After a stretch of unseasonably warm weather, Newmarket’s traditional curtain-raiser to the Flat racing season was greeted by a bracing chill and damp skies more typical of midwinter Plumpton than the historic Rowley Mile. But the gloomy conditions couldn’t cloud the anticipation of a fresh campaign, as the Craven meeting brought with it the first Classic trials of 2025 and a flutter of excitement about horses with their eyes on racing immortality.
The meeting, steeped in history and tradition, has long been a launchpad for future stars. It’s where dreams are kindled whether from the breeze-up juveniles preparing for the sales at Tattersalls or the seasoned three-year-olds limbering up for a tilt at Group One glory. On Tuesday, it was the turn of the fillies in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, a key trial for the 1,000 Guineas.
Ten hopefuls lined up, six of them entered in the Classic on 4 May. But it was Zanzoun, a 9-1 shot not currently in the Guineas field, who stormed home to land the spoils. Ridden confidently by Kieran Shoemark, she surged clear by nearly two lengths ahead of Celestial Orbit, with Remaat staying on for third.
Zanzoun’s pedigree speaks volumes. With Dubawi as her sire and Frankel on the dam’s side, she has the bloodlines of a champion. While a run in the Newmarket Classic remains a possibility, connections appear to favour a trip across the Channel for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, the French equivalent of the 1,000 Guineas. That decision may be influenced by the presence of a strong French contender, Zarigana, who impressed recently in the Prix de la Grotte.
Before racing began, the Rowley Mile also saw a public gallop from a potential 2,000 Guineas runner in Seagulls Eleven, trained by Hugo Palmer. The son of Galileo Gold, who won the race for Palmer in 2016, showed promise as a juvenile, placing in top-tier company and finishing just behind future Breeders’ Cup winner Henri Matisse in the National Stakes.
Despite being available at 50-1 for next month’s Classic, Seagulls Eleven’s connections—composed of current and former Brighton & Hove Albion players—have reason to hope. A modest £50,000 purchase, the colt has already outrun expectations and may yet spring a surprise. Though the syndicate may miss his Guineas run due to Brighton’s clash with Newcastle that weekend, they’re clearly enjoying the ride. Goalkeeper Jason Steele was on hand for the gallop, soaking up the buzz of the season’s opening act.
Looking ahead, the Craven Stakes on Wednesday will be the highlight, with eight of the nine runners still holding 2,000 Guineas entries. Among them is the intriguingly unexposed Opera Ballo, from Charlie Appleby’s yard. Unraced at two, he’s followed in the hoofprints of last year’s Guineas hero Notable Speech, winning maiden and novice events at Kempton in style. His most recent success came in an impressive time, and there’s every chance he could step up again at around 4-1.
Elsewhere on the Newmarket card, Double Rush looks to confirm his all-weather promise in the opening 1.50, while Apollo One returns for his seasonal debut after signing off last year with a Group Three win. Over jumps at Cheltenham, Typhoon Flyer (2.05) and Blow Your Wad (2.40) catch the eye, with both looking well-placed to deliver strong performances based on recent form and market positioning.
With the Classics now just weeks away, the Flat season has kicked off in earnest. The swallows have returned, the turf is alive with possibility, and the path to glory is just beginning.
