Richie’s Rocket bids to take down some more experienced rivals in the Listed BetMGM Spring Cup (2.35pm) at Lingfield Park on Saturday, February 28.
The seven-furlong contest for three-year-olds has produced notable performers in the past, including multiple G1 winner Paco Boy and high-class sprinter Ertijaal.
Third on his debut at Newmarket, Richie’s Rocket created a big impression in a seven-furlong novice at Lingfield Park in November, in which he made all for a nine-length success.
Trainer Ralph Beckett said: “Richie’s Rocket has trained well all winter. He obviously showed a liking for the place when winning his novice, so we felt it made sense to bring him back here. We are looking forward to getting him started.”
Richard Hughes won the race three times as a jockey, including on Paco Boy, and the Lambourn trainer saddles confirmed black type performer Bella Lyra.
An easy winner at Windsor on her second start, Bella Lyra posted two good efforts soon after – finishing third in both the Listed Empress Stakes at Newmarket and Ascot’s G3 Princess Margaret Stakes.
Following a fourth in the G3 Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury, the German-bred daughter of Oasis Dream signed off with a second in a valuable sales race at Baden-Baden in October.
Hughes said: “We are really pleased with Bella Lyra, who is going well at home. She has a good draw in stall two and is one of the higher-rated runners in the race, which always helps.
“She has done nothing wrong in her career so far. We have her ready for this, while I think she will enjoy racing on the all-weather.
“I think she might get a mile this year and the German 1,000 Guineas is a race we have earmarked for her.”
Andrew Balding’s Sir Albert is the highest-rated contender with a mark of 101. A battling winner of a nursery at Glorious Goodwood, the son of No Nay Never finished a close third in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster.
Ten Carat Harry goes for his seventh straight victory on the all-weather. Jamie Osborne’s runner posted his best performance to date last time out in the 3YO trial at Newcastle’s AWC Trials Day.
Hilitany, who was seventh in the G1 Middle Park Stakes, has made three appearances for George Boughey in Dubai this year, most notably finishing fourth in the G2 Blue Point Sprint.
Star Strewn lines up for Irish trainer Ado McGuinness, with the daughter of Starman having comfortably taken a Dundalk maiden on her stable debut earlier this month.
Southwell novice winner Starfinch represents Harry Eustace, while Shahik has his first start for Michael Keady, having landed a Newcastle novice on his final appearance for Shadwell.
