Monday’s racing programme promises a full schedule, featuring meetings at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights is the quest of Danehill Star, a Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, to secure a third straight win in a handicap race at Brighton, a feat that would underline his meteoric rise in form. Danehill Star has been in the finest condition of his career, having won his previous two outings in convincing fashion. The first of those victories came over the same course and distance, where he edged out his rival by a narrow half‑length.
He then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, pulling clear by more than five lengths. Those impressive displays have not gone unnoticed by the official handicapper, who has increased his rating by ten pounds since those wins.
The added weight makes the upcoming race a true test, but the manner in which he dominated at Bath suggests he still possesses the class and stamina to overcome the extra burden and complete a hat‑trick. The most significant challenger appears to be Newfangled, who captured the same race last season while carrying just one pound less than Danehill Star will be assigned. Newfangled has hit peak form at the right moment, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent start.
If he can replicate the speed and tactical positioning that saw him succeed previously, he will be a serious threat to the favorite’s ambitions. Another contender worth watching is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled since his rating surged by 36 pounds after a winning spell at the track in late May. Despite the handicap increase, he has benefitted from a recent two‑pound drop, which could give him a marginal advantage.
On The Inlet also merits attention; if the horse can return to the form that saw it progress early in the season, a drop back in class could make it competitive in this field. Turning to the novice hurdle division, the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices' Hurdle will feature Matiwo, a promising juvenile who impressed last season with a solid win at Newbury and a brilliant fourth‑place finish in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran among the best. In that race he beat several notable rivals, including future Grade One winner Storming George. Matiwo’s current form and relatively unexposed profile place him well above his opposition, and his seasonal re‑appearance is expected to be a tough hurdle for any competitor.
Ride Like A Girl, a horse that showed promise after a wind‑surgery win in May, has not progressed since that triumph. However, if he returns for his final run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him a respectable contender, especially if the race unfolds at a suitable pace. Scott’s Legacy could emerge as the leading threat if he takes to the obstacles for the first time, having delivered an impressive victory in a bumper at Southwell in March.
His transition to hurdles will be closely watched, as a successful debut could catapult him into the spotlight. Pappano, rated 96 on the flat and a participant in this year’s Triumph Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins, has yet to show his true ability over hurdles. After two lackluster attempts and a too‑keen finish in his most recent outing, the horse still has much to prove and could be a dark horse if he settles better and taps into his flat‑racing speed.
The broader racing news continues to flow from Sky Sports Racing, offering interviews, features and the latest updates across the sport. In another intriguing storyline, record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will contest the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes against the exciting Wootz.
Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length win on debut, showcasing a sharp turn of foot. He followed that up with two subsequent victories, including a fourth‑place finish in the Cambridgeshire behind Gavriel. However, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, becoming the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at odds of 1‑33.
Najidi Storm is a full brother to St Leger champion Logician and a half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee, indicating a strong pedigree with ample room for improvement. The competition will be fierce, as Wootz, who impressed with a six‑and‑half‑length debut win, will be a formidable rival despite a recent poor run at Windsor where he hung left and was beaten by Song Of The Clouds.
With more experience under his belt, Wootz is expected to continue his upward trajectory. Other notable entries include Al Jolson, who secured a solid win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who should benefit from the extra furlong after a promising debut in April. The programme also lists several other fixtures: at Brighton, Royal County Glory aims for a hat‑trick at 4.27, while Macanudo seeks the same feat at 5.00.
At Newton Abbot, Depalma targets his first win over fences for the Skeltons at 1.50, Gore Point looks to rebound against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut at 3.00, and Saint Polo hopes to return to form after a poor chase start, targeting a four‑timer over hurdles at 3.35. The progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme will clash at 4.10. In Wolverhampton, Majestic Flame hopes to rediscover form after a promising debut in the Goodwood maiden at 5.30, while Trappy is slated for a 0‑75 handicap at 8.00, and Anthony Gover seeks a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick at 8.30.
Overall, the day’s racing offers a blend of established stars chasing historic feats and emerging talent looking to make their mark. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest stories, interviews and features through the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.