At the historic expanse of Newmarket, as the sun sets across its renowned turf, a refined and meticulously composed seven-race flat programme will be conducted on Thursday, 16 April, presenting a measured blend of competitive handicaps, informative maiden contests, and high-quality races across the afternoon. The fixture will unfold over distances ranging from 6 furlongs to 1 mile 2 furlongs, with prize money rising to £95,000, ensuring a strong and consistent level of competition throughout the card.
Proceedings will commence at 1:50 PM with the Handicap Stakes (Class 2), a 6f contest featuring a full field of 16 runners competing for a prize fund of £50,000. Song of The Clyde will be among the prominent names set to take part, alongside Boston Dan, Silent Applause, and Treanmor, while First Legion and Rogue Supremacy will add further depth to a sprint that will place emphasis on early pace, track position, and a sustained finishing effort.
The second race at 2:25 PM, the Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes (Class 2) (GBB Race), will be run over 1 mile with 10 runners competing for £20,000. Bemersyde, Cosmo Brown, and Crown Knott will represent lightly raced contenders, while Dark Whisper, Impierious, and North Beach will also feature in a contest that will likely centre on development and progression, traditionally offering insight into emerging talent.
At 3:00 PM, the Abernant Stakes (Class 1) (Group 3) will be contested over 6f with 14 runners competing for £95,000. Aramram and Completely Random will be among the notable participants, joined by Crestofdistinction, Diligent Harry, Elmonjed, and Jasour. The race will require a high cruising speed and tactical awareness, with the depth of the field expected to ensure a consistently strong tempo.
The Craven Stakes (Class 1) (Group 3) at 3:35 PM will feature a select field of 7 runners over 1 mile, also for £95,000. Avicenna and Commander’s Intent will be among the key names, while Hankelow, Hawk Mountain, Hidden Force, and Oxagon will complete the field. The contest will offer a structured test of stamina and positioning, despite the smaller field size.
At 4:10 PM, the Rossdales Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Class 2) (GBB Race) will be run over 7f with 6 runners competing for £20,000. Baandee, Eloquencia, and Hassaleh will be joined by La Mariposa, Pointe Bleu, and Thursday Girl, forming a compact field in a race expected to highlight developing fillies over an intermediate distance.
The EBF “Confined” Novice Stakes (Class 2) (GBB/GBBPLUS Race) will follow at 4:45 PM, covering 1m 2f with 6 runners competing for a prize fund of £20,000. Amadeus Mozart and Birgham Dub will be among those stepping into middle-distance company, while Guildmaster, Maho Bay, Galiyan, and Sir Griflet will also take part in a contest likely to build steadily before testing stamina in the closing stages.
The meeting will conclude at 5:20 PM with the Handicap Stakes (Class 3), a 7f contest featuring a large field of 18 runners competing for £30,000. Havana Pusey, Percy’s Lad, and God of War will headline the closing race, alongside Jumby, Morte Point, and Royal Velvet, ensuring a competitive and well-contested finale.
Overall, the Newmarket programme will present a carefully structured sequence of races, combining sprint and middle-distance contests while integrating both experienced and developing runners across all seven races.
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