The Thursday card promises a full day of flat racing across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing bringing the action from Doncaster, Newbury, Southwell and Yarmouth straight to viewers. The highlight of the day will be the BetVictor Nursery Handicap at Newbury, where recent winners Victory Gold and Waasil will lead a modest field of five runners, creating a compelling showdown for punters and racing fans alike. Victory Gold, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, secured his first career win in a respectable novice race at Lingfield, edging out Romanza.
The colt has been assigned a live weight of 87 pounds for the Newbury contest, reflecting his improving form and the confidence his connections have in his ability to compete at a higher level. His victory at Lingfield demonstrated both stamina and a turn of foot, qualities that should serve him well over the nursery distance.
In the opposite corner, Karl Burke’s Waasil will be making his second start after a successful debut at Beverley last month, where he won comfortably over an extended trip. The filly relished the extra yardage and showed a strong finishing kick, attributes that will be crucial under the guidance of jockey Sam James. Waasil’s early promise makes her a serious threat to Victory Gold, and the race could come down to which horse can best handle the Newbury course’s undulating terrain.
Other notable entries in the Newbury field include a horse from Richard Hannon’s stable, the Kempton winner Duke of Burgundy, who adds experience and a proven track record to the mix. Flying Pirate, who was gelded after finishing third at Salisbury in his most recent outing, will also be looking to improve his form and make an impact. Beyond Newbury, Doncaster will host the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes, a race that offers a valuable stepping stone for young talent. The field features Night Star and Jassas, both of which have shown promise in recent outings.
Jassas, a Dubawi colt, makes his debut for a powerful ownership group that has already produced several high‑class performers at the track this year. With William Buick aboard, expectations are high that Jassas will be placed close to the leaders, if not contend for the win.
Night Star, trained by Richard Hannon, builds on a solid debut where he finished third over a longer distance just two weeks ago. The colt’s recent form suggests he is ready to step up under the riding of Sean Levey, and his connections will be keen to see him continue his upward trajectory. The day also features a high‑priced yearling, Lead The Squad, a 550,000‑euro purchase for trainer George Scott and jockey Darragh Keenan. This Sea The Stars colt is related to St Leger runner‑up Crystal Ocean, adding pedigree intrigue to his debut.
Market observers will be watching his performance closely, as a strong showing could justify his hefty price tag. A fresh face for the Crisfords’ operation, Narrjoo, entered for 200,000 guineas, is a half‑sibling to UAE Prince and carries a respectable bloodline. While untested at this level, his pedigree suggests he could be a dark horse in the race.
The program also highlights a series of handicap and novice races across the smaller venues. At Yarmouth, Starfinch will make her handicap debut in the Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap, stepping down in class after a modest showing at Goodwood. Harry Eustace’s filly, who won a Southwell novice in January and then contested the Listed Spring Cup Stakes at Lingfield, will aim to regain confidence at the lower grade.
Hardy’s Hero, a consistent performer who has been the beaten favourite in his last two outings, will be given another chance to turn the tables. Running off the same mark after a narrow head defeat at Newmarket, he is expected to be competitive once more. Rounding out the Newbury field are Caviar Cowboy and Three Non Blondes, both of whom add depth and unpredictability to what is already an engaging contest.
In addition to the main events, the schedule includes several other noteworthy races. At Doncaster, Round The Table, who impressed at Ffos Las, looks above average for his class and could be a valuable each‑way proposition.
Jumeirah Storm will make her nursery debut, offering another option for bettors seeking fresh talent. Newbury also sees the debut of Lorraine, a Frankel filly related to Publish and Arizona, promising a glimpse of future class. At Yarmouth, Anchiano will attempt to replicate his previous course‑and‑distance success, while a solid Class Five field featuring Roi De Coeur and Celtic Chariot will vie for another victory.
Southwell’s meeting will showcase a clash between recent winners Dannick and Gunfighter, providing a test of form for both horses. In Vichy, the Listed race will feature Grand Baigneuse, who is expected to be a popular choice among the Graffard team’s supporters.
Finally, at Mont De Marsan, Amy Murphy will saddle Noble Approach, adding another layer of intrigue to the day's racing tapestry. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices.
The network’s comprehensive coverage ensures that every twist and turn of the day’s action is captured, allowing enthusiasts to follow their favorite horses, jockeys, and trainers from start to finish. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual viewer, Thursday’s schedule offers a rich variety of races that cater to all tastes.
From high‑profile handicaps featuring proven winners to promising novices making their first steps, the day promises excitement, drama, and the occasional upset. Tune in to Sky Sports Racing for live commentary, expert analysis, and all the insights you need to make the most of the day’s racing spectacle.