Monday promises a packed programme of all‑weather racing, with action slated for both Lingfield and Newcastle 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 is primed to chase a four‑race winning streak, having already set a personal best time in his most recent outing.
Harlington’s form has been nothing short of impressive. After a respectable second place on his debut for the stable in January, he went on to claim victory in his next three starts, one of which was over today’s distance at the same course. A win this afternoon would mark his fourth successive triumph and would see him improve on his career‑best rating.
Adding to his prospects is the fresh partnership with jockey Tom Marquand, who is taking the ride for the first time. Marquand’s enthusiasm and riding skill are expected to give the five‑year‑old an extra edge. The most significant challenger to Harlington’s bid may be Neil King’s Victors Spirit.
The four‑year‑old secured his maiden win just nine days ago and will be stepping down in trip to his shortest distance ever at Lingfield. Despite the limited experience, the horse’s recent breakthrough suggests he could be a genuine threat. Another contender worth watching is Roger Teal’s The Hare Rail, who is also looking for his first win after a career‑low rating, making the race a perfect opportunity for an upset.
Golden Circet, trained by Jim and Suzi Best, adds intrigue as the horse returns from a wind‑operation and is making its first start post‑procedure. The connections will be eager to see if the horse can regain form quickly. Double Red, trained by Henry Candy, and Kieran Shoemark’s Perfect Scoundrel also feature among the notable entries, each offering the potential to upset the favourite.
Beyond the headline race at Lingfield, Newcastle will host a six‑horse field for the second race of the day, also a Download The At The Races App Handicap. Sir Mark Prescott will ride four‑year‑old Analogical, a horse that has narrowly missed out on victory twice, losing by a nose and a short head respectively. Analogical is dropping back in distance in pursuit of a third career win, and the trainer hopes the change will unlock the horse’s latent speed. David O’Meara’s Mao Shang Won, who was denied a hat‑trick of wins seventeen days ago after successful outings at Newcastle and Doncaster, will be back in the saddle with Daniel Tudhope taking the reins this time.
The seasoned jockey will be looking to guide the horse to its long‑awaited third win. Meanwhile, Clansman, a previous winner over this course and distance, has been in consistent form since returning from a 208‑day lay‑off and will be stepping back in trip today, targeting an eighth career victory.
Moon Sniper, who was unlucky not to win at Southwell two starts ago, is set to make a stable debut for trainer Jessica Bedi and could be well‑handicapped. The field also includes Patrol, ridden by Dylan Cunha, and Roger Henry on behalf of Lizzie Quinlan, rounding out the six runners. In addition to the all‑weather fixtures, Lingfield will stage the Joan Butcher 90th Birthday Fillies’ Handicap over a mile and a half, featuring seven fillies. Sea Of Charm, trained by Georgina Nicholls, has been in solid form lately, winning three of her last five starts.
William Cox will be aboard for the fourth time, having guided the mare to three of her seven career wins. Rose Cotton, trained by Tom Clover, is another filly to watch; she claimed victory on her first start of the year in a handicap debut at Wolverhampton in January, but failed to live up to odds‑on expectations last month and will be stretched out in distance today. Richard Hannon’s Schemaya and the last‑time‑out winner Twilight Moon also feature among the seven, each offering the potential to surprise the betting market. The day’s schedule continues with a series of supporting races: at 2:51 pm Lingfield’s Dyrholaey will clash with Twilight Jet; at 3:51 pm a 500,000‑gns yearling named Behike will seek his maiden win after finishing behind Raaheeb on debut; at 6:30 pm Newcastle, half‑sister to Ebt’s Guard, Ziata, is fancied to break well; and at 7:00 pm Newcastle, a 135,000‑gns purchase called Gouken will make its first run following a gelding operation.
French racing action will also be highlighted, with events from Fontainebleau and Le Lion d’Angers adding an international flavor to the day’s programme. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the thrilling all‑weather season.