Brighton and Windsor are set to host the day’s racing action, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The focus this Monday will be on the Blackmore Building Contractors Handicap on the south coast, where two in‑form runners – South Shore and Nogo’s Dream – will lead the field. Jockeys’ Championship frontrunner Billy Loughnane will be aboard Nogo’s Dream, a horse whose most recent victory dates back to June of the previous year.
After that win, the gelding rebounded strongly, finishing a close second to a previously unexposed but rapidly improving rival at Sandown. The third‑placed runner in that race has since gone on to claim a convincing win, suggesting that Nogo’s Dream is poised for another competitive performance. Adding to the optimism, Richard Hughes’ charge carries five pounds less than the weight that secured its last victory, further enhancing its chances.
South Shore, meanwhile, has enjoyed a renaissance since being placed under the guidance of sprint‑training specialist Robert Cowell. Since the move from the Ruth Carr stable, the horse has posted impressive form figures of 1‑1‑2‑2, indicating a strong resurgence and making it a formidable opponent for any challenger. Merrimack, who broke his drought with a win at Newmarket, showed signs of fatigue in his most recent outing, struggling in the final stages. He typically thrives when he can dominate the pace, but with Nogo’s Dream expected to set a brisk tempo, Olivia Haines’ mount may be forced to race off its preferred rhythm, potentially limiting its effectiveness.
Em Four’s recent form has been less than encouraging, yet a drop in class should provide a welcome boost. Meanwhile, course specialists Secret Handsheikh and Kento are likely to be heavily backed, given their upward trajectories in recent races.
The headline act of the day will be the Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes in Berkshire, where the debut winner Camarda Rc will make his much‑anticipated return. This promising colt, trained by Richard Hannon and sired by the notable Masar, impressed on debut by winning by three and a half lengths. Despite being bred primarily for middle distances, Camarda Rc displayed a burst of speed that caught the eye of punters, especially as he is already entered in top‑level contests such as the Dewhurst and the Champagne Stakes. Sean Levey will take the ride, and the colt is expected to handle any pressure with aplomb.
In broader racing news, the British Horseracing Authority has expressed concern over the lack of rainfall as the jumps season approaches, warning that dry ground could affect the safety and quality of National Hunt fixtures. Other programmes on Sky Sports Racing today include live coverage from Newbury and Wolverhampton, as well as all‑weather action at Lingfield Park. International highlights feature Deauville, where Aventure broke Diamond Necklace’s unbeaten streak with a victory in the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, and York, where Rossa Ryan celebrated a ‘great’ Ebor win aboard Daiquiri Bay.
Daiquiri Bay also defended his title in a thrilling finish on the Knavesmire. Regalism could prove competitive if he improves upon his promising second‑place effort for the Marquand‑Haggas partnership, who have opted to stretch the colt out to a mile.
Among the other runners, Nakila Sun appears to be the main threat; she was unlucky not to win her maiden last time out after being forced wide and finishing strongly. The pedigrees of newcomers Aetheslstan Gold, Distant Sun, and The Sergeon may not immediately stand out, but subtle market clues could prove decisive for savvy bettors.
Seven runners will line up for the Play The Free £20,000 Matchbook Match 6 Handicap, a race known for its tricky conditions. Previous winners Tai Hang Pegasus and Raulin remain in contention despite carrying additional weight penalties of six and three pounds respectively; Tai Hang Pegasus, in particular, looks well‑placed after a relatively easy victory in his last start. Charlie Fellowes’ horse, partnered once again by jockey Paddy Bradley, is also among the least exposed entries and could offer value.
Cape Fear is beginning to find his stride, having recorded a career‑best performance at Chester earlier this month. The colt will benefit from the expertise of the in‑form Andrew Balding stable, which has a strong record of developing three‑year‑olds.
Morcar, who underperformed in his last outing, is expected to bounce back and improve his rating if he returns to form. Just An Hour has been trimmed back in weight and appears to be shaping up nicely, while Percival continues to show promise after two encouraging runs since his stable debut for Dylan Cunha, following a transfer from Andre Fabre’s yard.
Finally, Melek Alreeh’s record on all‑weather surfaces surpasses his turf performances. If he returns to the all‑weather circuit, he could make a significant impact and challenge the front‑runners. Overall, today’s card offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising stars, and intriguing handicaps, promising plenty of excitement for racing enthusiasts watching Sky Sports Racing.