Shimmering Sands set for hat-trick bid at Newmarket on Friday



Shimmering Sands set for hat-trick bid at Newmarket on Friday


Posted: 11.13 • 05 Aug 2026 • News


Oisin Murphy has been booked to ride Shimmering Sands on Friday as the resurgent seven-year-old aims to add to his back to back Pontefract victories.

The son of Teofilo bounced back to form in June after two winless seasons, and has been raised 12 pounds in the weights this year. His last victory came under amateur rider Henry Callan where he scored by seven lengths, and Mark Hickling's gelding is in the form of his life.

Shimmering Sands sticks to ten furlongs as he lines up for the Aspall Handicap and we'll be racing on the July course. The race has attracted a paltry three runners, with the six race card only featuring 37 horses. There's a danger that we won't see a truly run race with such a small field.

Shimmering Sands is at his best on fast ground the Good to Firm going at Newmarket will suit our horse.
The Resdev Rocket


Joining Shimmering Sands at 'HQ' will be The Resdev Rocket who will be ridden by Saffie Osborne. Last seen when seventh of eight at York, the two-year-old son of Space Traveller faces stiff competition in the Carling Novice Stakes where he faces previous winners Nabati and Tawakal.

Nabati looks a decent horse having been beaten a neck in a Listed race at Newbury last time out whilst Tawakal was a comfortable scorer on his debut at Nottingham. Newcomer Al Widyan, who is the first foal of unraced Bungle Inthejungle mare Ghiapa, represents trainer Andrew Balding and was purchased for 50,000 guineas as a foal from Tattersalls.

The race has attracted just five declarations from the original 18 entries so there's prizemoney guaranteed for all of the runners' connections.


Newmarket on Friday
18.37
(2)
 The Resdev Rocket 5
Carling Novice Stakes
Saffie Osborne
20.22
(1)
 Shimmering Sands t 1
Aspall Handicap
Oisin Murphy