Convergent

Whether the Classic picture is any clearer this week than last is debatable but what the last seven days have brought us is some truly impressive performances to savour. And it is hard to pick just one, though it has to be said that Portcullis's Wood Ditton run was visually the most spectacular for all that you could see the colt learning with every stride he took, from being left at the start, to bounding through then clear of his rivals.  His maiden success for the King and Queen played...

Saturday, Newbury, post time: 14:00, THE WATERSHIP DOWN STUD TOO DARN HOT GREENHAM STAKES-G3, £100,000, 3yo, c/g, 7fT Field: Albert Einstein (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Alparslan (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Aqpan (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Ardisia (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Gonna Fly (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Needle Match (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Title Role (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Zavateri (Ire) (Without Parole {GB}). TDN Analysis: Albert Einstein is here to make up the minds of the Coolmore collective as to whether to go the mile in two weeks or back in...

Constitution Hill (Blue Bresil) features among 10 entries for Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury, with the multiple Group winners Al Aasy (Sea The Stars), Convergent (Fascinating Rock) and Pride Of Arras (New Bay) headlining the potential opposition as the former Champion Hurdle hero prepares for the toughest test yet of his Flat career. Trained by Nicky Henderson for owner Michael Buckley, Constitution Hill is unbeaten in two starts since switching codes, first running out the nine-and-a-half-length winner of a novice at Southwell in February and then...

Saturday, Munich, Germany, post time: 15:40, GROSSER ALLIANZ PREIS VON BAYERN-G1, €155,000, 3yo/up, 12fT Field: Alleno (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Ami De Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Cold Heart (Brz) (Alpha), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Rashlord (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Tiffany (Ire) (Farhh {GB}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Lazio (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}). TDN Analysis: William Buick replaces the injured Clifford Lee aboard G3 Kilternan Stakes and G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris victor Convergent, who will be a warm order to atone...

Sunday, Kyoto, Japan, post time: 15:40, SHUKA SHO-G1, ¥215,400,000, 3yo, f, 2000mT Field: Danon Fair Lady (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Rouge Solitaire (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Jocelyn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Lesedrama (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Brown Ratchet (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Kelly Fled Ask (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Kurino Mei (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Theresa (Jpn) (Admire Mars {Jpn}), Ma Puce (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), Erika Express (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Embroidery (Jpn) (Admire Mars {Jpn}), Voulezvous (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}), Sena style (Jpn) (Sottsass {Fr}), Vip Daisy (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}), In Vogue (Jpn) (Lord...

There was much consternation when only three new Flat stallions retired to stand in Britain for the 2025 season. It remains to be seen whether this was a blip, but if it becomes a trend then obviously it is cause for concern. It is easy to understand why, in an increasingly commercial sphere, breeders would either flock to the proven elite (for those with mares good enough and pockets deep enough) or to the next first-season sire on the block who may be forgiven for a year or two until...