Thursday promises a packed programme of flat racing across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing from Doncaster, Newbury, Southwell and Yarmouth. The highlight at Newbury is the BetVictor Nursery Handicap, a five‑horse contest that pits recent winners Victory Gold and Waasil against each other in a clash of contrasting styles. Victory Gold, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, secured his maiden victory in a respectable novice at Lingfield, edging out Romanza. The colt now carries a live weight of 87 pounds, a favourable assignment that should give him a competitive edge in the Newbury field.
His early success suggests he possesses both speed and the ability to handle a quick pace, qualities that will be crucial in a short‑distance handicap. Across the paddock, Karl Burke’s Waasil is making his second start after breaking his maiden at Beverley last month.
The gelding relished the extra yardage on that occasion and is expected to be a serious threat under the guidance of jockey Sam James. Waasil’s recent form indicates he is improving rapidly, and the added experience should help him navigate the Newbury track’s undulating terrain. Also featuring in the Newbury race is Duke of Burgundy, a Kempton winner who will be saddled by veteran trainer Richard Hannon. The seasoned campaigner brings a touch of class to the field and could prove a useful pace‑setter.
Flying Pirate, another Hannon runner, has been gelded since his third‑place finish at Salisbury and will be looking to translate that effort into a better placing at Newbury. Further north, Doncaster will host the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes, an informative race that often highlights future stars. The event will see Dubawi‑colt Jassas make his debut for a powerful ownership group that has already produced several high‑profile performers at the track this season.
Top jockey William Buick will take the reins, and his experience should help the green colt settle into a competitive rhythm. Joining Jassas is Night Star, another Hannon‑trained horse who built on a promising first start by finishing third over the same course and distance just two weeks ago.
Night Star’s recent form suggests he is ready to step up to a better placing, and jockey Sean Levey will be eager to guide him into the frame. Among the younger prospects, 550,000‑euro yearling Lead The Squad makes his debut for trainer George Scott, with Darragh Keenan aboard.
The Sea The Stars offspring is a close relative of St Leger runner‑up Crystal Ocean, and his pedigree hints at stamina and a turn of foot that could suit the Newbury surface. The Crisfords’ stable will introduce Narrjoo, a half‑brother to UAE Prince, purchased for 200,000 guineas. Narrjoo’s bloodlines combine speed and durability, making him a horse to watch as he steps into competitive company for the first time. Yarmouth will feature the Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap, where Starfinch makes her handicap debut.
The filly has been dropped in class and should relish the opportunity to contest a race at a lower level after previously running in higher‑grade company. Harry Eustace’s filly, who won a novice at Southwell in January and later ran creditably in the Listed Spring Cup Stakes at Lingfield, will contest a race at Yarmouth after finishing ninth in a Listed field at Goodwood. The drop in class should allow her to be more competitive and perhaps secure a valuable win. Hardy’s Hero, a consistent performer who has been the beaten favourite in his last two outings, is set to run off the same weight after narrowly missing victory at Newmarket.
The horse’s recent form suggests he is still very much in contention and could bounce back with a winning effort. Rounding out the Newbury field are Caviar Cowboy and Three Non Blondes, both of which add depth and intrigue to what promises to be an exciting handicap.
Their connections will be hoping to capitalize on the relatively light weights and the tactical opportunities presented by a small, five‑horse field. In addition to the main events, the programme includes several noteworthy races: at 2:40 a.m. (Doncaster) Round The Table, who impressed at Ffos Las, looks above average and could be a surprise factor; at 3:10 a.m. (Doncaster) Jumeirah Storm will make a nursery debut and is expected to be well‑supported; at 6:30 a.m.
(Newbury) Frankel‑filly Lorraine will start her career, bringing a strong female line linked to Publish and Arizona; at 5:04 a.m. (Yarmouth) Anchiano aims to repeat a previous course‑and‑distance triumph; at 8:34 a.m. (Yarmouth) a solid Class Five featuring Roi De Coeur and Celtic Chariot will seek another win; at 4:53 a.m. (Southwell) previous winners Dannick and Gunfighter will clash; at 4:13 a.m.
(Vichy) Grand Baigneuse will be a popular choice for the Graffard team in a Listed contest; and finally at 11:06 a.m. (Mont De Marsan) Amy Murphy will ride Noble Approach. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories by downloading the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action across the UK and beyond.