Monday promises a packed schedule of all‑weather racing, with action coming from both Lingling 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, run over a mile and a quarter. Ten runners will line up, and among them is Charlie Clover’s five‑year‑old Harlington, who is aiming to secure a remarkable four‑race winning streak after posting a career‑best rating in his most recent outing.
Harlington’s form has been nothing short of impressive. After a promising second place on his debut in January, the horse broke his maiden in his second start and followed that up with two more victories, one of which came over today’s distance at the same track. The five‑year‑old now heads into the Lingfield contest with a perfect record of three wins in a row and a fresh boost from a new jockey, Tom Marquand, who will be riding him for the first time. Marquand’s reputation as a talented rider adds a further layer of optimism to Harlington’s chances.
The biggest challenger to Harlington’s bid for a fourth win is likely to be Neil King’s Victors Spirit. The four‑year‑old broke his maiden just nine days ago, and although that win came over a longer trip, he will be stepping down to his shortest distance at Lingfield today. The recent triumph suggests he is in good form, and the drop in distance could suit his speed. Another contender worth watching is Roger Teal’s The Hare Rail, who enters the race with a career‑low rating and is desperate for his first win.
Golden Circet, trained by Jim and Suzi Best, also presents an intriguing story; the gelding is making his first run since undergoing a wind operation, and the connections will be eager to see if he can return to his previous level. Additional horses to note include Double Red, trained by Henry Candy, and Perfect Scoundrel, ridden by Kieran Shoemark. Both have shown consistency and could exploit any lapses from the leading contenders. Beyond the headline race at Lingfield, the day continues with a six‑horse field contesting the second race at Newcastle, also a Download the At The Races App Handicap.
Veteran trainer Sir Mark Prescott will field four‑year‑old Analogical, who has been narrowly beaten in his last two starts—once by a nose and once by a short head. The horse is dropping back in distance and will be looking for a third career victory. David O’Meara’s Mao Shang Won, who missed out on a hat‑trick of wins after successes at Newcastle and Doncaster seventeen days ago, will be back in the saddle with Daniel Tudhope taking the reins.
Meanwhile, Clansman, a proven performer over this course and distance, returns after a lengthy 208‑day layoff and is targeting an eighth career win, having already shown consistent form since his return. Jessica Bedi will make her stable debut aboard Moon Sniper, a horse that was slightly unlucky at Southwell two starts back and could be well‑handicapped for a winning run.
The field is rounded out by Patrol for Dylan Cunha and Roger Henry for Lizzie Quinlan, completing the six‑runner lineup. The day’s program also includes a special tribute race: the Joan Butcher 90th Birthday Fillies’ Handicap at Lingfield, scheduled for 2:51 p.m.
over a mile and a half. Seven fillies will contest this event. Sea of Charm, trained by Georgina Nicholls, has been in solid form lately, winning three of her last five starts, and will be ridden by William Cox, who has partnered her for three of her seven career wins.
Rose Cotton, trained by Tom Clover, is another filly to watch. She opened the year with a win on her handicap debut at Wolverhampton in January but fell short of odds‑on favoritism last month.
She will be stepping up in distance today, hoping to rediscover her winning touch. Richard Hannon’s Schemaya and the last‑time‑out winner Twilight Moon also feature among the seven, each offering a different tactical angle for bettors and spectators alike. Other notable fixtures include a 2:51 p.m. meeting at Lingfield where Dyrholaey and Twilight Jet will clash, and a 3:51 p.m.
race featuring a half‑million‑guinea yearling named Behike, who is seeking his first victory after finishing behind Raaheeb on debut. At Newcastle, the 6:30 p.m.
race will see Ziata, a half‑sister to Ebt’s Guard, favored to break cleanly, while the 7:00 p.m. event will showcase Gouken, a 135,000‑guinea purchase making his first start since a gelding operation. Internationally, French action will be represented by runners from Fontainebleau and Le Lion d’Angers, adding a continental flair to the day’s program. Overall, Monday’s all‑weather card offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising prospects, and comeback stories.
Whether you are tracking Harlington’s quest for a four‑run winning streak, rooting for a horse returning from a long layoff, or simply enjoying the variety of distances and conditions, there is plenty to keep racing enthusiasts engaged throughout the day.