All attention will converge on Windsor at 6:50 p.m. as Castlemont, the full brother of Bay Bridge, makes his first start under the Godolphin blue for trainer Charlie Appleby. This evening marks the official unveiling of Castlemont in the Join Fitzdares For A Personal Service Maiden Stakes, a race that will give the colt his inaugural test on the track. Castlemont is a gelded colt out of New Bay, purchased as a yearling for 375,000 guineas—a price that reflects the strength of his pedigree.
His older brother Bay Bridge reached a career peak rating of 122 and capped his 2022 campaign with a stunning victory over the legendary Baaeed in the Champion Stakes. If Castlemont inherits even a fraction of his sibling’s ability, he could quickly become a top‑class performer for the Godolphin operation. Joining the field is Lava Stream’s half‑brother Treble Bass, also making his debut for Appleby.
Treble Bass carries the second‑string Godolphin silks and will be ridden by Ray Dawson. Like Castlemont, he is a gelded son of the great Sea The Stars, adding further depth to the Godolphin contingent. Among the more experienced runners, Lord d’Or stands out.
The horse finished a credible second behind Wood Ditton winner Portcullis at York in May, establishing a solid form line that makes him a contender in the betting markets. Another horse to watch is the Amo Racing‑owned filly Cool Girl.
This Pinatubo‑bred mare, bought for €100,000, will be partnered with the in‑form jockey David Egan for trainer Charlie Johnston, offering a blend of youthful promise and proven talent. The card also features several notable meetings elsewhere.
In the Listed Prix Frédéric de Lagrange at Vichy, Saint Martin and Lady Mara will clash. Saint Martin arrives with three wins from seven starts, all recorded this year, including a Listed triumph in the Prix Francois after two victories at Cagnes‑Sur‑Mer. Lady Mara, representing the Graffard stable, will be ridden by Mickaël Barzalona after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Premio Oaks d'Italia Tattersalls at San Siro, where she edged out Andrew Balding’s Prizeland (rated 94). Other headlines from the racing world include: - Hollie Doyle’s expectation that Thunder Call will feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
- Jamie Lynch’s five‑horse entry for the Shergar Cup, highlighting the international flavor of the event. - Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
- Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. - Legendary jockey Ryan Moore receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
- Benvenuto Cellini leading a four‑horse Aidan O’Brien team for the Epsom Classic Derby. Back at Windsor, Yann Barberot will mount the unbeaten gelding Mazzala, who debuted with a win at Saint‑Cloud and followed up with a second victory at Lyon. Mazzala, a son of Frankel, commands respect under the skillful ride of Maxime Guyon, whose tactical acumen could prove decisive. The British Stallion Studs EBF Support The Big Bear Voyage Fillies’ Handicap will feature Sunshine Star, an exciting three‑year‑old filly owned by the Gosdens and Lady Bamford.
A half‑sister to Oaks winner Soul Sister, Sunshine Star was originally entered in the Ribblesdale but was withdrawn, suggesting her connections hold her in high regard. After an 8/11 favourite win in a novice at Sandown in April, she was narrowly beaten by the talented Felicitas, then placed a close second in the Musidora.
Dropping in class, she rebounded with a dominant performance at Lingfield in early June and should be a strong contender with another month of preparation behind her. Capichera, another promising contender, captured her first victory at Pontefract last month. She displayed solid form behind So Regal at Newmarket on her seasonal debut and appears poised to improve further today.
In the opening A1R Services Ltd Nursery Handicap at 5:50 p.m., previous winners Arabica Queen and Theheatison are key players, having demonstrated winning form in recent outings. El Lambo, who struggled on the soft ground at Epsom’s Oaks day, is expected to benefit from a firmer surface this time around. Later on the card, the Fitzdares Sprint Series Handicap at 7:20 p.m.
will see eight‑time course scorer Lequinto contend with a five‑pound weight increase after a recent surge in form. Amazonian Dream, having been a consistent runner‑up, may finally break through now that the handicapper has not penalised her for back‑to‑back second places. These races, together with the broader racing news, interviews, and features available on Sky Sports Racing, illustrate the depth and excitement of the current flat‑racing season.
Whether you are tracking the debut of a promising Godolphin colt, following seasoned veterans, or keeping an eye on emerging fillies, the day's programme offers a rich tapestry of stories and potential breakthroughs for enthusiasts and bettors alike.