Monday promises a packed programme of all‑weather racing, with action slated for both Lingling and Newcastle tracks, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight at Lingfield will be the final race of the day – the Download The At The Races App Handicap, a mile and a quarter contest featuring a ten‑horse field. Among the runners, Charlie Clover’s five‑year‑old Harlington will be aiming to clinch a fourth straight win, a feat he has not yet achieved, and he does so after posting a career‑best rating in his most recent outing.
Harlington’s recent form has been nothing short of impressive. After a promising second place on his debut for the stable back in January, the bay gelding went on to win his next three starts, one of which came over the exact same course and distance as today’s race.
That victory not only demonstrated his aptitude for the Lingfield surface but also gave him a confidence boost heading into the afternoon’s contest. Adding to his prospects is the fresh partnership with jockey Tom Marquand, who will be riding the five‑year‑old for the first time. Marquand’s reputation for delivering strong finishes and his ability to settle a horse in a race of this length should complement Harlington’s proven stamina and turn of foot.
The most significant challenger to Harlington’s bid for a four‑peat is likely to be Neil King’s Victors Spirit. The four‑year‑old secured his maiden win just nine days ago, and while that triumph was over a longer trip, the horse now drops back to his shortest distance at Lingfield.
The reduction in trip could suit Victors Spirit’s speed‑type profile, and the recent confidence from his first victory may make him a serious contender. Another horse to watch is Roger Teal’s The Hare Rail, who enters the race on a career‑low rating but is eager to break his maiden. Though his form has been modest, a well‑timed run could see him upset the odds.
Golden Circet also merits attention. Trained by Jim and Suzi Best, the horse is making his first start after a wind‑operation, and the connections will be keen to see if the procedure has restored him to full fitness. Additionally, Henry Candy’s Double Red, paired with jockey Kieran Shoemark, and the Candy‑trained Perfect Scoundrel, are both listed among the notable entries and could add further intrigue to the race dynamics. Beyond Lingfield, Newcastle will host its own six‑horse handicap later in the day, also sponsored by the At The Races App.
Sir Mark Prescott will have four‑year‑old Analogical in his saddle, a horse that has narrowly missed out on victory on two recent occasions, finishing a nose and a short head behind the winner. Analogical’s recent runs suggest he is just a whisker away from breaking his duck, and today’s shorter distance may finally give him the edge he needs for a third career win. David O’Meara’s Mao Shang Won is another name to keep an eye on.
The horse was denied a hat‑trick of victories seventeen days ago after winning at both Newcastle and Doncaster, and will be back under the guidance of Daniel Tudhope for this outing. Consistency will be key for Mao Shang Won as the field includes seasoned campaigners like Clansman, who has been in solid form since returning from a lengthy 208‑day spell away from the track.
Clansman is now stepping back in distance and will be targeting an eighth career win. Moon Sniper, who was slightly unlucky at Southwell two starts ago, may benefit from a favorable handicap on his stable debut for trainer Jessica Bedi. The field also includes Patrol, trained by Dylan Cunha, and a runner for Roger Henry under the tutelage of Lizzie Quinlan, rounding out a competitive six‑horse lineup.
In addition to the main events, a seven‑horse field will contest the Joan Butcher 90th Birthday Fillies’ Handicap at Lingfield over a mile and a half. Sea Of Charm, campaigned by Georgina Nicholls, has shown reliable form lately, winning three of her last five starts. William Cox will be aboard again, having ridden her to three of her seven career victories, and will look to add another win to his tally. Tom Clover’s Rose Cotton is another filly worth noting.
She opened the year with a handicap win at Wolverhampton in January, but failed to live up to odds‑on expectations in her most recent outing. Today’s longer trip may suit her stamina, and a return to form could see her climb back into the betting market. Richard Hannon’s Schemaya and the last‑time‑out winner Twilight Moon round out the field, each offering a different set of strengths that could influence the race’s outcome.
Other notable meetings include a 2.51 pm clash at Lingfield between Dyrholaey and Twilight Jet, a 3.51 pm race featuring the 500,000‑gns yearling Behike seeking his maiden after finishing behind Raaheeb on debut, and a 6.30 pm Newcastle event where half‑sister to Ebt’s Guard, Ziata, is fancied to break well from the gates. Finally, at 7.00 pm in Newcastle, the 135,000‑gns purchase Gouken will make his first start after a gelding operation.
French racing action will also be on the agenda, with events at Fontainebleau and Le Lion D’Angers providing a continental flavor to the day’s schedule. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the sport they love.