Earthlight promises much for the future – and Frankie does it againEarthlight promises much for the future – and Frankie does it again

Earthlight and Mickael Barzalona got the better of Golden Horde in the Middle Park (Nigel French/PA)

Newmarket presented a card full of potential on Saturday as a clutch of unbeaten juvenile colts clashed in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes, the fillies had their turn at Group One level in the Cheveley Park – and the annual Cambridgeshire puzzle was unravelled. It was a tale of the unexpected at times – but one that overall delivered on its rich promise.

Earthlight’s bright future

Jockey Mickael Barzalona and Earthlight after their win in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes
Jockey Mickael Barzalona and Earthlight after their win in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes (Nigel French/PA)

The Middle Park was billed as a juvenile race for the ages as Earthlight, Siskin and Mums Tipple arrived with a perfect 10 victories out of 10 between them. Andre Fabre’s Godolphin-owned colt had his task eased perhaps when Siskin had to be withdrawn after proving unruly in the stalls. Nonetheless, it was a substantial performance to quicken past Golden Horde and win by a neck – with much power to add, on the basis of the measured but confident post-race remarks of a trainer who has every reason to believe Earthlight will stay further next season.

Performance of the day

Lord North and Frankie Dettori (left) had matters in hand as they eased to victory in the Cambridgeshire
Lord North and Frankie Dettori (left) had matters in hand as they eased to victory in the Cambridgeshire (Nigel French/PA)

Earthlight undoubtedly deserves very honourable mention here too, as does Millisle for belying her odds of 16-1 with a convincing Cheveley Park win. Yet it was a supposed handicapper who turned out to be the easiest winner of the day. Frankie Dettori could afford to drink in Lord North’s superiority as they vindicated a major gamble into 9-2 favourite to land the bet365 Cambridgeshire by the cheekiest of three-quarter lengths. Group races surely beckon for a three-year-old who blotted his copybook at Sandown back in May, but is clearly a different proposition following his midsummer gelding operation.

Quote of the day

Shock of the day

Sadly for Ger Lyons, and Juddmonte, this was provided by Siskin. They never got a run for their trouble, but at least the form book still confirms that the First Defence colt remains unbeaten.

Speed of the essence

Thankfully Friday's windswept afternoon was not repeated at HQ on Saturday
Thankfully Friday’s windswept afternoon was not repeated at HQ on Saturday (Nigel French/PA)

The worst of this week’s downpours spared HQ, and it was no surprise to see record times abound through the first half of the stellar card. Disappointment, fulfilment – or anywhere in between – there can be little doubt this was top-class form at every turn.

Tweet of the day

What’s next?

Frankie Dettori will be hoping to make headlines again next weekend with the mighty Enable
Frankie Dettori will be hoping to make headlines again next weekend with the mighty Enable (Julian Herbert/PA)

For Dettori, Gosden – and millions of racing devotees the world over – the countdown currently stands at just eight days before Enable bids for an unprecedented third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp next Sunday. Those waiting for Newmarket’s next instalment of juvenile Group One set-pieces – Pinatubo et al – must be patient for a week more.

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Frankie Dettori Andre Fabre Earthlight Lord North

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