13:25 Newbury

Saturday 12 April 2025

All13:2514:0014:3515:1215:4516:1916:54

Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) (Group 3)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 2m 33.64s

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Selected odds by:

(6)

Ancient Wisdom¹⁵³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 114

2/1

Smart colt who disappointed in last season's Derby at Epsom but made most of good opportunity when landing Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (13f) in July. Signed off with a solid third in German Group 1 in November and he's an interesting runner back at this level on seasonal bow.

Form: 11/2813-

(7)

Bellum Justum²²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: A M Balding| OR: 110

5/1

Sea The Stars colt who had a good 3-y-o campaign, matching form showed when place in pair of Group 3's when taking Grade 3 Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs (10.5f) on final start in August. Remains lightly raced at this trip and he could do better again as a 4-y-o.

Form: 1/17321-

(4)

Dallas Star²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: D Egan| T: A Murray| OR: 104

25/1

Useful colt who ran out a surprise winner of last season's Ballysax Stakes before finishing down the field in Derby at Epsom. Back to form when successful on AW at Dundalk in February and whilst not disgraced when fourth in listed company at Naas latest, this demands more.

Form: 13/10-14

(5)

Feigning Madness¹⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 98| C

25/1

Son of Ulysses who was 2-2 as a juvenile. Seen only twice as a 3-y-o, not appearing at home on the track at Epsom and slowly-run race no use to him after 6 months off when fourth in C&D Group 3 in October. Remains one to be interested in as a stayer and interesting connections pitch him in here.

Form: 11/54-

(3)

Sunway^t¹⁸⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D Menuisier| OR: 115

6/4

Smart performer who finished runner-up in last season's Irish Derby and right back to that level when third in St Leger in September, coming from further back that the front 2. Finished midfield from a difficult draw in the Arc at Longchamp final outing and he's a big player at this level on return.

Form: 272430-

(1)

Tabletalk¹⁹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: Tom Clover| OR: 104

14/1

Found the Derby all too much but back on track with his sights lowered, relishing the increase in trip when landing the valuable Melrose Handicap at York in August. Not in same form when last of 5 in listed event at Ascot (14f) in October but quicker ground in his favour back from 6 months off.

Form: 3/10315-

(2)

Divina Grace¹⁸³

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 100| D

14/1

Useful mare who gained breakthrough at listed level at Newmarket (12f) in August before a good fourth at York later that month. Drop in trip probably against her in Group 3 on Newmarket's Rowley Mile Course final start but even more required if she's to make a winning start for new yard.

Form: 435149-

Forecasts

Sunway (6/4), Ancient Wisdom (2/1), Bellum Justum (5/1), Divina Grace (14/1), Tabletalk (14/1), Feigning Madness (25/1), Dallas Star (25/1)

Having finished placed in both the Irish Derby and St Leger last season, SUNWAY was best forgiven his final start on account of his wide draw when midfield in the Arc at Longchamp in October. He earns the vote to make a successful reappearance ahead of Ancient Wisdom who himself could well have more to offer as a 4-y-o. Bellum Justum may emerge best of the remainder.