Three Group races at Newbury

The flat season is getting into top gear now, and today´s Newbury card features three Group races, the John Porter Stakes over 1 1/2 miles for older horses ar 15.15 CET and two classic trials over 7 furlongs. The John Porter Stas is traditionally the first race of the season for the top middle distance performers, but although today´s renewal has 15 runners it is rather sub-standard in terms of quality. Henry Cecil has his string in good form, and his pair Tempelstern (Tom Queally) and Tranquil Tiger (Ted Durcan) must be respected, while Michael Bell´sRegime (Jamie Spencer) is aothedr oe for thr short list. Ricjard Hannon´s Malt or Mash (Richard Hughes) is on an upward cure and has won his last 3 races, but will not run if the ground is too soft (rain is forecast). The most popular winner would be Rod Millman´s Sergeant Cecil (Darryll Holland), for whom the trip is on the short side; however he has twice fnished fourth here, so a good placing is quite possible. The two classic trials look very open; the fillies´ race at 16.25 feaures John Dunlo´s unbeaten Muthabara (Richard Hills), who has been heavily backied for the 1,000 Guneas, but Mick Channon´s Nahoodh (Richard Hughes), whose trainer has won this 3 times in the last 6 years, has a higher rating. Sir Michael Stoute´s Confront (Ryan Moore) is the likely favourite for the colts´ race at 17.00, but the stable is not yet in top form, and James Fansgawe´s Sir Gerry (Jamie Spencer) may come out the better today. The mile handicap at 15.50 has 18 runners and anything is possible, but top-weight Mine (Jamie Bethell/ Darryll Holland) is a specialist for these straight mile races and could spring a surprise at a nice price.