Secret’s out as sprinter confirms brilliance in Newmarket Handicap

In Secret recorded a second G1 victory at Flemington this season with another scintillating display in the Newmarket Handicap.

The three-year-old filly had already established herself among the best of her generation when taking the Coolmore Stud Stakes in October and powered home over the straight six furlongs again to score by an easy length.

Having prevailed against seasoned opposition in handicap company, In Secret will be hoping to win a G1 in a weight-for-age contest when she tackles the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick at the start of April. One long-term ambition could be the $15 million The Everest, back at Randwick in October.

This weekend could be another hugely significant one for Godolphin in Australia, with Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill featuring five G1 contests. Anamoe is due to bid for a ninth top-level win in the George Ryder Stakes as he builds towards the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and his potential Royal Ascot trip.

Cylinder looks set to spearhead a strong Godolphin challenge for the Golden Slipper itself, with Pericles among the leading contenders for the Rosehill Guineas – a race which Anamoe won by six and a half lengths in 2022.

Passion And Glory gained a deserved victory in Bahrain as he got the better of First Ruler in the Listed His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup on Friday. The seven-year-old had chased home Dubai Future in the G3 Bahrain International Trophy in November and now looks set to form part of a strong team for Dubai World Cup Night.

Godolphin’s three-year-olds in France have hit the ground running, with Shamardal colts Swing Vote and Iles Et Ailes both making winning introductions last week, in addition to New Approach filly Forelsket maintaining an unbeaten start to her career. Classic entries Birr Castle and La Sapienza will be looking to continue the fine spell should they take up Listed engagements this week.