Moore Booking Menuisier’s Thursday at Newmarket Racecourse

Attention turns to Newmarket Racecourse on Thursday as a few interesting runners mark their return to the track, with notable interest in the partnership of Ryan Moore and trainer David Menuisier. While Wednesday’s pick, Opera Ballo, didn’t meet expectations in the Craven Stakes due to an overly eager run, Thursday’s card carries better potential.

Charlie Appleby is represented by two sons of Sea The Stars in the 14:25 one-mile handicap. Both horses are at an early stage of their careers, but Present Times appears to hold more interest given what he’s shown so far.

He won a novice race at Lingfield last November, and despite being drawn wide, broke sharply and controlled the race from the front under James Doyle. The pace was strong from the outset, and he didn’t fade—rather, he found more down the straight and won by applying consistent pressure throughout. That run was backed up by sectional data, pointing to early speed and stamina over the full mile.

His debut at Newmarket Racecourse last season showed signs of ability. Though he didn’t progress on his next start at the same track, the ground was soft, which didn’t seem to suit him. That effort is best viewed as a one-off. With conditions expected to be more favourable on Thursday, and with a mark of 84 for this handicap debut, Present Times shapes up as a fair contender.

The decision to keep him at a mile after three starts over the same trip last year may raise questions, but it also suggests that connections believe there’s more to be gained at this distance for now. With natural development and Appleby’s track record with unexposed types, Present Times should be ready to take a step forward.

David Menuisier, meanwhile, has called on Ryan Moore for one of his runners at Newmarket Racecourse —an infrequent booking but one that often signals intent. Ryan Moore has only taken a small number of rides for Menuisier in recent seasons, but when he does, they’re typically well-placed in the market. Thursday brings a chance to strengthen that record further.

Menuisier’s yard may not match the size of those like Appleby or Gosden, but he often sends out well-prepared horses in early-season targets. Ryan Moore’s involvement adds weight to the entry and will attract attention from punters looking for value beyond the major stables.

Alshinfarah, the other Sea The Stars runner for Appleby in the same 14:25, has his chance but looks less straightforward compared to Present Times. The latter’s tactical speed and composure in previous starts offer more reliability, particularly in a race that might lack a true front-runner at Newmarket Racecourse.

Beyond the 14:25, other races on the card include maidens with several potential prospects. These are often hard to read until close to the off, with betting markets shifting based on paddock appearances and confidence behind newcomers from powerful yards at Newmarket Racecourse. Appleby, Balding, and Gosden all have entries across the day, and while not every runner will be forward enough to win, a few may still run with credit.

The focus remains on the 14:25 and the appeal of Present Times stepping up to the handicap company. If he can carry his novice form into this new setting, a solid effort seems within reach. Combined with the positive indicators from Menuisier’s booking of Ryan Moore, this could be a better day for those following stable patterns and jockey decisions closely.

After a flat result on Wednesday, Thursday brings two clear chances for a stronger outcome—Present Times on a workable mark, and the Ryan Moore/Menuisier link is worth following based on past effectiveness when they’ve teamed up at Newmarket Racecourse. While the card may not carry headline Group races, there’s still quality on offer and a few entries that could turn out to be worth keeping in mind as the season moves forward.