Alice Haynes Blog | Newmarket Craven Meeting
14 Apr 2025
Coral Racing Ambassador, Alice Haynes, previews her three runners on the first day of the Craven Meeting at Newmarket, including Cairo who features in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes. Jockey and fellow Coral ambassador, Kieran O'Neill, also has his say on Alice's two other runners, Naana's Shadow and Treasured Angel.
15:00 Newmarket – Cairo
The Craven meeting is always an indication that the Flat season is stepping up a gear, we keep busy all year round now of course, both here and overseas, but the first meeting of the year here in Headquarters is one we look forward to. The weather has been the big talking point this spring, as I talk we don’t know how much rain Newmarket might get, but from my point of view, I hope it doesn’t come before this race, as it’s a case of the quicker the better for Cairo.
He's in great order, he wintered well in Dubai, running four times at Meydan and finishing second on a couple of occasions, so he more than paid his way. Nine furlongs on quick ground will really suit him, as will a small field, but the rain, and whether it arrives or not, will be crucial to his chances.
16:10 Newmarket – Naana’s Shadow
Naana’s Shadow is a daughter of Havana Grey who I like a lot. She has a great attitude, a great mind, she goes well at home and while we never know how they will take the whole experience first time up, I can see her going well.
Kieran O'Neill: 'The 2-y-o Naana’s Shadow is a nice filly who shouldn’t mind the ground whether it’s quick or the rain does come. As a young horse she will learn plenty here and come on for the run, but on her homework I like her as she’s tough and she tries.'
16:45 Newmarket – Treasured Angel
Treasured Angel arrives on the racecourse as a three-year-old, as she has needed plenty of time and the owners have been great and very patient with her. She will definitely improve for the run, but this is a good place to start her off.
Kieran O'Neill: 'The 3-y-o Treasured Angel is a daughter of Sergei Prokofiev who didn’t cost a lot of money as a yearling. We’ve had to be patient with her as she’s needed time, but she’s ready to start now, but as with Naana’s Shadow, she’ll improve for this first race, and whatever she does here, she’ll be one for the rest of the season.'
Alice Haynes, Coral Racing Ambassador
15:00 Newmarket – Cairo
The Craven meeting is always an indication that the Flat season is stepping up a gear, we keep busy all year round now of course, both here and overseas, but the first meeting of the year here in Headquarters is one we look forward to. The weather has been the big talking point this spring, as I talk we don’t know how much rain Newmarket might get, but from my point of view, I hope it doesn’t come before this race, as it’s a case of the quicker the better for Cairo.
He's in great order, he wintered well in Dubai, running four times at Meydan and finishing second on a couple of occasions, so he more than paid his way. Nine furlongs on quick ground will really suit him, as will a small field, but the rain, and whether it arrives or not, will be crucial to his chances.
16:10 Newmarket – Naana’s Shadow
Naana’s Shadow is a daughter of Havana Grey who I like a lot. She has a great attitude, a great mind, she goes well at home and while we never know how they will take the whole experience first time up, I can see her going well.
Kieran O'Neill: 'The 2-y-o Naana’s Shadow is a nice filly who shouldn’t mind the ground whether it’s quick or the rain does come. As a young horse she will learn plenty here and come on for the run, but on her homework I like her as she’s tough and she tries.'
16:45 Newmarket – Treasured Angel
Treasured Angel arrives on the racecourse as a three-year-old, as she has needed plenty of time and the owners have been great and very patient with her. She will definitely improve for the run, but this is a good place to start her off.
Kieran O'Neill: 'The 3-y-o Treasured Angel is a daughter of Sergei Prokofiev who didn’t cost a lot of money as a yearling. We’ve had to be patient with her as she’s needed time, but she’s ready to start now, but as with Naana’s Shadow, she’ll improve for this first race, and whatever she does here, she’ll be one for the rest of the season.'
Alice Haynes, Coral Racing Ambassador
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