Shadwell's classy Raaheeb makes his long-awaited return to the track this afternoon in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor, live on Sky Sports Racing.
A brother to top-class performers Baaeed and Hukum, Raaheeb enjoyed a promising start to his racing career with an impressive success at two years old before capturing the Classic Trial at Sandown in commanding style. His progression was tested when he finished fourth in the Irish Derby, where he travelled prominently under Rossa Ryan before weakening in the closing stages.
The extended break has given Raaheeb valuable time to develop both physically and mentally, and connections believe he is primed for a successful return. According to Racing Post, Shadwell indicated they would assess conditions before confirming plans, with the Qatar Champion Stakes a potential target further down the line.
Connections said Ascot was not certainfor the colt's immediate future.
Raaheeb carries 9st 5lb in the 1m2f contest and is trained by Owen Burrows, with Ryan retaining the ride. According to official racecards, he holds an official rating of 112 and boasts a record of three runs and two wins. Market moves have made him a short-priced favourite, with one racecard service quoting him at 8/11. The Winter Hill Stakes offers prize money of £53,875 to the winner across a seven-runner field.
He should prove difficult to beat in this calmer contest, even under the penalty, though the opposition carries some quality. Venetian Prince represents the in-form Andrew Balding yard after winning the Italian Derby in June, though Jason Watson's mount will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot, where he was outpaced over three furlongs from home in the King Edward VII Stakes.
Maho Bay ran respectably at the Royal meeting and connections felt they had legitimate grounds for complaint after encountering trouble in the home straight. The colt remains relatively unexposed and could pose the biggest threat to Raaheeb, particularly given the yard's current form.
Crest Of Fire and Harmonics have been making steady progress through handicap company but would need to produce a significant improvement in class to trouble the principals here.
Newton Abbot: Arctic Voyage and Edelak set for tight contest
The improving duo of Arctic Voyage and Edelak headline a competitive Par Inn Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot this afternoon.
Edelak returned to winning ways at Stratford in July following a fall on his penultimate start when he appeared to be a likely winner. The gelding has now recorded four victories from his last five outings, often doing so with considerable ease. A brief rest after a busy campaign could see him deliver a career-best performance. According to Sporting Life, Edelak is quoted at 11/8 in the betting.
However, Arctic Voyage has impressed since switching to the Michael Blake yard and taking to hurdling. The runner has won three of his last four starts and looked particularly impressive on his most recent outing when scoring with plenty in reserve. Arctic Voyage's record shows two wins from three runs, and he is priced at 9/4.
War Correspondent represents a threat despite being on a fair mark and returning to hurdles. His preparation has been far from ideal, with two poor runs over fences leaving him short of peak fitness. Ellerton emerges as the main alternative to the leading pair, having recorded an encouraging hurdle victory following a breathing operation.
Wolverhampton: Brunhilde seeks improvement in step up
Progressive filly Brunhilde steps up in trip in the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap at Wolverhampton this evening.
George Boughey's charge has improved with each outing since making her debut in May and rewarded connections' patience with a commanding five-length victory at Lingfield on her most recent start. She is stoutly bred, being closely related to Godolphin's listed winner Ghostwatch, suggesting the step up to one mile and six furlongs should unlock further improvement.
Last Verse impressed when winning at Lingfield on his last outing and remains relatively unexposed while occupying a favourable position in the handicap.
Level Look should be capable of progressing from his promising second-place finish at Chester, having been disadvantaged by his position when too far back at the Shergar Cup last month.
Robusto won his most recent start and carries competitive claims, though his higher all-weather rating means he has less room for improvement compared to his more unexposed rivals.
