The Wednesday evening program promises a lively session of All‑Weather racing from Southwell, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, with several intriguing contests on the card. One of the highlights will be the Come Racing For Free 18th June Novice Stakes, a race that pits three untried colts against each other in what promises to be a gripping duel.
The first of these, Goldinthesea, is a particularly interesting prospect. The colt has recently transferred from the stable of Joseph O'Brien to that of Ed Bethell, a move that has already begun to bear fruit. Goldinthesea first caught the eye with a solid performance at Dundalk in January, and his credentials have been further bolstered by a third-place finish that turned into a win in his most recent outing.
As a son of the noted sprinter No Nay Never, he carries both speed and pedigree, and his new connections are hopeful that he can develop into a consistent performer. If he continues on his current trajectory, Goldinthesea could become a valuable asset for his owners and a regular contender in future sprint and middle‑distance contests.
The second runner, Penny Time, is a horse that trainer Hugo Plamer regards highly. Penny Time displayed a burst of speed at Southwell last month, outpacing a previous winner to finish second, and the colt now looks to convert that promise into a victory. This will be his third start, and if his form holds, he could notch his third win in as many races, confirming his status as a rising star in the novice ranks. The third entry, Sassicaia, is trained by Owen Burrows and has only raced once before, taking a win at Wolverhampton in December.
Like the other two, Sassicaia remains something of an enigma, but his early success suggests that he may have the ability to surprise on the Southwell track. All three colts are relatively unknown quantities, making the race a perfect showcase for emerging talent and a chance for bettors to spot a future star. Also worth mentioning is debutant Shadow Boxer, a colt purchased for €520,000 and representing the Victorious Forever ownership group.
While the market will ultimately determine his valuation, the price tag alone signals high expectations. Shadow Boxer’s first run will be closely watched by those hoping to see whether his substantial investment translates into on‑track performance.
Racing fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews, and features via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing. Later in the evening, attention shifts to the Ladies Day race on Sunday, 16 August – the Fillies' Handicap – which will see three fillies, each returning from a break, clash for a valuable prize. Cool Molly is the first of these, carrying three pounds more after her recent victory in the All‑Weather Vase Fillies' Handicap at Lingfield, a win that marked the third triumph of her career and her second success in three starts.
Her recent form makes her a formidable opponent and she will be one to watch closely. The second filly, Vencedora, dons the colours of the renowned Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. Unlike Cool Molly, Vencedora is lightly raced and still largely untested, having only broken her maiden in a three‑horse race at Newmarket last September. Trainer Karl Burke will be eager to see how she performs after a long winter lay‑off, as she makes her seasonal debut.
Rogue Citation, representing The Rogues Gallery, shares a similar profile with Vencedora, having only two starts to her name, the most recent of which was a win at Southwell in October. Her limited experience adds an element of intrigue, and observers will be keen to assess how she has progressed over the off‑season. The key question for this trio will be how each filly has prepared during the winter months and whether they can hold their own against the race‑fit Cool Molly, who arrives with recent form and confidence.
The night’s final feature is the Summer Socials at Southwell Racecourse Fillies' Handicap, where Seven Fires will attempt to secure a third consecutive win on just her fifth start. Seven Fires has already shown versatility, winning her debut over six furlongs at Newcastle in February and then coming from behind to claim a five‑furlong victory at the same venue last month.
Today she will be stretched back to six furlongs, a distance that should suit her proven adaptability, and she is expected to be a tough competitor. Also in the mix is Barefoot Beach, a top‑rated filly who has only raced twice. After finishing a close second at Kempton in her most recent outing, she will be looking to bounce back to winning ways.
Her debut win over the same track and distance last September indicated considerable promise, and connections hope she can replicate that form. Zighy, a filly trained by George Boughey, has yet to break out of a third‑place finish in any of her five starts. While she has been consistent, she has not yet secured a win, and the upcoming race may provide the opportunity to finally step up onto the winner’s podium.
The card also includes a 6.30 race at Southwell featuring Betelgeuse, who will be seeking another triumph over a new course and distance, adding another layer of intrigue to an already packed program. Finally, the action will shift to Happy Valley, where top jockeys Zac Purton, Harry Bentley, Hugh Bowman, and Andrea Atzeni will all be represented, promising a thrilling conclusion to an evening filled with high‑quality racing across multiple venues.
Overall, the Southwell meeting offers a blend of seasoned performers and promising newcomers, each looking to make an impact. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the variety of races and the mix of established talent with fresh faces ensure there will be plenty of excitement to enjoy throughout the night.