The Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket promises another thrilling renewal, with several top jump trainers fielding strong contenders. In recent years, jumping yards have dominated this famous long-distance handicap, with nine victories in the past eleven editions. Once again, big names from Ireland such as Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Charles Byrnes, and Tony Martin are all represented among the leading hopes.
Tony Martin returns with Alphonse Le Grande, last year’s dramatic winner, who could make history by becoming the first horse to win the race twice for different trainers. The five-year-old edged home by a nose twelve months ago before temporarily losing the race due to a whip offence, only to have the result reinstated on appeal. A repeat victory would be a remarkable feat, but Alphonse Le Grande faces a tougher challenge this time, running 4lb higher in the weights. Only one horse has ever won the Cesarewitch twice in its 186-year history, underlining the scale of the task.
Willie Mullins, who completed a hat-trick of Cesarewitch wins between 2018 and 2020, again holds a strong hand with three runners, headed by Bunting. However, Bunting’s current handicap mark of 95 might prove demanding, suggesting better each-way value could lie elsewhere. Gordon Elliott, still seeking his first win in this race, fields credible contenders in Ndaawi and Mordor. The latter appears particularly interesting at around 20-1, having run well to finish eighth in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham and showing excellent Flat form when second at Glorious Goodwood.
Saturday’s card at Newmarket also features several other fascinating contests. Among the key runners to watch are Gladius in the 1.15, who has strong staying potential, and Distant Storm in the 3.00 Dewhurst Stakes, whose recent Group Three victory marked him as a major contender.
Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien continues his stellar season, adding yet another Group One success with Precise in the Fillies’ Mile. The talented juvenile powered clear to take the trainer’s tally to 22 Group One wins this year. O’Brien now turns his attention to potential Breeders’ Cup plans, with his Oaks heroine Minnie Hauk being considered for the Turf at Del Mar on 1 November.
The Cesarewitch Handicap may be steeped in history, but new chapters are always waiting to be written—perhaps Alphonse Le Grande will etch his name once more among the legends.
