Monday’s racing programme promises a packed schedule, with fixtures at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton all being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the many stories to watch, Danehill Star is the headline act, eyeing a remarkable hat‑trick in the Bet £20 Get £40 Free Bets handicap at Brighton. The Tony Carroll‑trained gelding has been in scintillating form, delivering two successive wins that have catapulted him into the spotlight.
His first recent triumph came over a mile and a quarter on the flat, where he edged out his rival by a half‑length, displaying a turn of foot that hinted at his latent stamina. The follow‑up performance at Bath was even more emphatic: he surged clear, winning by more than five lengths and leaving the opposition far behind.
Such dominant displays have not escaped the attention of the handicapper, who has already increased his rating by ten pounds. The added weight makes the upcoming race a true test, but the manner of his Bath victory suggests that Danehill Star possesses the class to overcome the extra burden and complete a three‑in‑a‑row. The most immediate challenger appears to be Newfangled, a horse that captured the same race last season while carrying just one pound less.
Newfangled has hit the form window at the right moment, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his latest outing. While he may not have the raw speed of Danehill Star, his experience at the course and his proven ability to handle a slightly higher weight could make him a serious threat. Another contender worth noting is Dion Baker, a specialist over this particular track. Since his breakthrough win in late May, he has seen his rating climb by 36 pounds, now sitting at a mark of 73.
Although the rise in weight has presented a challenge, a recent two‑pound drop in the handicap has given him a glimmer of hope. If he can replicate the early‑season form that saw him dominate at this venue, he could be in contention. On The Inlet is also on the radar.
After a promising start to the season, the horse has been dropped back in class, and if he can recapture the momentum that saw him progress early in the year, he may prove competitive against the higher‑rated rivals. Turning to the Jodie Standing Point‑to‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle, Matiwo returns after a spell and is expected to be a leading figure. Last season, the juvenile hurdler impressed by winning a solid novice at Newbury and then delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran on par with some of the best juveniles in the field, including future Grade One winner Storming George.
His current form, combined with a relatively unexposed profile, places him well above his rivals, and he should be difficult to beat on his seasonal re‑appearance. Ride Like A Girl, who showed promise after wind surgery with a win in May, has not progressed since that victory. However, if he returns for his final run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him a competitive outsider.
Scott’s Legacy could be the main threat if he makes his hurdle debut, having displayed impressive ability in a March bumper at Southwell. A strong showing over fences could see him quickly become a contender. Pappano brings a high level of ability to the race, having been rated 96 on the flat and having contested this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins.
Although his two hurdling starts have not yet produced a standout performance and he raced overly keenly in his last outing, the horse still has much to prove and could surprise if he settles. In other news, the record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will take on the exciting Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes.
Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length win on debut, displaying a sharp turn of foot. He later produced a strong performance in a race that produced the Cambridgeshire fourth‑place finisher Gavriel. Unfortunately, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, becoming the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at 1‑33. Despite that setback, his pedigree is impressive: he is a brother to St Leger winner Logician and a half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee, indicating ample room for improvement.
The competition will be fierce, with Wootz having attracted attention after a six‑and‑a‑half‑length debut victory. Although Wootz hung left badly at Windsor and was edged out by Song Of The Clouds, further experience could see him continue his upward trajectory. Al Jolson, who secured a solid win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to benefit from the added distance after a promising debut in April, are also slated to feature. For those who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app offers a convenient way to receive alerts and in‑depth coverage on the go.
The race card for the day includes several notable contests: - 4.27 pm at Brighton – Royal County Glory aims for a hat‑trick. - 5.00 pm at Brighton – Macanudo seeks a third win in a row. - 1.50 pm at Newton Abbot – Depalma targets his first victory over fences for the Skeltons. - 3.00 pm at Newton Abbot – Gore Point looks to bounce back when facing last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut.
- 3.35 pm at Newton Abbot – Saint Polo hopes to rediscover form after a poor chase start, targeting a four‑win streak over hurdles. - 4.10 pm at Newton Abbot – An unexposed and progressive duel between Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme. - 5.30 pm at Wolverhampton – Majestic Flame aims to return to form after a promising debut in a hot Goodwood maiden. - 8.00 pm at Wolverhampton – Trappy contests a 0‑75 handicap.
- 8.30 pm at Wolverhampton – The Anthony Gover seeks a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick. Additionally, there is a Listed race scheduled at Bordeaux later in the day, rounding out an action‑packed itinerary for racing enthusiasts. Overall, Monday offers a rich tapestry of storylines, from Danehill Star’s quest for a historic hat‑trick to emerging novices looking to make their mark. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the day’s programme provides plenty of excitement and opportunities to witness top‑class equine talent in action.