This has become a race for Godolphin globetrotters returning to Britain, but they haven’t had much success. Penglai Pavilion (2014), Yibir (2022), Global Storm (2023), Castle Way and King Of Conquest (both last year) were all beaten after running outside of Britain the time before.
Charlie Appleby did win it two years ago with Godolphin’s Hurricane Lane, but he had run at Newbury only a couple of weeks before and there is evidently good reason to think that Silver Knott, who was last seen winning the City of Gold at Meydan, might come up short.
Newmarket’s long, mile-and-a-quarter straight is a totally different test to racing around sharp places like Meydan, Aqueduct and Saratoga, which is where Silver Knott has achieved all of his best form, and maybe the change of terrain explains why so many globetrotters have struggled.
Silver Knott also faces one of the best horses he has ever come up against in the shape of last year’s Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly, who was only two and three-quarter lengths behind City Of Troy at Epsom and finished even further than that in front of the rest.
Ambiente Friendly: chased home City Of Troy in the Derby at EpsomCredit: Edward Whitaker
Ambiente Friendly’s season ultimately ended in disappointment and he never ran to that level again, which might explain why he was switched to James Owen’s upwardly mobile yard over the winter. But make no mistake, the son of Gleneagles is a top-class beast and we should see it this time.
He beat only one home on his reappearance here last month, but he was too fresh after seven months off. He finished only fourth in the Feilden Stakes at the Craven meeting on his return last year before taking a step forward to win second time up at Lingfield and history could repeat itself.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway
Ambiente Friendly ‘has come on a hell of a lot’
While there is a danger of this becoming a trappy affair, three of the four runners were ridden prominently on their last start.
Hector Crouch and Ambiente Friendly found themselves in front of their Earl of Sefton rivals somewhat on sufferance, but should one or both of Silver Knott and Divina Grace take a prominent sit, Harry Davies may be able to get more cover aboard the classy son of Gleneagles.
Ambiente Friendly won the Derby trial at Lingfield on his second start last yearCredit: John Grossick
James Owen has been pleased with Ambiente Friendly’s progress at home since that seasonal debut and lack of condition will not be an excuse this time as he steps up from the 1m1f on his comeback to 1m4f.
“He did very well last year and has come on a hell of a lot for his first run of the season,” said Owen. “There are only four runners and we think he has a great chance.
“He needs to give himself a chance as it’s not the easiest track to settle a horse. It wasn’t ideal last time as he pinged the gates and there was no pace on.”
What they say
Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Bellum Justum
He very much needed the run at Newbury and it was also a race where it was quite hard for those in behind to get into. I think he’s come forward and the cheekpieces have sharpened him up, so it looks a good spot for him. It could be slightly tactical but I don’t think that will bother him.
Charlie Appleby, trainer of Silver Knott
We were delighted with his victory in Dubai and he has returned to Newmarket fit and well. Conditions here should suit and we’re hopeful he can be a big player.
Charlie Appleby: trainer of Silver KnottCredit: Edward Whitaker
David Probert, rider of Divina Grace
I was thrilled with her good performance in the John Porter. She was quite fresh and she looks like she’s taken a step forward at home in herself and in her coat. She’s run at Newmarket before and last time it was a real gutsy performance. There’s not many runners but she’s very versatile in the way you can ride her.
Reporting by Scott Burton
Read these next:
1.45 Newmarket: could there be another Group 1 star lurking in this year’s Newmarket Stakes?
Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
