Saffron Beach, Homeless Songs Vie in Sun Chariot

Saffron Beach  bids to become the first back-to-back winner of the fillies and mares' feature Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) since it was moved to its current slot in 2014.

Previously, French mare Sahpresa  was a scorer in the mile Sun Chariot Stakes when winning it three times (2009-11), but Saffron Beach will not be able to match that for current connections as she is to be offered at the Tattersalls December Sales next month.

The daughter of New Bay  registered her first group 1 win in the contest a year ago since when she has doubled her tally at the highest level when landing the Prix Rothschild (G1) at Deauville in August.

Jockey William Buick is unbeaten on Saffron Beach and is back on board Oct. 1 after being unavailable due to Godolphin commitments when she finished second in the Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown last time.

Trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam said: "William is back on board Saffron Beach and they are a good winning combination. I'm sure he wants to win another Sun Chariot Stakes as much as Abington Place (Chapple-Hyam's stables), so I'm sure he will be doing his best.

"Saffron Beach loves the Rowley Mile, and as we have seen in all of her previous runs whether she is first or second or whether it's a Guineas (G1), Oh So Sharp (G3), or Sun Chariot, she always tries her hardest."

Weld Expects Better From Homeless Songs

Dermot Weld expects an improved display from Homeless Songs , who surrendered her unbeaten seasonal record in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last time when only fourth of nine to Pearls Galore  despite being sent off a warm favorite.

That was her first start since an explosive victory in the Tattersalls Irish One Thousand Guineas (G1) at the Curragh in May where she was handed a Racing Post Rating of 123 and became the highest-rated 3-year-old trained in Ireland with a mark of 120. Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) favorite Luxembourg  has since been handed that baton.

It will be Homeless Songs' first trip outside of Ireland, but Weld is hopeful of a big run as he seeks to win the Sun Chariot for a second time following the victory of Dress To Thrill under the late Pat Smullen in 2002.

Weld said: "I think you will see an improved performance from the filly. You go into every race hoping you can win it, but she came into the Matron Stakes after a long break following a dry summer.

"I knew she would progress from the race and she seems to be in very good form since. I think she will show improvement, I'm very happy with her and looking forward to it."

Havlin Hoping for First Group 1

Robert Havlin has a live chance to register a coveted first group 1 win on the supplemented Laurel, who is one of two runners for the John and Thady Gosden stable.

The Scot, who has achieved many group 2 wins but never at the highest level, knows plenty about his mount as he steered her to a belated debut success in a mile novice on Newmarket's course back in July.

Owned by Juddmonte and well related being out of Promising Lead , Laurel backed up that victory with a win under a penalty on the all-weather at Kempton only 10 days go.

Thady Gosden said: "Laurel has won her two novice races very well and is a filly who has always shown a lot of ability at home. Obviously it's a huge step up in class, but this is the last group 1 of the season over a mile for fillies and mares so we're keen to give it a go."

Newmarket was awaiting rain on Friday evening but is not expecting a drastic change to the good going.

"The forecast is for 10mm of rain between 4:00 p.m. and midnight," said clerk of the course Michael Prosser at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. "I think the track is in a good place to take the rain, so I think we'll end up on the slow side of good or good to soft, somewhere in that region. It's largely dry tomorrow."