Catch every moment of today’s racing from Chepstow, Lingfield and Wolverhampton, streamed live on Sky Sports Racing. The day’s highlight features a clash between two promising two‑year‑olds, Grove Street and Avionics, in the Bailey Family Investments / EBF Maiden Stakes.
Grove Street, trained by Brian Meehan, made an impressive debut last month at Sandown, where he was narrowly beaten by Quest For Stars. That rival has since stepped up, winning a solid edition of the Stonehenge Stakes, while the fourth‑placed King High captured a nice novice at Newbury.
Given the quality of that company, Grove Street is likely to face a stern test today, but Avionics could still give him a run for his money. Avionics, a Andrew Balding runner, showed a marked improvement when he produced a respectable effort at Salisbury before a disappointing run at Ffos Las, where he appeared too free in the closing stages.
If he can settle his pace this afternoon, he may well be able to challenge the favourite. Also worth watching is the Wootton Bassett‑bred filly La Bassette, who was given a patient ride in a solid race at Glorious Goodwood and still possesses ample room for improvement.
Among the other entrants, newcomer Talamon, owned by George Boughey, is a half‑sibling to Grade 1 winner Fev Rover and could make a promising debut if he is ready to go. In the Free Tips on attheraces.com Handicap, the ever‑reliable My Old Mate is targeting a third consecutive win.
Since the removal of headgear, the horse has shown steady progression under the guidance of Gary and Josh Moore, including two easy victories on the bounce at Windsor. Although he now carries an extra 11 pounds as a result of those wins, his recent performances suggest he will still finish well ahead of the handicapper’s expectations. Jockey Jude Fernandes, with a 7‑pound claim, could be the decisive factor, as the horse has shown a clear affinity for the one‑mile distance.
Across the Channel, Deauville delivered drama when Aventure snapped Diamond Necklace’s unbeaten streak in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet. The French racing scene continues to buzz with headlines such as Defiantly being earmarked for a Melbourne Cup campaign after a victory in Deauville, and Rossa Ryan celebrating a "great" Ebor win aboard Daiquiri Bay at York. Daiquiri Bay himself defended his title against strong opposition, while Notable Speech shone in the City of York Stakes for trainer Charlie Appleby.
Sky Sports Racing expert Kevin Blake also offered his picks for the fourth day of the Ebor Festival, highlighting three strong selections. Back at Lingfield, the only other form‑shaped runner is Henfield, who finished strongly, only a short head behind the leader, and could provide the main challenge to the leading contenders.
Meanwhile, the relatively untested Perfect Ruler may produce a career‑best effort; his previous outing at Redcar in May was hampered by trouble in the final furlong, leaving untapped potential. Turning to Wolverhampton, the Visit Wolverhampton‑racecourse.co.uk To Book Now Handicap is headlined by Percy’s Lad and Spaceman. Percy’s Lad rebounded to winning form after capitalising on a low weight at Kempton last week and should be well‑placed again, especially since he is only five pounds above his career‑low rating. Spaceman, the least exposed of the field, impressed with a victory at Dunstall Park and a credible run on his handicap debut.
He is expected to continue his upward trajectory and could trouble the stable of trainer Fahey. Inside Story posted a career‑best performance in his most recent start, finishing a close second over the course and distance. Haadeer also retains significant upside, having produced a respectable third at Doncaster and showing the capacity to improve as the season progresses. Overall, today’s card offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising juveniles, and seasoned handicappers, each with a story to tell.
Whether you are a fan of seasoned veterans like My Old Mate, a lover of youthful potential such as Grove Street and Avionics, or simply enjoy the excitement of a tightly contested handicap, there is plenty to keep you glued to the screen. Tune in to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and the inevitable twists that make horse racing such a captivating sport.