Monday’s racing programme promises a full slate of action across three venues – 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 Bet £20 Get £40 free‑bet handicap at Brighton. Danehill Star has been in scintillating form lately, having won his previous two outings. The first of those victories came over a mile and a half at the same course, where he edged the runner‑up by half a length.
He then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, pulling away by more than five lengths. Those impressive displays have not gone unnoticed by the handicapper, who has raised his rating by ten pounds since those wins. The way he won at Bath, in particular, suggests he possesses the class and stamina to cap off a hat‑trick of victories. The main challenger appears to be Newfangled, who captured the same race last season while carrying just a pound less.
Newfangled has hit the mark at the right moment, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent run. His recent form makes him a genuine threat to Danehill Star’s ambitions. Another contender worth watching is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled since his rating climbed to 73 – a 36‑point increase from when he first broke his maiden at the track in late May.
However, a recent drop of two pounds in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the early‑season form that saw him excel in lower classes, he could be competitive. On the same card, the Dovecote Hurdle will feature the returning juvenile hurdler Matiwo in the Jodie Standing’s Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle. Matiwo impressed last season with a solid win in a Newbury novice and a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran among the leaders and beat future Grade One winner Storming George.
His current form, combined with a relatively unexposed profile, places him well above the rest of the field, making him a tough nut to crack on his seasonal comeback. Ride Like A Girl, who showed promise after a wind‑surgery win in May, has not progressed since that victory. If he returns for his next run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him a competitive outsider. Scott’s Legacy could become the leading threat if he takes to hurdles for the first time, having delivered an impressive win in a Southwell bumper in March.
His transition to obstacles will be closely watched. Pappano brings a high level of ability to the race, having been rated 96 on the flat and previously contesting Willie Mullins’ Triumph Hurdle. Though his two hurdling starts have not yet shown his true potential and he raced too keenly last time out, he still has plenty to prove and could surprise the field.
The Sky Sports Racing team continues to deliver the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and features, ensuring fans stay informed about all the developments on the track. In another intriguing story, record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will face the promising Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes. Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length win on debut, showcasing a sharp turn of foot. He then produced a solid performance in a race that produced the eventual Cambridgeshire fourth‑place finisher Gavriel.
However, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, becoming the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at 1‑33. Najidi Storm is a half‑brother to St Leger winner Logician and to the talented Okeechobee, indicating a strong pedigree and ample room for improvement. The opposition will be stiff, with Wootz, who recorded a six‑and‑a‑half‑length debut victory, looking a formidable rival despite a recent left‑handed hanging issue that cost him at Windsor. Al Jolson, another promising runner, secured a comfortable win on his second start, while Shadow Boxer is expected to benefit from the extra furlong in distance after a solid debut in April.
For those who want to stay up‑to‑date on racing stories, interviews and features, the Sky Sports Racing app provides instant access on mobile devices. The race card for the day includes: - 4.27 pm Brighton – Royal County Glory aiming for a third win. - 5.00 pm Brighton – Macanudo also targeting a hat‑trick.
- 1.50 pm Newton Abbot – Depalma seeking his first fence win for the Skeltons. - 3.00 pm Newton Abbot – Gore Point looking to bounce back against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut. - 3.35 pm Newton Abbot – Saint Polo hoping to return to form after a poor chase start, eyeing a four‑win streak over hurdles.
- 4.10 pm Newton Abbot – A clash between the unexposed yet progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme. - 5.30 pm Wolverhampton – Majestic Flame aiming to recapture form after a promising debut in a hot Goodwood maiden. - 8.00 pm Wolverhampton – Trappy offered at 0‑75 odds in a handicap. - 8.30 pm Wolverhampton – The Anthony Gover targeting a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick.
Additionally, Bordeaux will host a Listed race later in the day, rounding out a busy and exciting programme for racing enthusiasts.