So Proud Ready to Make an Impact at Newcastle Hurdle Event

Thursday promises to be an exciting day of racing with jump action from Newcastle, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The first Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle is particularly captivating, featuring So Proud among 12 competitors. So Proud made a remarkable racecourse debut at Haydock in May, showcasing his ability to stay on under pressure, and is now seen as a promising prospect for jumping. Gaelic River, despite falling in both point runs, has demonstrated potential in two starts over hurdles, and his recent runner-up effort over this course and distance positions him as a strong contender under Brian Hughes. Who's Glen, with a flat rating as high as 93, wasn't far behind when finishing third on his hurdles debut at Musselburgh, indicating he is capable of better performances. For all the latest racing news, interviews, and features, find out more on your phone. The Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Novices' Handicap Chase is a challenging puzzle, with Glen Road and Quantock Hills among the competitors in a competitive field. Top-weight Glen Road has had a successful campaign over hurdles, winning twice from four starts since his wind operation, and makes his chasing debut, making him an each-way contender if he has a clean round. Stablemate Fat Harry, a course and distance winner who has improved significantly with fences, winning two of his three starts and finishing runner-up in the other, is a formidable opponent despite a six-pound higher mark. Quantock Hills, a three-time winner over hurdles, has failed to justify favoritism in two starts over larger obstacles and will need to show more vigor to succeed in this sphere. For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing, visit their page. Timefortom and Port Station are set to clash in an open-looking Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Maiden Hurdle. Timefortom, rated 114 after finishing second in two starts over jumps this season, appears to be the one to beat under Derek Fox, given the strength of his form. The Iain Jardine-trained Port Station improved from his debut to finish a staying on second at Carlisle in November, indicating that this extra distance should suit him. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's Daly Boy finished a respectable second on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield last month and could improve with that experience. Bathara, who won a Warwick bumper in October, makes an appealing debut for the Jonjo and AJ O'Neill team. The Jad Factor is bidding for a hat-trick at 3:10 PM in Newcastle.