Monday’s racing schedule promises a packed programme, featuring meetings at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline stories is the quest of Danehill Star, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, to secure a third win in a row, a feat that would underline his rapid rise in form. Danehill Star has been nothing short of impressive in his recent outings. He claimed his most recent victory over the same course and distance by a narrow half‑length, then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, where he won by more than five lengths.
Those two wins have earned him a ten‑pound rating increase, and the handicapper has taken notice. The manner of his Bath triumph suggests he possesses the class and stamina to add a third successive win to his record. The main challenger appears to be Newfangled, who captured the same race last season while carrying just a pound less. Newfangled has hit the ground running this year, most notably with a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his last start.
If he can replicate that form, he will be a serious threat to Danehill Star’s hat‑trick ambitions. Another contender is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled since his rating rose by 36 pounds after a winning streak that began in late May. However, a recent two‑pound drop in his handicap weight gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the early‑season momentum that saw him excel on this track, he could be in the mix.
On The Inlet also merits attention; the horse has shown promise earlier in the season and could be competitive if it steps back down in class. Turning to the novice hurdle division, the Dovecote Hurdle will feature Matiwo, returning under the guidance of Jodie Standing. Matiwo displayed considerable promise as a juvenile hurdler, winning a solid novice at Newbury and then delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran alongside the eventual Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle winner, Storming George. His current form, combined with a relatively untested profile, places him above much of the opposition, making him a strong candidate to win on his seasonal reappearance.
Ride Like A Girl, who showed potential after a wind‑surgery win in May, has not progressed since that triumph. If he returns for his final run after a brief break, his experience and fitness could make him a competitive factor, though he will need to demonstrate improvement to challenge the leading contenders. Scott’s Legacy could be the biggest surprise if he takes to hurdles for the first time. The horse impressed in a March bumper at Southwell, winning convincingly, and could translate that ability to the hurdles with a solid debut.
Pappano, a horse rated 96 on the flat, has already contested this year’s Triumph Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins. Although his two hurdling starts have not yet produced a standout performance and he raced too keenly in his most recent outing, the colt still possesses significant ability and will be eager to prove himself over obstacles. In other news, record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will face the promising Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes.
Najidi Storm made a striking debut, winning by half a length with a sharp turn of foot. He later produced two subsequent winners, including Gavriel, who later finished fourth in the Cambridgeshire. However, the horse struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, becoming the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at 1‑33.
As a brother to St Leger winner Logician and half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee, Najidi Storm still has ample room for development. Wootz, the other contender, caught the eye with a six‑and‑half‑length debut victory before being fancied at Windsor.
A tendency to hang left prevented him from overtaking the smart Song Of The Clouds, but with more experience he is expected to continue his upward trajectory. Other entries to watch include Al Jolson, who secured a solid win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who should benefit from the added distance after a respectable debut in April.
The card also lists several other notable contests: at Brighton, Royal County Glory and Macanudo each aim for a hat‑trick; at Newton Abbot, Depalma seeks his first win over fences for the Skeltons, Gore Point hopes to rebound against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut, Saint Polo looks to return to form after a poor chase start, and the progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme will clash; at Wolverhampton, Majestic Flame tries to recapture form after a promising Goodwood maiden, Trappy is slated for a 0‑75 handicap, and Anthony Gover targets a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick. Finally, Bordeaux will host a listed race later in the day.
Overall, the Monday meetings promise a blend of seasoned campaigners chasing repeat victories and emerging talent eager to make a mark. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on Sky Sports Racing’s website or mobile app, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing.