Monday promises a packed schedule of all‑weather racing, with action coming from both Lingling and Newcastle, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the Lingfield card will be the final race of the day, the Download The At The Races App Handicap, contested over a mile and a quarter. Ten horses will line up, and among them Charlie Clover’s five‑year‑old Harlington will be aiming to secure a remarkable four‑in‑a‑row, having already posted 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 in January, he quickly found his stride, winning his next three starts. One of those victories came on the very same course and over the same distance as today’s contest, giving him a clear edge in terms of familiarity and proven stamina.
Adding to his prospects is the fresh partnership with jockey Tom Marquand, who is taking the reins for the first time on this horse. Marquand’s riding style and tactical acumen are expected to complement Harlington’s front‑running tendencies, potentially giving the five‑year‑old a decisive advantage. However, the race will not be a walk in the park. The most significant challenger is likely to be Neil King’s Victors Spirit, a four‑year‑old who broke his maiden just nine days ago.
That recent win, achieved in a maiden race, suggests the colt is still improving and could be hitting his stride at precisely the right moment. Victors Spirit will be stepping down in distance to his shortest trip at Lingfield, which could suit his speed‑oriented pedigree and make him a genuine threat to Harlington’s streak. Another contender worth watching is Roger Teal’s The Hare Rail. The gelding entered his latest start with a career‑low rating, indicating that he may be undervalued by the handicapper and could be primed for a breakthrough performance.
A win for The Hare Rail would mark his first career victory, and the reduced rating could translate into a more favorable weight assignment, enhancing his chances. Golden Circet, trained by Jim and Suzi Best, also adds intrigue to the field.
The horse is making its first run following a wind operation, a procedure that often improves a horse’s breathing efficiency and overall performance. If the surgery has been successful, Golden Circet could emerge as a dark horse, especially if the field settles into a fast early pace that suits his running style. Other notable entries include Double Red, trained by Henry Candy, and Perfect Scoundrel, ridden by Kieran Shoemark.
Both have shown consistency in recent outings and could be in contention if the race unfolds at a moderate tempo. For fans who want to stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app provides a convenient way to receive real‑time updates directly on their mobile devices. Turning to Newcastle, the second race of the day will also be a Download The At The Races App Handicap, this time featuring a field of six runners. Sir Mark Prescott will have the experienced four‑year‑old Analogical in his colors.
Analogical has been a near‑miss champion, finishing second in his last two starts, narrowly beaten by a nose and a short head respectively. Dropping back in distance, the horse will be looking to convert those close calls into a long‑awaited third career win. David O'Meara’s Mao Shang Won, who was denied a hat‑trick just seventeen days ago after winning at both Newcastle and Doncaster, will be back in the saddle with Daniel Tudhope aboard.
The horse’s recent form suggests he still possesses the class to compete at this level, and a win would mark his third victory of the season. Clansman, a previous winner over the same course and distance, returns after a lengthy 208‑day spell away from the track.
The seasoned veteran will be stepping back in trip, aiming to add an eighth win to his resume. Consistency has been his hallmark, and a well‑timed run could see him back in the winner’s circle. Moon Sniper, who was unlucky not to secure a win at Southwell two starts ago, is set to make a stable debut for trainer Jessica Bedi.
A favorable handicap could see the horse bounce back strongly, especially if the pace suits his late‑running style. Completing the field are Patrol, trained by Dylan Cunha, and Roger Henry’s entry for Lizzie Quinlan, both of whom will be looking to capitalize on any opening that arises during the race.
Beyond the featured handicaps, the day’s card also includes a special tribute race: the Joan Butcher 90th Birthday Fillies’ Handicap at Lingfield, run over a mile and a half with seven fillies contesting. Sea Of Charm, trained by Georgina Nicholls, has been in solid form lately, winning three of her last five starts. Veteran jockey William Cox will be aboard for the third time in her seven career victories, bringing valuable experience to the partnership. Rose Cotton, representing Tom Clover, is another filly to watch.
She opened the year with a win on her handicap debut at Wolverhampton in January, but failed to live up to odds‑on favoritism in her most recent outing. Stepping up in distance today, she will be looking to rediscover her winning ways. 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 come into play depending on how the race unfolds. Additional meetings later in the day 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, who is seeking his first win after finishing behind Raaheeb on debut, and a 6:30 pm meeting at Newcastle where half‑sister to EBT’s Guard, Ziata, is fancied to break well from the gate.
Finally, at 7:00 pm, a 135,000 gns purchase named Gouken will make his first start after a gelding operation, adding another layer of intrigue to the Newcastle card. French racing action will also be highlighted, with events at Fontainebleau and Le Lion d’Angers providing an international flavor to the day's programme. All of these contests combine to make Monday a thrilling day for all‑weather enthusiasts, offering a blend of seasoned campaigners, emerging talents, and comeback stories that capture the unpredictable excitement of flat racing.