Thursday promises a packed schedule of flat racing across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing from Doncaster, Newbury, Southwell and Yarmouth. The highlight of the day is the BetVictor Nursery Handicap at Newbury, where recent winners Victory Gold and Waasil head a modest field of five runners.
Victory Gold, trained by the renowned Saeed bin Suroor, secured his first career victory in a respectable novice race at Lingfield, edging out Romanza. The colt entered the Newbury contest with a live rating of 87, making him a strong contender in the handicap.
His early success suggests he has the stamina and turn of foot needed to handle the mile distance and the softer going often encountered at Newbury in early spring. In the opposite corner, Karl Burke’s Waasil is looking to improve on his second‑place effort at Beverley last month. The gelding showed a clear affinity for the extra yardage and should be a serious threat under the guidance of jockey Sam James. Both horses have demonstrated the ability to settle well in the early stages and then accelerate when the finish approaches, setting up an intriguing tactical battle.
Also featuring in the Newbury field is Duke of Burgundy, a Kempton winner placed in the saddle by Richard Hannon. The horse has shown consistency over middle distances and could provide a useful pace‑setter for the leaders. Flying Pirate, another Hannon runner, has been gelded since his third‑place finish at Salisbury and is expected to benefit from the added focus that often accompanies a gelding’s career.
Further north at Doncaster, the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes will showcase two promising juveniles: Night Star and Jassas. Jassas, a Dubawi colt, makes his debut for a powerful ownership group that has already produced several high‑class performers this season. With William Buick aboard, the connections anticipate a close finish, and the race should serve as a valuable stepping stone for the colt’s development. Night Star, trained by Richard Hannon, builds on a solid first start where he finished third over the same course and distance just two weeks ago.
The filly’s recent form suggests she will be placed well under Sean Levey, who has a good record with juvenile fillies. The race will also feature Lead The Squad, a 550,000‑euro yearling from George Scott’s yard.
This Sea The Stars offspring is closely related to St Leger runner‑up Crystal Ocean, adding pedigree intrigue to the betting market. The Crisfords’ have introduced a fresh face in Narrjoo, a half‑brother to the UAE Prince. Purchased for 200,000 gns, Narrjoo brings a strong bloodline and the potential to become a future stakes performer.
His debut will be closely watched by punters looking for value in a field that also includes seasoned campaigners. At Yarmouth, Starfinch makes her handicap debut in the Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap.
The filly, who previously ran a Southwell novice in January and then contested the Listed Spring Cup Stakes at Lingfield, is expected to relish the drop in class after a modest ninth‑place finish in a Listed race at Goodwood. Hardy’s Hero, a consistent performer who has been a beaten favourite in his last two outings, is likely to be a strong contender again.
He will start from the same mark as his previous race, having been narrowly beaten by a head at Newmarket. The horse’s ability to stay on strongly in the final furlongs makes him a reliable pick for those seeking a place finish.
Rounding out the Newbury field are Caviar Cowboy and Three Non Blondes, both of which add depth and variety to the race. Their inclusion ensures a competitive finish and provides additional betting options for the audience.
Beyond the headline race, the day’s card includes several noteworthy contests. At Doncaster, Round The Table, who impressed at Ffos Las, will start at 2.40 and is considered above average for the level. Jumeirah Storm, a promising juvenile, debuts in a nursery race at 3.10 and is expected to attract attention. At Newbury, Frankel‑filly Lorraine makes her first start at 6.30.
She is related to the successful sprinter Publish and the versatile Arizona, suggesting she could inherit a blend of speed and stamina. The Yarmouth card features Anchiano at 5.04, aiming to replicate his previous course‑and‑distance success, while Decent Class Five at 8.34 sees Roi De Coeur and Celtic Chariot vying for another win. Southwell’s 4.53 race pits recent winners Dannick and Gunfighter against each other, promising a thrilling sprint. In Vichy, the Listed race at 4.13 will see Grand Baigneuse, a popular choice for the Graffard team, looking to add a black‑type victory to his record.
Finally, at Mont De Marsan, Amy Murphy saddles Noble Approach at 11.06, rounding out a day that offers a blend of emerging talent, seasoned campaigners, and exciting handicaps across the British flat racing circuit. Racing enthusiasts can stay up to date with the latest news, interviews, and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices. The network’s dedicated app provides real‑time updates, race replays, and expert analysis, ensuring fans never miss a beat of the action.