Raaheeb, the Shadwell‑owned thoroughbred, is set to make his return to the racecourse on Monday afternoon, with the action being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The elegant colt is looking to pick up where he left off in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Winter Hill Stakes, hoping to continue his upward trajectory. A half‑brother to elite performers such as Baaeed and Hukum, Raaheeb began his career on a high note, securing a pleasing victory as a two‑year‑old before delivering a commanding performance in the Classic Trial at Sandown. He later proved his class by finishing a respectable fourth in the Irish Derby, where he travelled strongly and appeared to be a genuine contender before tiring in the closing stages under jockey Rossa Ryan.
His connections have deliberately allowed Raaheeb extra time to develop both physically and mentally, a strategy that could pay dividends when he returns to the track. Even if he carries a penalty, the colt should prove difficult to beat in a race that is expected to be relatively straightforward.
Also featuring in the meeting is Venetian Prince, a product of the in‑form Andrew Balding stable, who captured the Italian Derby back in June. However, his recent run in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot was disappointing, as he was outpaced over three furlongs.
Riding for Jason Watson, Venetian Prince will need to shake off that sub‑par performance if he hopes to make an impact. On the other side of the card, Maho Bay delivered a creditable effort at the Royal meeting, though his connections may feel unlucky after encountering trouble in the home straight.
The horse remains largely untested at this level and could pose a serious threat if given a clear run. Sky Sports Racing continues to bring the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and feature stories to its audience, ensuring fans stay up‑to‑date with everything happening in the sport. Two other runners, Crest Of Fire and Harmonics, have been making steady progress through handicap company, but would need to make a substantial leap in class to compete for a win at the graded level. Francis‑Henri Graffard recently sat down to discuss the stars in his stable, offering insights into their training regimes and future targets.
Meanwhile, Friendly Soul is aiming to strike a major blow in the prestigious Prix Vermeille, and Daryz is using a dominant performance in the Prix Foy as a springboard toward the Arc. The racing round‑up also highlighted Saddadd’s breakthrough in Group One company and Erdenali’s triumph at the top level in the Prix du Moulin.
Over at Haydock, Almeraq delivered a spectacular Sprint Cup victory for trainer Mark Haggas. In the hurdle division, the improving pair of Arctic Voyage and Edelak are set to contest a tactical Par Inn Handicap Hurdle.
Edelak, who returned to winning ways at Stratford in July after a fall in his penultimate start, has now claimed four of his last five races, often doing so with ease. A brief spell after a busy spell should see him target a career‑best performance. Arctic Voyage has taken to hurdling exceptionally well since moving to the Michael Blake yard, winning three of his last four outings and showing a particularly strong finish in his most recent run.
War Correspondent, back over hurdles after a mixed preparation that included two lackluster fence runs, may struggle, leaving Ellerton as the primary challenger after a encouraging win following a breathing operation. The progressive filly Brunhilde is stepping up in distance in the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap. Trained by George Boughey, she has improved with each start since her debut in May, and her patience was rewarded with a five‑length victory at Lingfield.
Closely related to Godolphin’s listed winner Ghostwatch, the step up to one mile and six furlongs should see her continue to develop. Last Verse also posted a strong win at Lingfield in his most recent start, remaining relatively unexposed and well‑placed on the handicap scale. Level Look, after a promising second place at Chester, should be able to build on that form despite being disadvantaged when caught too far back at the Shergar Cup last month.
Robusto, who won his last outing, remains a competitive option, though his higher all‑weather rating may limit his handicap prospects compared with less‑exposed rivals. Overall, the Monday card offers a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, each with distinct storylines and ambitions.
Raaheeb’s return will be closely watched, as his pedigree and early promise suggest he could quickly re‑establish himself as a force in the Winter Hill Stakes. Meanwhile, the broader programme showcases the depth of the current racing landscape, from classic‑distance colts to sprinters, hurdlers and promising fillies, all aiming to make their mark on a day filled with high‑stakes competition and compelling narratives for racing enthusiasts.