Artagnan and Gold Star Hero Set to Collide at Wolverhampton
Thursday promises to be an exciting day for racing enthusiasts, with All-Weather events taking place at both Southwell and Wolverhampton, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the evening's card at Wolverhampton is undoubtedly the Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap, featuring a talented field of six horses, led by Artagnan. Having concluded the previous season on a high note with a win at Chelmsford and a third-place finish as the favourite, Artagnan, trained by Hamad Al Jethani, has strong claims in this 0-85 handicap, especially with James Doyle at the helm. Gold Star Hero, under the guidance of the prolific Michael Bell and Hector Crouch, poses a significant threat, particularly if able to dictate the pace from the front. Queue Dos, boasting an impressive record at Wolverhampton with four wins out of six starts, stands out as the best of the rest. Meanwhile, at Southwell, a compelling field of six is assembled for the Free Digital Racecard At Raceday-Ready.com Handicap, including Adjuvant and Carlton. Carlton, trained by James Owen, has proven his mettle as an all-weather performer and was last seen winning over hurdles at Huntingdon. He makes a strong appeal as he transitions to the flat, being only four pounds higher than his winning mark at Chelmsford in February, and the step up to two miles could play to his advantage. Adjuvant, once rated significantly higher, looks to rebound in this easier assignment, having had only one previous start on the all-weather. Imperial Sovereign is known for consistency, while Senor Cortez is another to watch on his second outing for trainer John Butler. For those looking to stay updated on the latest racing news, interviews, and features, it's now easier than ever with all the information at your fingertips. The Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap at 4.55 pm is headlined by Tilted Kilt and Down To The Kid, making for a tricky but intriguing race. Down To The Kid, the winner of this event last year, showed strong form in his last outing at Wolverhampton, finishing behind Legal Reform, and appears ready to make a strong challenge as he drops down in grade. Tilted Kilt, having not won since his debut in 2024, has reached a useful mark and, despite some unlucky runs, including one at Haydock, poses a significant threat if fit enough on his return. Star Studied, although disappointing as the favourite at Wolverhampton, is given another chance, while Eldrickjones cannot be discounted based on his winter performances. The day's racing is filled with exciting matches, including Naana's Crystal aiming to follow up on a recent success at Southwell with a win at Wolverhampton at 8:30. Youarenotforgiven seeks a hat-trick at 7:00, and Astrological is fancied for Marco Botti and Hollie Doyle at 6:00. At Southwell, Ay Up Duck makes his debut among eight runners at 2:42, and Polly Darling gives weight all around at 3:47. Across the Atlantic, Wesley Ward's two-year-olds, Skara Brae and Ruiva, are the ones to watch at Keeneland at 6:00, and Ex-Ballydoyle horse Mounatin Bear features at 9:44. In Auteuil, a Listed event takes place at 2:40, rounding out a packed day of racing action.