Monday promises a packed racing programme, with fixtures at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton all being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The headline act at Brighton is the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding Danehill Star, who is eyeing a remarkable hat‑trick after two impressive wins in his recent outings.
Danehill Star has been in peak form, securing victory in his last two starts. He first won over the same course and distance by a narrow half‑length, then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, where he surged clear by more than five lengths. Those wins have not gone unnoticed by the handicappers – the horse has been assigned an additional ten pounds since his Bath triumph.
Nevertheless, the manner of that victory suggests he still possesses the class to overcome the extra weight and complete a three‑in‑a‑row. Among his rivals, Newfangled perhaps poses the most credible threat. The same horse won this particular race last season while carrying just a pound less than the current mark. Newfangled has hit the right form at the right time, having produced a solid third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent run.
This recent performance indicates he is still improving and could challenge Danehill Star for the top spot. Course specialist Dion Baker, who has been struggling from a rating of 73 after a 36‑pound increase since his winning spell at the track in late May, remains a contender.
A recent two‑pound drop in his handicap gives him a slightly better chance, and if he can replicate his early‑season form, he may be able to stay in the mix. On The Inlet also looks competitive, provided he can return to the class level that saw him progress early in the season.
A drop back in class could see him regain confidence and challenge the leaders. Turning to the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices' Hurdle, the four‑year‑old Matiwo re‑emerges after a spell. Last season he showed great promise, winning a respectable novice at Newbury and then delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran on par with the race’s best.
On that day he beat several high‑quality rivals, including Storming George, who later claimed the Grade One Top Novices' Hurdle. Matiwo’s current form, combined with a relatively unexposed profile, places him well above his opposition and makes him a strong candidate to win on his seasonal return.
Ride Like A Girl, who impressed after a wind‑surgery win in May, has not progressed since that victory. If he lines up for his next run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him a useful place‑getter, though he may struggle to challenge for the win. Scott's Legacy could become the main threat if he takes to hurdles for the first time. The gelding impressed in a March bumper at Southwell, winning convincingly, and may translate that form to the obstacles.
Pappano carries a lot of ability, having been rated 96 on the flat and contesting this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins. However, his two hurdling starts have been underwhelming and he raced too keenly on his last outing, leaving plenty of room for improvement. In other news, record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm returns to face the exciting sprinter Wootz in the Novice Stakes at the At The Races App. Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length win on debut, showing a sharp turn of foot.
He followed that up with two subsequent wins, including a fourth‑place finish in the Cambridgeshire behind Gavriel. At Goodwood he struggled in heavy ground and became the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at 1‑33. He is a half‑brother to St Leger winner Logician and to the talented Okeechobee, suggesting a strong genetic base and ample scope for further development. The competition will be stiff, with Wootz having impressed on debut with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length victory before a less convincing run at Windsor where he hung left and was beaten by Song Of The Clouds.
More experience could see Wootz continue his upward trajectory. Al Jolson, who won comfortably on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to improve with the added distance after a solid debut in April, also feature in the field. For those tracking the day's action, here are the key fixtures and odds: - 4.27 pm Brighton – Royal County Glory seeks a third win. - 5.00 pm Brighton – Macanudo aims for a hat‑trick.
- 1.50 pm Newton Abbot – Depalma targets his first fence win for the Skeltons. - 3.00 pm Newton Abbot – Gore Point looks to bounce back against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut. - 3.35 pm Newton Abbot – Saint Polo hopes to return to form after a poor chase start, targeting a fourth win over hurdles. - 4.10 pm Newton Abbot – An unexposed, progressive duel between Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme.
- 5.30 pm Wolverhampton – Majestic Flame aims to regain form after a promising debut in the hot Goodwood maiden. - 8.00 pm Wolverhampton – Trappy in a 0‑75 handicap. - 8.30 pm Wolverhampton – The Anthony Gover pursues a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick.
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