Artagnan Faces Off Against Gold Star Hero at Wolverhampton

Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with All-Weather events at Southwell and Wolverhampton broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of Wolverhampton's evening card is the Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap, featuring Artagnan at the top of a six-horse field. Having concluded the previous season on a high note with a win at Chelmsford and a third-place finish as the favorite, Artagnan has a strong claim in this 0-85 handicap under James Doyle. Gold Star Hero, trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Hector Crouch, is a major contender. Bell has had a successful spring, and if Gold Star Hero can dominate from the start, it will be a strong competitor. Queue Dos boasts an impressive record at Wolverhampton with four wins from six starts, making it the best of the rest. At Southwell, a high-quality field of six will compete in the Free Digital Racecard At Raceday-Ready.com Handicap, including Adjuvant and Carlton. Carlton, trained by James Owen, has proven himself on the all-weather circuit and was last seen winning over hurdles at Huntingdon. He makes a compelling case as he switches to the flat, especially considering he's only four pounds higher than his winning mark at Chelmsford in February. The step up to two miles could also work in his favor. Adjuvant, who has been rated much higher in the past, was last seen finishing down the field in the November handicap at Doncaster and is having only his second start on the all-weather. This race is significantly easier than his recent outings, and he could make a comeback. Imperial Sovereign is a consistent performer, while Senor Cortez is another to watch in his second run for trainer John Butler. The Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap at 4:55 pm is led by Tilted Kilt and Down To The Kid. Down To The Kid, last year's winner, stayed on strongly behind Legal Reform in his last outing over seven furlongs and seems ready to go close as he drops down in grade. Tilted Kilt has dropped to a useful mark after failing to win since his debut in 2024. Following a bit of bad luck at Haydock and a disappointing run in a better race at the same venue in September, he poses a significant threat if fit enough on his return. Star Studied was disappointing as the favorite at Wolverhampton but gets another chance, while Eldrickjones cannot be ruled out based on his best efforts this winter. Other notable races include Naana's Crystal bidding to follow up her Southwell success at 8:30 pm at Wolverhampton, Youarenotforgiven aiming for a hat-trick at 7:00 pm, and Astrological fancied for Marco Botti and Hollie Doyle at 6:00 pm. At Southwell, Ay Up Duck is among eight runners for his debut at 2:42 pm, and Polly Darling gives weight all around at 3:47 pm. Overseas, Wesley Ward's two-year-olds, Skara Brae and Ruiva, headline at 6:00 pm at Keeneland, and Ex-Ballydoyle horse Mounatin Bear features at 9:44 pm. Auteuil hosts a Listed event at 2:40 pm.