second at the Ayr Silver Cup. Since then, he has improved on his past performances, achieving personal bests in two competitive all-weather handicaps this year. More is expected from him, and with a solid pace, he can utilize his fitness to make a late bid.
Templegate’s Newmarket evaluations
1.50
ARAMRAM had a busy and effective season last year, highlighted by a near miss at the Ayr Silver Cup.
He has improved on his previous figures, achieving career-best performances while narrowly missing out in two competitive all-weather handicaps this year.
Further improvements can be expected, and with a healthy pace to follow, he can capitalize on his fitness by coming from behind.
Elmonjed finished the 2024 season strongly with comfortable wins at Windsor and York.
Given the ease of his victories, he has the potential to be a Group horse competing in a handicap, positioning him as a serious contender.
Physique caught the eye when finishing fourth at Doncaster in his return.
Look for him to show significant improvement and charge late.
Dark Thirty, the winner of that Doncaster race, showcased tenacity in rallying late and also holds strong credentials.
2.25
MASAI MOON performed excellently with a burst of speed during a slow start in his impressive debut at Kempton in October.
His stamina-based pedigree and quick turn of foot bode well for this entry in the Dante.
Significant improvements are expected in his first turf race, and the additional furlong will undoubtedly benefit him.
Natural progression could solidify his prospects for success in Group races later this year.
Nightwalker enhanced his Yarmouth win by finishing third in a Group 3 at Newmarket in October.
He was briefly outpaced before making a late resurgence, making the additional furlong suit him ideally.
Almeric displayed determination when winning at York in his second outing.
While his prior form isn’t extraordinary, improvement is anticipated this season.
3.00
AMBIENTE FRIENDLY finished as the runner-up in last year’s Derby and followed with a third place in the Irish equivalent a month later.
Although he didn’t capitalize on that form afterwards, he has joined the stable of James Owen, who is in stellar form, setting up for an encouraging season.
This distance might be a touch sharp for him, yet he has the best form, and the ground should suit him nicely.
Ottoman Fleet has won this race in the last two years and was last seen performing well in Group 1 events at Meydan for Charlie Appleby.
If he attempts to lead, his impressive cruising speed will be hard to beat.
Persica triumphed in a Listed race last season but faced challenges in subsequent Group outings.
He will need to elevate his performance to contend with the leading two, but he shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with Ryan Moore riding.
3.35
VERSE OF LOVE is shaping up as a strong contender for the 1,000 Guineas after her impressive maiden victory at this track last year.
Although she was initially a little green under William Buick, she quickly discovered her stride and moved ahead strongly. Expect substantial improvements, as Charlie Appleby clearly has high expectations for this filly.
She is likely to surpass Arabian Dusk, who set the benchmark with her Group 2 victory last year as a two-year-old.
The added furlong should suit her, particularly after competing over shorter distances last season, and she has the advantage of valuable Newmarket experience.
Nadra, purchased for £440,000, impressed on her debut at Haydock, winning as anticipated.
While that race wasn’t particularly strong, her capability was convincing.
Celestial Orbit had a rocky debut but showed significant improvement afterward, winning a Listed race at Sandown. She’s certainly on the rise.
4.10
RUBY’S ANGEL offers excellent value for trainer Hugo Palmer to secure consecutive wins in this maiden.
She’s bred for speed, inheriting a pedigree rich with precocious traits.
Jason Hart is a skilled sprint rider, and she should perform admirably if fit to race on her debut.
Charlie Appleby and William Buick have won this race in both 2018 and 2019, and their entry Twilight Star looks a strong favorite.
Bred with high expectations, she is likely to draw considerable attention.
Karl Burke finished last season strong with a 20 percent strike rate among his two-year-olds.
He brings forward Meelaf, who looks promising on paper.
Storm Flag must be acknowledged, hailing from the in-form Andrew Balding stable, while Harry’s Girl is also a contender to consider.
4.45
ZGHARTA showed notable natural ability, despite appearing a bit uncertain for much of the race.
She will no doubt benefit from the experience, and trainer Andrew Balding is in excellent form.
A first-time hood could help her maintain focus.
All eyes will be on the well-bred Goldie Trickett, who fetched a whopping €1.6 million at the sales.
The market will provide valuable insight into her prospects.
Victory Queen is also well-bred, and high hopes are pinned on her.
While she lacks significant entries, a standout performance here could change that.
Among the rest, Model Yuko stands out as particularly intriguing.
5.20
LADY CHARTWELL was a convincing winner on her handicap debut at Chelmsford last month.
She thrived at the longer distance of ten furlongs, and her 6lb rise appears justified.
There’s potential for further growth beneath the surface.
Treasure Fleet impressively won a pair of novice races at Wolverhampton in January.
With a favorable pedigree, it’s surprising connections have opted for the handicap route.
The Trickster also showed determination when winning a couple of novice races at Beverley and Redcar.
His initial mark seems just right, and he should benefit from the added furlong.
Templegate’s picks
NEWMARKET
1.50 Aramram (treble)
2.25 Masai Moon (nb)
3.00 Ambiente Friendly
3.35 VERSE OF LOVE (nap)
4.10 Ruby’s Angel
4.45 Zgharta
5.10 Lady Chartwell
SOUTHWELL
2.05 Cloudy Wednesday
2.40 Pep Talking
3.15 Serious Challenge
3.50 Pipers Cross
4.25 My Gift To You
5.00 Heaven Smart
KEMPTON
4.55 Luminoso
5.30 Eulalia
6.00 Port Erin
6.30 Taskheer
7.00 Jersey Maverick
7.30 Queue Dos
8.00 Intervention
8.30 Federated
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