3:42 Newbury Tips

Shabab Al Ahli takes a jump in class but won impressively at Southwell despite being a bit green. He should follow up on turf at Newbury.

The well-entered colt Maltese Cross makes his season debut for top trainer William Haggas. The son of Sea The Stars is bred for middle-distance races.

A competitive novice, but a small chance on Alfaraz to take to this step up in trip. His grandmother produced a couple of horses that stayed this far, and further back in his lineage you find Santiago. Her sire was Doyen, so that’s an obvious stamina influence. He’s faced two unconventional tracks in Goodwood and Epsom so far, losing both times by a similar distance. He looked far better on debut, rather cantering into it from the rear without ever looking like he was going to pass. On that evidence he could prove interesting in a bigger field scenario where he’s likely to get a bit of cover, as he tried to make all at Epsom subsequently and never really looked like he wanted to be up front. He could be up against it with two smart-looking market leaders, but looks worth his chance with some high-profile entries in the offing.

Bred from the exceptional Frankel and the Group 1 victor Seal of Approval, he is under the guidance of renowned trainer James Fanshawe and carries a pedigree that aligns perfectly with Newbury's fair galloping track. He certainly looks an intriguing each-way prospect, particularly with a tongue strap for his first race.