Dubai Challenge and Middle Park Stakes Betting Preview Part 1

We are now that much closer to the end of the flat racing season with Champions Day rapidly approaching. As always, this means an outstanding selection of Group level racing at Newmarket on Dubai Dewhurst day this Saturday. While the pre-entries remain in the mix ahead of tomorrow’s declaration stage, we’re going to be taking a look at each of the races and trying to get a gauge on how things are going to shape up. 

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The day kicks off at 2:05 with the Dubai Challenge Stakes - a Group 2 contest for 3yo and up going 7f. There are plenty of recognizable names out here and even though the market isn’t actually available on this race, there is still plenty of obvious action set to develop here - particularly if the higher profile entries stay in the mix. 

Godolphin saddle Lockwood, a 4yo by Invincible Spirit, and Silvestre De Sousa gets the trip. He took  a tough beat in the OLBG Park Stakes at Doncaster a few weeks back finishing second behind Viztoria. Prior to that, he took a significant step forward by capturing the Greene King Supreme Stakes at Goodwood back at the end of August. His form has improved recently now that De Sousa has got back on him and you reckon that he will prefer firmer going. 

Highland Colori is another to watch and Andrew Baldings five-year-old shares the top RPR with Lockwood. While many boast a course and distance victory here, he enters off two victories on the bounce - one of which came in the Ayr Gold Cup - particularly strong handicap that included a massive 26 horse field.

He triumphed by a 2 and a quarter length margin and delivered at a 20/1 price. That was definitely the biggest score he had ever made in his career, having won most of his races in low-level handicaps. 

The manner in which Highland Colori actually won the race indicates that he won’t struggle with the additional furlong to navigate.