Chipotle leads the way as 22 have been declared for Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury

A class field of twenty-two has been declared for the 30th running of the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury on Saturday, including Royal Ascot winner Chipotle.

Run for a value of £200,000 in 2021, the Weatherbys Super Sprint was first established in 1991, when created by Lord Carnarvon and Richard Hannon Snr, for horses sold or bought in as yearlings by public auction at ‘specified sales’, or as two years old up to and including 1 March, for £60,000 or less before 1 July, or for £63,000 or less after 30 June.

Looking to go one better than his previous attempts, trainer Tom Dascombe saddles two for the race with Delmona and Prince Kendeux.

A previous winning trainer of the race, Jonathan Portman, who is Lambourn based, is hoping Sienna Bonnie can emulate his 2016 winner, Mrs Danvers, when running off bottom weight on Saturday.

Portman said: “Sienna Bonnie ran well at Windsor last time out and has been in really good form since.

“The Weatherbys Super Sprint has been the target for a while, but we are hoping for as much sunshine as possible to dry out the ground.

“The last two or three times she’s run, the ground hasn’t quite been as quick as she would have liked.”

“She’s up against it with those with higher ratings, such as Chipotle, and it won’t be an easy task, but we’re looking forward to it.

“It is good to have Hollie (Doyle) back on board, but I’m sorry for Josephine Gordon who was booked earlier in the week.

“Hollie became available again and the owner was keen to get her back on board as she knows her so well. Newbury should suit her – the flatter the track the better.”

There will be four races broadcast live on ITV1 including the inaugural running of the Bahrain Turf Series Handicap, previously known as the Marsh Cup, where past winner, Withhold lines up in a field of 13.

The 2020 Weatherbys Super Sprint winner Happy Romance also features on the eight-race card, as she lines up in the Group 3 bet365 Hackwood Stakes.

The going is Good to Soft, Good in places, with a warm and dry forecast over the coming days.

Clerk of the Course Keith Ottesen added: “We are delighted with the declarations across both days this weekend, with a cracking eight race card on Friday leading into Weatherbys Super Sprint Day which is a superb spectacle.

“The ground is drying, but my team have done a great job and we anticipate a fantastic two days of racing.

“The Weatherbys Super Sprint looks an exciting renewal, with the supporting races also featuring some star horses.

“We are looking forward to welcoming a limited crowd of 4,000 back here for our first summer Saturday.”