Outside of the two Guineas races at Newmarket (see our Guineas preview) there’s a bundle of quality action across the weekend. I’ve zoned in on three races in particular.

The class act in the Palace House Stakes is Marsha, having won the G1 Abbaye last autumn, but she carries a penalty for that success and there are two horses who make appeal if she struggles to carry the extra weight.

Ornate showed improved form at Newmarket on his first start for Robert Cowell after switching from William Haggas’ yard, as well his first start since a gelding operation. He was only beaten by 116 rated Brando and only lost by a length. Ornate is 11/1 and at even bigger odds of 14/1 Dancing Star also has realistic claims.

Dancing Star won last year’s Steward’s Cup at Goodwood but also gave weight and a beating to Priceless in a big heritage handicap on Newmarket’s July Course. Priceless is half the odds on Saturday. I’ll take the bigger odds and hope Dancing Star continues to progress.

Picks – Ornate & Dancing Star

Also at Newmarket on Saturday is the Jockey Club Stakes at 2.55. I am a huge fan of Seventh Heaven and she shaped well when runner-up at Meydan on her return in the Dubai Sheema Classic. She’s a decent price considering it is such a small field. Across The Stars is the only one that concerns me. Sir Michael Stoute has an excellent record in the race so it looks between the pair. If you’re feeling brave, you could look at the forecast.

Pick – Seventh Heaven

The first leg of the US Triple Crown takes place on Saturday night; the Kentucky Derby. Thunder Snow will draw British interest after his victory in the UAE Derby. He’s got a pretty tough gate so I’ll side with Classic Empire. Mark Casse’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner has a perfect record at Churchill Downs and rates the pick, just ahead of Always Dreaming, who won the Grade 1 Florida Derby en route to this race.

Pick – Classic Empire