Al Shabab Storm looks to make a winning introduction for his new trainer Marco Botti in the Listed BetMGM Lady Wulfruna Stakes (3.20pm) at Wolverhampton on Saturday, March 8.
The four-year-old enjoyed a progressive campaign for Andrew Balding in 2024, including a Listed success at Chester and a G3 victory in Germany.
Al Shabab Storm failed to run his race in the G2 Park Stakes at Doncaster on his latest start, after which he was sold to current connections for 42,000 guineas at Tattersalls.
Botti said: “Al Shabab Storm had a nice break after he joined us towards the end of last year. He looks great and we have had this race in mind for him for a while.
“The track should be no problem as he showed good form around Chester last year, including winning a Listed race, and he has been training nicely on the all-weather.
“Having said that, he is quite a chunky horse and I would imagine he will improve for the run, but this looks a good starting point for the season ahead.
“After this, there is a Listed race at Doncaster over six furlongs. We have also considered Dubai but whether he gets invited, we will have to see. We will know more after Saturday.”
The opposition is headed by Jabaara, who made great strides for Roger Varian in 2024. Following a brace of Listed successes, the Exceed And Excel filly was second in Newmarket’s G1 Falmouth Stakes before losing the G3 Oak Tree Stakes in the stewards’ room.
G2 victor Witch Hunter makes a quick reappearance for Richard Hannon after shaping with promise on his comeback at Lingfield Park’s AWC Trials Day last week.
Fair Angellica looks to make it four wins from as many starts on the all-weather. Richard Hughes’ runner was successful at this level on turf in Deauville’s Prix Amandine during the summer.
Willem Twee bids for a second Listed success for James Fanshawe, having captured the Golden Rose Stakes at Lingfield Park in 2023.
Golden Mind steps up in class and distance for Richard Fahey after taking a class two handicap at Kempton Park, while the progressive Royal Zabeel, who was an easy winner for Mick Appleby at the track on his penultimate start, completes the field.
Last season’s Mile final runner-up Kingdom Come shoulders top-weight as he seeks back-to-back victories in the BetMGM Lincoln Trial Handicap (2.45pm).
Clive Cox’s six-year-old is 2lb higher than last year and will look to confirm form with Irish raider Final Voyage (Johnny Murtagh), with the duo separated by a head 12 months ago.
In a competitive lineup, Symbol Of Light bids to overcome an 8lb hike for Julie Camacho following an impressive victory at Southwell last month.
Further down the weights, Great Chieftain makes his first appearance since August for Paul & Oliver Cole, having signed off with victories at Glorious Goodwood and Newmarket.
Oliver Cole said: “Great Chieftain is in good order and we are hoping he won’t need the run as we think he is pretty straight, although you never quite know for a first run of the year.
“He ended last season with wins at Goodwood and Newmarket, and I think he has improved again through the winter.
“All those nice handicaps will be open to him and, if he was to win here, it would give him a chance of getting in the Lincoln.”
Other contenders to note include the Richard Hughes-trained Whip Cracker, who was second in the Listed Feilden Stakes last year, and Richard Hannon’s Kempton Park scorer Local Hero.
