Darley EBF Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)
Course: Newmarket
Date: 16th May 2026
Distance: 1m4f (1m4f)
Type: Flat
Going: Good
Class: Class 2
Prize: £20,616
Runners: 5
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Be CleverRunners (6)
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Shabab Al Ahli
3yo b Colt (GB)Connections
Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Newmarket, Suffolk
Owner: Godolphin
Breeding
Sire: Frankel (GB)
Dam: Koora (GB)
Damsire: Pivotal (GB)
Breeder: Fittocks Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Easy win at 8-15 on debut at Southwell (1m3f, AW) in February and 1l fourth in Newbury novice (1m2f, good) last month, a race that has worked out extremely well; bred to be suited by this longer trip; leading claims.
Comment
Won at Southwell before close fourth in hot Newbury novice; leading claims
Quotes
"I'd sat on Shabab Al Ahli a few times at home and he's always given us a feel that he's a nice horse. He has plenty of scope and has stamina on his side so will definitely stay further. It was very straightforward for him today, he's big and raw but took it all well. Hopefully he'll be a fun horse for the future - Connor Planas, jockey, speaking to Sky Sports Racing."
2026-02-05 - Southwell (AW)Race History for Shabab Al Ahli
Turty Tree
3yo b Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: David Probert
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Kingsclere, Hants
Owner: Ecurie Ama Zingteam
Breeding
Sire: New Bay (GB)
Dam: Mystical Beauty (IRE)
Damsire: Camelot (GB)
Breeder: China Horse Club International Ltd
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Runner-up here (1m, good) last October on sole 2yo start and he's run well in third on both outings this season (1m2f/1m3f, good to soft/good); he needs something extra today but can give another good account.
Comment
Placed on all three starts; needs something extra today but can give another good account
Race History for Turty Tree
Koala Rose
3yo ch Filly (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Trainer: Ralph Beckett
Kimpton, Hants
Owner: Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy
Breeding
Sire: Australia (GB)
Dam: Summer Surprice (FR)
Damsire: Le Havre (IRE)
Breeder: Tinnakill Bloodstock
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Well backed into 11-8 when third on debut at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in December, when she was slowly away and raced wide; plenty to find now taking on males but she could be a big improver for her top yard.
Comment
Well-backed third on debut in December; could be a big improver on this second start
Race History for Koala Rose
Chasing Time
3yo ch Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Connor Planas
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Newmarket, Suffolk
Owner: Godolphin
Breeding
Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
Dam: Switching (USA)
Damsire: Street Cry (IRE)
Breeder: Godolphin
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
4-5 when winning a three-runner maiden at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) on last month's debut; only third in Southwell novice (1m4f, AW) since and improvement is necessary, but he retains potential and is not ruled out in first-time cheekpieces; one of two for top stable.
Comment
Won on debut last month; only third since but retains potential and is not ruled out
Race History for Chasing Time
Grilse
3yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Joe Leavy
Trainer: Brian Meehan
Manton, Wilts
Owner: Mrs Valda Burke And Mrs Belinda Miles
Breeding
Sire: Sea The Moon (GER)
Dam: Tight Lines (GB)
Damsire: Fastnet Rock (AUS)
Breeder: Whitley Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Half-brother to winners Mindset (7.4f/1m1f; RPR 79) and In A Hurry (76); 50-1 when always behind on debut at Newbury (1m3f, good) four weeks ago; dramatic improvement is necessary.
Comment
50-1 when always behind on debut at Newbury (1m3f, good) four weeks ago
Race History for Grilse
Non Runners:
Superior Choice
