Mudbir Favored in Victoria Cup at Ascot

Horse racing fans have a busy Saturday with events at Ascot, Hexham, and Lingfield, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The day features several competitive races with notable contenders.

At Ascot, the seven-furlong Carey Group Victoria Cup is a highlight. Mudbir, trained by John and Thady Gosden, is the current favorite. This progressive colt by Kingman showed significant improvement last year, winning three of his five races.

Mudbir, ridden by Oisin Murphy, has a strong chance in the Victoria Cup. He faced some bad luck when finishing seventh at Goodwood in August. If he is fit after a 259-day break, he is expected to perform well.

Other contenders in the Victoria Cup include Defence Minster, trained by Hamad Al Jehani and ridden by James Doyle. Defence Minster won his first start after being gelded in March. He now moves to turf racing and must carry an extra four pounds.

Shiplake, trained by Kevin Phillipart de Foy, is also in the Victoria Cup field. Shiplake is aiming for a third consecutive win after two recent victories on all-weather tracks. This race represents a step up in class for him.

At Lingfield, the William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes features six runners, with Maho Bay being the standout. Charlie Appleby trains Maho Bay, a two-year-old colt by Dubawi who is undefeated in two starts. He won impressively at Newmarket after his debut win at Kempton.

Maho Bay faces a tougher challenge in this race but is expected to be competitive. Further improvement is anticipated as he races over a longer distance. Aidan O'Brien has won this race seven times and fields Isaac Newton, ridden by Ryan Moore. Isaac Newton has experience but needs to improve on his recent fourth-place finish.

Bay Of Brilliance, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Hector Crouch, is another strong contender. After winning at Goodwood and Recar, he steps up in class for this race.

The Listed William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield also looks competitive. Romantic Symphony, trained by Charlie Appleby, is looking to maintain her unbeaten record. This well-bred filly by Dubawi is related to successful horses Yibir and Wild Illusion.

Romantic Symphony won a novice race at Newmarket and then a penalty race at Kempton. She is expected to continue her development. Aidan O'Brien has two entries, Bloom and Cameo, with Ryan Moore riding Cameo. Cameo showed promise last year and had a solid return race at the Curragh.

Bloom finished third in her last start and should be fitter for this race. Amora Queen and Prizeland are the other fillies in the Oaks Trial field.

Other races include the Group Three Chartwell Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield, where Royal Velvet and Copacabana Sands are top entries. At Ascot, Alfred Wallace, a two-year-old by Dubawi, debuts for trainer Ed Walker. Zgharta and Politely are notable runners in a fillies' handicap at Ascot.

The Godolphin and Gosden team have a strong chance with Valedictory in another Ascot race. Naga is a leading contender in a nine-runner field at Ascot. At Hexham, Gardener will be seeking a third straight win.