Newmarket Race 5 - Darley EBF Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)
A small but competitive field. SHABAB AL AHLI (2) looked a smart prospect in two starts so far. Form of a 1L fourth at Newbury last time has been boosted and this colt remains open to any amount of further improvement. Clearly the one to beat though stable form is a concern. SUPERIOR CHOICE (3) shot clear for an impressive 2L win at Leicester last time. Might be plenty more to come yet and these conditions will suit. Key player. TURTY TREE (5) failed to progress as hoped however receives weight from his main rivals and the extra distance is positive. No surprise were he to now shed the maiden tag. CHASING TIME (1) can benefit for the application of first time cheekpieces on initial turf outing here. Potential threat to all.
Jockey: Connor Planas
Weight: 61.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third race start today. When well in the market at debut, scored a big 3.5 len win at Wolverhampton April 4 over 2400m defeating Killer Whale with 60.5kg at $1.80. Last start 3rd of 8 at Southwell All Weather on April 25 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Birgham Dub with 57kg at $2.90. Has the ability to be in the finish.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 25/04/2026 | 21 | NOV 3U | $21,780.00 | Southwell | 2414m | Neutral | Connor Planas | 57kg | 2:37.55 | - | 5 |
| 2.3L | $2.88 |
| 1/3 | 04/04/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $20,380.00 | Wolverhampton | 2414m | Neutral | Billy Loughnane | 60.5kg | 2:40.42 | - | 1 |
| 3.5L | $1.80 |
Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Weight: 61.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Promising on debut came from midfield and scored a big 8 len win at Southwell All Weather February 5 over 2200m defeating Asia Force carrying 59kg at $1.50. Returned from break 4th of 10 at Newbury on April 17 over 2000m, 1.0 len behind Maltese Cross carrying 61kg at $3. Strips fitter and is well-placed to take this out.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 17/04/2026 | 71 | NOV 3 | $72,600.00 | Newbury | 2011m | Good | William Buick | 61kg | 2:06.05 | - | 5 |
| 1.0L | $3.00 |
| 1/4 | 05/02/2026 | - | NOV 3 | $21,780.00 | Southwell | 2212m | Neutral | Connor Planas | 59kg | 2:24.43 | 2-1-1 | 3 |
| 8.5L | $1.53 |
Jockey: Joe Leavy
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Jumped at a huge quote at debut, second last of 8 at Newbury on April 18 over 2200m, 16 len behind Water To Wine with 60.5kg at $51. Can't see him playing a major role.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 18/04/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $72,600.00 | Newbury | 2212m | Good | Joe Leavy | 60.5kg | 2:20.31 | - | 7 |
| 16.3L | $51.00 |
Jockey: David Probert
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming 3rd of 9 at Doncaster on March 28 over 2000m, 2.75 len behind High Storm carrying 60.5kg at $1.90. Second-up 3rd of 8 at Newbury on April 18 over 2200m, 5 len behind Water To Wine carrying 60.5kg at $3.80. Going well and gets chance to break through.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 18/04/2026 | 21 | MDN 3 | $72,600.00 | Newbury | 2212m | Good | James Doyle | 60.5kg | 2:20.31 | - | 5 |
| 5.0L | $3.75 |
| 3/9 | 28/03/2026 | 157 | MDN 3 | $21,780.00 | Doncaster | 2011m | Good Soft | P J McDonald | 60.5kg | 2:15.90 | - | 2 |
| 2.8L | $1.91 |
| 2/7 | 22/10/2025 | - | NOV 2 | $36,900.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 1609m | Good | P J McDonald | 60.5kg | 1:39.41 | 5-4-2 | 2 |
| 1.8L | $13.00 |
Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; only one run when 3rd of 9 at Wolverhampton on December 20 over 1900m, 4 len behind Carnival Queen with 58kg at $2.40. Happy to overlook in this company.
Last Starts 146 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 20/12/2025 | - | MDN F 2 | $45,370.00 | Wolverhampton | 1911m | Neutral | Hector Crouch | 58kg | 2:01.43 | 9-6-3 | 4 |
| 3.8L | $2.38 |