Teumessias Fox is set to compete in the £200,000 BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap at Newcastle on Friday, aiming to secure back-to-back victories for King Power Racing after last year's winner, Notre Belle Bete, withdrew due to injury. Trained by Andrew Balding, the five-year-old has shown excellent form, having recently won comfortably at Kempton. The King Power team, known for their success on all-weather tracks, is optimistic about their prospects for the race, with Alastair Donald, the racing manager, expressing confidence in their four strong contenders.
Whilst acknowledging the absence of last year's champion, Notre Belle Bete, Donald believes that Teumessias Fox is a worthy replacement. The horse has demonstrated his potential, although it took some time to understand his optimal conditions. Teumessias Fox performs best when given some room to manoeuvre, and jockey Oisin Murphy has developed a good rapport with him. The race appears to be competitive, but King Power Racing remains hopeful.
Meanwhile, Marco Botti's promising horse, Sommelier, will lead the team on Good Friday in the BetMGM All-Weather 3-Year-Old Championships Handicap. King Power Racing acquired Sommelier privately during the winter, impressed by his victories at Kempton and his strong performance at Newcastle, despite some tactical disadvantages. The team believes that Sommelier has untapped potential and envisions him as a horse capable of achieving black-type status in the future. Although carrying a significant weight, jockey Rossa Ryan has been confirmed to ride Sommelier.
In the Mile race, King Power Racing intends to enter two horses: Fantastic Fox and Greatgadian. Fantastic Fox experienced a slight decline in form last year and appeared disappointing, but the decision to revert him to a mile distance has revitalised him, and he is currently in excellent condition. Greatgadian has been somewhat frustrating, not managing to secure a win this winter despite consistently decent performances. His running style requires a fast pace, and he tends to deliver a strong finish. Although talented, Greatgadian often faces criticism. Donald believes both horses have the potential to perform well in the race.
Donald also expressed optimism about the six-year-old Fivethousandtoone's prospects in the Sprint race. Although the horse encountered minor setbacks in the past, he has now hit his stride and seems well-prepared for the upcoming race. Donald believes Fivethousandtoone's racing style is suited to the event and expects a strong performance. Whilst Donald anticipates victory for Sommelier, he also considers Fivethousandtoone to have a good chance among the other contenders.