The opening day of the Guineas Festival at Newmarket set the tone for an exciting weekend of flat racing, with a pair of Listed races showcasing the brilliance and promise of rising stars on the turf. Friday’s action not only thrilled onlookers but also hinted strongly at what’s to come in the Classics later this season.
All eyes were on Cosmic Year, and the colt didn’t disappoint. Coming into the Listed Trustatrader King Charles II Stakes with two wins under his belt, he extended his perfect record to three with a commanding display over seven furlongs. Despite the race not going entirely to plan tactically, the talented three-year-old proved he has the grit and quality to overcome challenges. Jockey Ryan Moore had to adapt mid-race as early positioning shifted unexpectedly, but Cosmic Year responded like a seasoned campaigner, taking charge inside the final furlong and finishing comfortably ahead of runner-up Marvelman.
His trainer, Harry Charlton, was candid in his post-race reflections, noting that Cosmic Year didn’t handle the dip in the course perfectly but still impressed with how he dug deep when it mattered most. The colt, bred by Juddmonte from top-class bloodlines—by Kingman out of Passage Of Time—was initially entered for Saturday’s 2000 Guineas. However, with stablemate and race favourite Field Of Gold already set to represent Juddmonte in that Classic, connections made the strategic decision to run Cosmic Year a day earlier. That move may well pay dividends, with the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas now firmly in their sights. Charlton also suggested that the colt may eventually aim for the St James’s Palace Stakes, depending on how the next few weeks unfold.
In the second major feature of the day, Godolphin’s Alpine Trail maintained his flawless race record with a third straight victory, this time in the Listed Nyetimber Newmarket Stakes. Sent off as the odds-on favourite, the Dubawi colt was never seriously challenged. Ridden by William Buick, Alpine Trail travelled smoothly throughout and extended away in the final stages to win by a clear three lengths from Nebras.
Trainer Charlie Appleby, while pleased, gave a realistic assessment of his colt’s progress. He admitted that Alpine Trail isn’t the type to turn heads in morning work at home, but what he delivers on the racetrack is what truly matters. The performance showed clear staying ability, and Appleby is now weighing up a step up in trip, possibly targeting the Lingfield Derby Trial as a next step. Although Alpine Trail is not currently entered in the Derby at Epsom, that could change depending on how he performs in a longer race. Appleby highlighted that the colt has matured physically and mentally after a raw two-year-old campaign, and he believes further improvement is likely as distances increase.
Another noteworthy winner on the day was Zgharta, who finally got off the mark in the opening Darley EBF Fillies’ Maiden. The daughter of Ghaiyyath had shown promise in her previous starts but needed this third outing to finally get her nose in front. She overcame the determined Pearla in a close finish, guided home by jockey Hollie Doyle. Despite the narrow margin, the filly showed enough class and tenacity to suggest there’s more to come.
Trainer Andrew Balding expressed both relief and reflection post-race. While pleased with the win, he acknowledged Zgharta may not have fully seen out the mile-and-a-quarter trip and hinted that a step back in distance might be the right move going forward. Options such as the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot are now being considered, especially given her developing form and experience.
Altogether, the first day of the Guineas Festival served up a trio of exciting performances, with each of the winning horses pointing toward major targets on the summer racing calendar. Whether it’s the Irish or French Guineas, Ascot, or even Epsom, these rising stars have made it clear they are ready for the next level. As fans and connections look ahead, the promise shown at Newmarket may well be the foundation of a thrilling Classic season to come.
