Bunyola Bay will take on Moreedd in our featured Friday showdown, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing from Doncaster. The Natural Innovations Novice Stakes at Doncaster offers the seasoned Bunyola Bay a chance to leverage his experience against a strong field. Among the contenders is the son of Ghaiyyath, trained by Richard Hannon.
The colt made an impressive debut last season, finishing third behind Needle Match at Newbury, and after his rival placed fourth in the Greenham Stakes, expectations are high that he can deliver a winning performance this time around. Also in the mix is Moreedd, a Roger Varian trainee with an impressive pedigree that includes the celebrated Benbatl. Riding for Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, Callum Rodriguez will guide the colt on his first appearance at Doncaster, and many punters will keep a close eye on his odds as he tests the track for the first time.
Completing the shortlist is Deported, rated 78 by Ollie Sangster. After three starts on all‑weather surfaces, Deported returns to turf, and his regular jockey Danny Tudhope brings a solid record at Doncaster, having finished in the top two in roughly 20% of his rides on the Town Moor over the past five years. At Chepstow, recent winners Broomfields Cave and Inflexible will clash in the Sun Trade Windows Final Pride Handicap Chase, a race that promises a fierce contest. Inflexible’s form has been inconsistent, but he demonstrated his ability over fences when he secured a 25‑1 upset at Uttoxeter last month.
Stepping up another two furlongs, he could pose a serious threat under the guidance of David Bass if he can replicate that performance. Hollie Doyle’s blog highlights Paris Babe as the top pick for her 2000 Guineas day rides and offers a preview of the Royal Ascot Trials.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports Racing’s schedule includes a French Derby face‑off between Dolmalan and Montreal at Chantilly, and a segment on flat horses to watch in 2026, featuring tips from the network’s experts. In a recent development, the 2000 Guineas entry list sees Gstaad reinstated after an administrative error by Aidan O'Brien, adding another layer of intrigue to the classic race.
Further action on the day includes a Seven Questions interview and a contest between Dyonisos and Silver Trophy at Ripon. At Sandown, Derby hopeful Raaheeb honors his family’s legacy with a polished performance in a classic trial, reinforcing his credentials as a potential classic contender. The Sky Sports Racing app promises to keep fans updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, ensuring that no important moment is missed.
Broomfields Cave, now carrying an additional four pounds, has shown steady improvement, finishing three of his last six attempts over fences with a commendable run at Wincanton. Trainer Bradley Harris, who claimed the ride after the horse’s previous victory, believes the gelding still has room to develop further in the chasing sphere. Other entries include Charles Ritz, who ran respectably in his last outing but may struggle to maintain that level, and Manothepeople, who appears to have an easier assignment compared with his recent races. Edgewell is targeting a third consecutive win in the Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap Chase at Fontwell.
Trainer Nick Scholfield, who enjoyed a standout first season, sees this race as an ideal platform for Edgewell to build on two previous Hereford victories. Although Edgewell’s rating has slipped from its peak, a strong ride from Harry Reed could see him return to form.
For those seeking alternatives, Ballynaheer presents a compelling option. The horse has proven himself over both the course and distance, winning three of his last four starts, though he will need to overcome a career‑high weight to stay competitive.
Additional contenders to watch include Sweet Nightingale and Le Galli Bier, both suited to a potentially tricky race condition, while Moonlit Potter aims to rebound after a recent unseating at Hereford. The Dunraven Windows Miss Millbrook Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow will see a tactical battle between Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. Nicholls’ entry, Quay Item, owned by Middleham Park, will line up against Henderson’s enigmatic Treasure Planet, representing the Ditcheat stable. Back on the Town Moor, the 4:35 pm Free Race Replays Novice Stakes will feature James Keane’s The Jackal, who was unlucky in his debut defeat, as he makes his second start.
He will be matched against Bucklow Hill, a horse that impressed on debut for Charlie Hills in January. The race’s recent history includes a 2024 winner, Royal Dress, who progressed to Listed and Group 3 success before finding a niche in Group 2 company at Royal Ascot. Finally, at Fontwell, Jackomy seeks a hat‑trick in the 6:20 pm KSR Lighting Handicap Hurdle, but must stay vigilant against strong rivals Calvino and Valadon. The race promises to be a test of stamina and jumping ability, with each contender looking to secure valuable points in the season’s handicap rankings.
Overall, Friday’s programme offers a rich tapestry of storylines—from seasoned veterans testing their mettle to rising stars making their mark—ensuring that racing enthusiasts have plenty to discuss and anticipate throughout the day.