Maidens and Novices raced with future in mind…

For “day-by-day” punters, as Johnny Dineen regularly states, “the first bet of the day is the most important.” For those of us who follow a highly selective process, however, the first bet of the campaign is massive. Friday’s win by the aptly named First Principle has provided a significant boost in confidence and anticipation for the season ahead.

For Somerville Lodge, this week centers on Dubai Honour and Eternal Force. They will attempt to repeat the 2025 Tancred Stakes/Lincoln Handicap double achieved by the indefatigable Tom Marquand on Dubai Honour, and Cieren Fallon on Godwinson—the latter having snatched a certain victory from Billy Loughnane and Oliver’s Show in last year’s renewal of the historic season opener.

I will have more on that pair later in the week, but the action starts on Monday at Wolverhampton with the reappearance of the once-raced Palace Pier filly, Palace Artois. Out of Intricately—who caused a major upset when defeating the subsequent multiple Group 1 winner Rhododendron in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes —she is certainly bred to be useful.

That said, she showed little on her debut and fits perfectly into the category associated with the vast majority of Haggas-trained maidens: “she will be better for the experience.” This methodology is rooted in the belief that not rushing immature horses gives them a greater chance to fulfill their potential. As the season progresses, this principle will be applied to numerous runners sent out from Somerville Lodge. We will rigidly—perhaps even more so this year—take the “No Bet” option in such scenarios.

While some of these horses will win and be well-supported in the market, years of experience and data support a stance that is entirely in line with the Haggas philosophy and therefore ‘to watch not bet.’ There will be other days to back these horses when we know they are proven winners with the scope to progress rapidly through the grades.

It goes without saying that Palace Artois is a “No Bet” on Monday. However, we will watch with interest, expecting a good level of improvement that suggests she has the potential her owner-breeders are looking for.

REFA Hashtag – March 2026