Newmarket Tips: Appleby can get off to a flyer

Newmarket's three-day Craven Meeting opens up on Tuesday afternoon as the new season begins at the home of Flat racing in Britain.

They race at Newmarket from 13:50-17:20, with seven races on ground expected to be 'good to firm' and the feature race is the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at 15:35. Below are three tips for day one of Newmarket's Craven Meeting. Read on for Newmarket tips.

14:25 - Masai Moon @ 15/8

Charlie Appleby and William Buick are a potent partnership at this venue, the Godolphin trainer operating at a 25 per cent strike-rate here during 2024.

Appleby's team are in good fettle ahead of the first meeting of the season, with three winners from nine starters in recent days and once-raced Kempton novice winner MASAI MOON could see him winning the Feilden Stakes for the second time, after Highland Avenue scored in 2021.

This Siyouni colt did the job very nicely at Kempton over a mile in October, showing excellent tactical speed when needed.

He looks open to plenty of progress this season and while there are some promising rivals in his way now, he can take the rise in class in his stride.

15:00 - Ambiente Friendly @ 7/4

The Earl Of Sefton Stakes has been won in the last two years by Ottoman Fleet for the Appleby team and he's back for another go now.

He's got leading claims, but the six-year-old might be vulnerable to a younger rival in AMBIENTE FRIENDLY.

The Gleneagles colt has left James Fanshawe over the winter months and is now based with James Owen.

He was fourth in the Feilden Stakes on this card 12 months ago before winning Lingfield's Derby Trial and then running big races in both the Epsom Classic and the Irish version at the Curragh.

He wasn't quite as good in his two autumn runs, sometimes looking like a tough ride, but he's now a four-year-old and could be a more reliable conveyance. He drops in grade/trip now and can take this on first start for his new handler.

15:35 - Verse Of Love @ 6/4

The feature race on day one is the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes, a Group 3 for Fillies and Mares and it can go to the Appleby/Buick alliance with course and distance winner VERSE OF LOVE.

The Siyouni filly travelled ever-so well in her maiden win here in October on good to soft ground before putting an effortless five lengths between herself and the chasing pack.

That's the best bit of form on offer and improvement is very likely for this 1000 Guineas-entered Godolphin inmate, who should have no issues operating on this faster surface.

The dangers may be headed by Haydock winner Nardra for William Haggas. She, too, won with lots in hand in that sole two-year-old appearance and has a Classic entry next month, but she meets a different test here.

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