Wolverhampton will dominate the spotlight on Thursday evening as Sky Sports Racing broadcasts eight all‑weather contests from the venue. The highlight of the program comes from two fresh faces, Pyramid and Bintward, who will front a high‑class lineup of eight runners in the attheraces.com/marketmovers Maiden Stakes. Pyramid, a colt owned by the Juddmonte stable, boasts an impressive lineage that includes notable relatives such as Fingerpoint and Set Piece.
Trained by the successful Gosden brothers, John and Thady, who have been in scorching form of late, the young horse is expected to be strongly placed under the guidance of jockey Rab Havlin. His pedigree and recent training reports suggest he could be a serious contender for the win.
Bintward, purchased for a staggering €780,000 at the Deauville Arqana yearling sale, has been given ample time to develop by her trainer Roger Varian. She is out of the prolific mare Night Of Thunder and will be partnered with the talented Sean Dylan Bowen.
The combination of a top‑class breeding background, a patient training program, and a skilled rider makes Bintward a horse to watch closely in the race. Among the remaining entrants, Chimes Of Thunder is considered the most experienced on a racecourse, and her connections hope that the 76‑rated filly trained by William Haggas will translate that experience to the synthetic surface. Another notable name is Walking On Stars, a filly out of the legendary Sea The Stars, who failed to make an impact on her debut and will be looking to improve. The open EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes, also sponsored by attheraces.com, will feature twelve runners, including Angel Sense and Supreme Star.
Angel Sense, trained by Marco Botti, finished in the top three in his first three outings before a heavy defeat as the favourite at Newbury. If he can recover his confidence, he may be in the mix again. Supreme Star, a stablemate of Angel Sense, impressed on his debut with a second‑place finish at Nottingham and now carries form that could see him challenge for a place.
His recent improvement suggests he could be a genuine threat. Elsewhere in the racing news, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, while veteran jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list. In Derby preparations, Benvenuto Cellini leads a quartet of Aidan O'Brien’s runners for the Epsom Classic, and Kevin Blake of At The Races has released his picks for Derby day.
A separate story notes former jockey Levi Williams being jailed for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a pub‑side altercation. Trainer Andrew Balding expressed confidence in Item’s stamina ahead of the Epsom Derby, emphasizing the colt’s ability to stay the distance. Meanwhile, Supreme Star, having shown marked progress in his debut, is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming contests. Fresh from a Group Two victory earlier in the week, Kaiya Fraser will be aiming to add more laurels, while Location Location – who finished a close second at Thirsk in his last outing – will be a horse to fear.
Archie Watson’s Ouragan, who performed well at Newbury on the final day of that meeting, could also feature prominently if she adapts well to the tapeta surface. Across the Atlantic, the Grade Two Glens Falls Stakes at Saratoga will showcase a clash between former European campaigners Gezora and Survie.
Gezora enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing the Prix de Diane and the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. However, since relocating to the United States she has yet to win, finishing second in the Modesty Stakes at Churchill Downs and being well beaten in the New York Stakes. Trainer Bill Mott will be eager for her to rediscover her best form.
Survie, a five‑year‑old owned by George Boughey, has amassed over £700,000 in earnings from eighteen starts. She has shown consistency in recent outings at Newmarket and Royal Ascot, and the 12‑furlong test at Saratoga could suit her stamina and class. Rounding out the day’s action, previous winners Massarat and Dona Clota will each be offered as each‑way bets in a competitive heat, providing punters with further opportunities for value. Overall, Thursday’s Wolverhampton card promises a blend of emerging talent, seasoned campaigners, and international intrigue, all delivered live on Sky Sports Racing for racing enthusiasts worldwide.