Thursday promises a packed schedule of flat racing across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing featuring action 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 will lead a small but competitive field of five runners.
Victory Gold, trained by the renowned Saeed bin Suroor, has already marked his first career victory by edging out Romanza in a modest novice race at Lingfield. The colt entered that contest with an opening rating of 87 and has since been listed as a live player, indicating that his form is being closely watched by punters and analysts alike. His performance at Lingfield showed a blend of stamina and turn of foot that suggests he could thrive over the longer distance offered at Newbury.
On the other side of the gate sits Waasil, a product of Karl Burke’s stable, who broke his maiden on his second start at Beverley last month. The filly demonstrated a clear affinity for the extra yardage, a trait that could prove decisive when she faces the seasoned Victory Gold under the guidance of Sam James. Waasil’s rapid improvement has made her a contender to be feared, especially given her recent win over a comparable field.
Also featuring in the Newbury race is Duke Of Burgundy, a Kempton victor saddled by veteran trainer Richard Hannon. The horse’s previous success over a similar distance adds depth to the field and provides a solid benchmark for the younger runners. Flying Pirate, another Hannon trainee, has been gelded since his third‑place finish at Salisbury, and his connections hope the change will sharpen his focus and improve his finishing kick.
Further down the card, Doncaster will host the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes, an informative race that showcases emerging talent. The field includes Night Star, a promising colt from the Hannon yard, and Jassas, a Dubawi‑sired youngster making his debut for a powerful ownership group that has already produced several high‑profile performers this season.
William Buick will take the reins on Jassas, and expectations are high that he will be in contention for a close finish. Night Star has already shown a knack for improving quickly.
After a respectable third‑place effort over the same course and distance just two weeks ago, the colt is expected to be placed under the experienced guidance of Sean Levey. His recent form suggests he is on an upward trajectory and could be a strong factor in the race’s outcome. A notable yearling making its first appearance is Lead The Squad, a 550,000‑euro purchase for trainer George Scott and jockey Darragh Keenan.
The colt is a son of Sea The Stars and is closely related to St Leger runner‑up Crystal Ocean, giving him a pedigree that hints at both speed and stamina. Betting markets are already taking note of his potential, and many will be watching his debut closely. The Crisfords’ stable introduces a fresh face in Narrjoo, a half‑brother to the UAE Prince and acquired for 200,000 guineas.
The purchase reflects the owners’ confidence in his breeding and the promise he may show on the track, adding another layer of intrigue to the day’s lineup. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app offers a convenient way to access all the content on the go. The platform also promotes the Raceday Ready App, a tool designed to help viewers track races, odds and results in real time. At Yarmouth, the Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap will see Starfinch make her handicap debut, aiming to lower her official rating and compete more effectively against the field.
Meanwhile, Harry Eustace’s filly, who captured a novice win at Southwell in January and later contested the Listed Spring Cup Stakes at Lingfield, will be stepping down in class at Goodwood. Her previous effort in listed company left her ninth of nine, and the drop in grade should give her a better chance to showcase her ability.
Hardy’s Hero, a consistent performer who has been the beaten favourite in his last two outings, is expected to bounce back strongly. After narrowly missing victory by a head at Newmarket, he will line up again with the same starting mark, offering a familiar platform from which to launch a winning effort. Rounding out the Newbury field are Caviar Cowboy and Three Non Blondes, both of whom add depth and variety to the race.
Their presence ensures that the contest will be lively and unpredictable, providing ample excitement for spectators. Additional racecards for the day include: - 2.40 Doncaster – Round The Table, who impressed at Ffos Las and appears to be above average.
- 3.10 Doncaster – Jumeirah Storm, a promising runner making his nursery debut. - 6.30 Newbury – Frankel‑filly Lorraine, making her first start and related to Publish and Arizona. - 5.04 Yarmouth – Anchiano, looking to repeat a previous course‑and‑distance triumph.
- 8.34 Yarmouth – A solid Class Five where Roi De Coeur and Celtic Chariot will vie for another win. - 4.53 Southwell – Former winners Dannick and Gunfighter will clash.
- 4.13 Vichy – A Listed race featuring Grand Baigneuse, a popular choice for the Graffard team. - 11.06 Mont De Marsan – Noble Approach, saddled by Amy Murphy.
Overall, Thursday’s racing program offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, emerging juveniles and intriguing newcomers, ensuring a day full of tactical battles, potential upsets and memorable performances for racing enthusiasts worldwide.