Novelista Pursues Maiden Victory at Southwell

Wednesday's racing schedule is packed, with jump events taking place at Sedgefield and Southwell, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The Country And Western Night 25th April Maiden Hurdle at Southwell features a notable clash between Road To Wembley and Novelista. Following a promising debut over hurdles at Warwick, where he finished second, Olly Murphy's Road To Wembley is expected to perform well with champion jockey Sean Bowen. Novelista, who had a useful flat career, finished sixth on his hurdles debut at Ascot in January and has been given time to recover. Top Coeur, rated 116, completes the shortlist for Christian Williams and Kielan Woods. The Play Like A Stockton Rocket Handicap Chase at Sedgefield is a complex affair, with Realisation and Mountain Mike as top contenders. Realisation, trained by Charlie Longsdon, achieved her first chasing victory at this course and distance last month and is expected to remain competitive despite a six-pound higher rating. Mountain Mike, a lightly-raced type, ran his best race over fences when finishing second behind Bective Abbey at Hereford 25 days ago and may benefit from the extra distance and a one-pound drop in ratings. Ailt An Chorrain will need to bounce back from a disappointing performance at Catterick after running a strong race in his previous outing. Stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your phone. Big Boy Barney faces Intenzo in a high-quality Easter Family Fun Day 5th April Novices' Handicap Chase at Southwell. Recent winner Big Boy Barney secured his first victory over fences at Huntingdon and is expected to improve with Jonathan Burke taking over. Mark Walford's Intenzo showed promise on his first try over fences at Sedgefield and deserves respect as he moves up in trip under Jamie Hamilton. Ukantango had a troubled passage at Warwick in his previous start and is another contender as he switches to larger obstacles. For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features, visit Sky Sports Racing. Other notable events include Zac Purton and Andrea Atzeni in action at Sha Tin, and key races at Southwell, Sedgefield, and Compiegne.