Monday’s racing schedule promises a full slate of action across three venues – Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton – all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline stories, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding Danehill Star is the focus of attention as he aims to secure a rare hat‑trick of wins in a competitive handicap race at Brighton.
Danehill Star has been in the finest form of his career, having captured his previous two starts with authority. His first recent triumph came over the same course and distance, where he edged out his rival by half a length. That victory was quickly eclipsed by a dominant performance at Bath, where he surged clear to win by more than five lengths. The impressive margin at Bath signalled that the horse possesses both speed and stamina, qualities that make him a strong contender for a third successive win.
The handicapper has taken note of his recent success, raising his rating by ten pounds following the Bath win. Even with the added weight, the manner in which Danehill Star handled the race suggests he can still dominate the field.
If he can replicate his previous displays, a hat‑trick would not only be a personal milestone but also a significant achievement in the context of Brighton’s handicap races. One of the principal challengers is Newfangled, who won this very race last season while carrying just one pound less than Danehill Star will carry today. Newfangled has hit form at the right moment, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent outing.
His experience on this track, combined with a slightly lower weight, could make him a serious threat if he finds his best rhythm. Another horse to watch is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled under a weight of 73 pounds – a rise of 36 pounds since he began his winning run at Brighton in late May. However, a recent two‑pound drop in the handicap gives him a renewed chance.
If he can return to the form that made him a favourite earlier in the season, he could be in contention, especially if he manages his energy wisely over the demanding distance. On the other side of the card, the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle features a promising juvenile hurdler, Matiwo. Last season he secured a solid win in a Newbury novice before delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran as though he belonged among the elite.
That performance saw him beat several high‑class rivals, including the subsequent Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle winner Storming George. Matiwo’s current form and relatively unexposed profile place him well above his opposition, and his seasonal reappearance should see him as a tough nut to crack. Ride Like A Girl, another contender, showed promise after undergoing wind surgery and winning in May.
Since then his progress has stalled, but a fresh run after a short break could see him become competitive, particularly if his fitness and experience improve. Scott’s Legacy could emerge as the leading threat if he steps up to hurdles for the first time. He impressed in a bumper at Southwell in March, winning convincingly, and may translate that raw talent to the obstacle course.
Pappano brings a high level of ability to the field, having been rated 96 on the flat and previously contesting Willie Mullins’ Triumph Hurdle. Although his two hurdling starts have not yet produced a standout performance and he ran too keenly in his last race, the horse still possesses plenty of untapped potential that could be realized with a more patient ride.
The racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing continue to provide fans with in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights, keeping the audience engaged throughout the weekend. In a separate story, record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm is set to face the formidable Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes.
Najidi Storm made an impressive debut, winning by half a length with a sharp turn of foot. He has since produced two more winners, including the eventual fourth‑place finisher in the Cambridgeshire, Gavriel.
However, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, becoming the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at odds of 1‑33. Despite that setback, his pedigree is strong – he is a brother to St Leger winner Logician and half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee – indicating ample room for improvement. Wootz, his rival, captured attention with a striking six‑and‑a‑half‑length victory on debut and was well‑fancied at Windsor, though he hung left badly and was unable to beat the classy Song Of The Clouds. With additional experience, Wootz is expected to continue his upward trajectory.
Other notable entries include Al Jolson, who secured a nice win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is likely to benefit from the added distance after a solid debut in April. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, the Sky Sports Racing app offers the latest racing news, interviews and features directly on mobile devices, ensuring you never miss a story. The race card continues with several other contests: at 4.27 pm in Brighton, Royal County Glory will attempt a hat‑trick; at 5.00 pm, Macanudo also seeks a third win.
In Newton Abbot, Depalma targets his first victory over fences for the Skeltons at 1.50 pm, while Gore Point looks to rebound at 3.00 pm against the recent winner Juggernaut. Saint Polo aims to return to form at 3.35 pm, seeking a four‑timer over hurdles after a poor chase start.
The 4.10 pm race pits the unexposed yet progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras against Kilnew Supreme. Wolverhampton’s 5.30 pm meeting features Majestic Flame, who hopes to rediscover form after a promising debut in a hot Goodwood maiden. Trappy will contest a 0‑75 handicap at 8.00 pm, followed by the Anthony Gover at 8.30 pm, who is chasing a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick. Finally, the program concludes with a listed race in Bordeaux, adding an international flavor to the day’s extensive racing action.