Live coverage on Thursday will bring the excitement of Southwell and Newcastle straight to Sky Sports Racing viewers. The centerpiece of the day’s action is a compelling showdown between two promising nursery debutants, Havana Lightning and Blake's Mountain, in a robust edition of the Free Race Replays at theatraces.com Nursery Handicap.
Trainer George Boughey has several entries on the card, the most notable being Havana Lightning. After a recent step up to Listed company, the filly is dropping back in class, giving her a favorable chance to showcase her talent. Havana Lightning first caught attention with a win in a Yarmouth novice race in May, and she subsequently contested the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes, proving she can handle high‑calibre competition.
Her connections regard her as a top prospect, and the home crowd will be eager to see if she can translate that promise into a victory at Newcastle. On the opposite side, Ivan Furtado’s Blake's Mountain is making a return after a layoff for a wind operation and subsequent gelding. The colt broke his maiden at Redcar on his fourth start, winning comfortably and indicating that he still has plenty to give, especially in handicap contests.
This race will be his first test back at a higher level, and many believe his recent surgery has left him in prime condition for a strong performance. Other horses with a realistic shot at the prize include Peaceful Warrior, who debuted with a win at Yarmouth in May but has struggled to replicate that form since. The gelding still possesses ability, and a well‑timed ride could see him back in the winner’s circle. Boughey also fields Night Of Gold in the Free Tips Daily attheraces.com EBF Maiden Stakes.
This eight‑year‑old was purchased as a yearling for 800,000 guineas and showed early promise by finishing third on debut at Southwell. The step up to a mile distance appears to suit his stamina, and he is likely to be a popular choice among punters looking for a first career win. Saint Of Seville, a son of the champion Baaeed, is another intriguing contender.
He was sent off at long odds after finishing fifth in a Sandown maiden last month, but his pedigree suggests he could improve with a little more fitness. Observers note that he has been shaping up nicely in training, hinting that a better performance could be on the horizon.
Ring Of Music, a well‑bred newcomer trained by Hugo Palmer, also deserves attention. While his form is untested at this level, his lineage and the confidence of his trainer make him a horse to watch in the betting markets. Beyond the nursery race, the program includes a headline‑grabbing hurdle contest: the Old Stag 70th Birthday Handicap Hurdle, featuring a nine‑horse field led by the hat‑trick‑seeking Duke Of Luckley.
Trained by Martin Keighley, the nine‑year‑old has won three of his four starts this season, making him a strong favorite. It would be surprising if he does not feature prominently in the finishing order. The hurdle race also offers several each‑way opportunities.
King Ulanda, a winner at Uttoxeter in his penultimate run, displayed creditable form when finishing third of three at Sedgefield and remains a viable threat. Max Of Stars, who finished ahead of King Ulanda when he placed second in his last outing, is another horse to fear. Meanwhile, Granny Hawkins, though experienced, still possesses the ability to produce a better performance over hurdles. For racing enthusiasts who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing provides the latest news, interviews, and feature stories via its mobile platform, ensuring fans never miss a beat.
The day’s schedule also includes several notable races at Belmont Park. At 5:10 p.m., the Southwell card will feature a clash between last‑time winners Crack Ops and Spot On Soph. Later, at 8:46 p.m., Charlie Clover will ride Flowerhead in a Grade Three contest, with the ex‑Joseph O'Brien horse Queen Of Hawaii also entered.
The 10:18 p.m. slot showcases the Grade One Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes, headlined by El Cordobes and Pride Of Arras, with Fort George also taking part. Finally, at 10:48 p.m., the Grade Two Flower Bowl Stakes will see top fillies and mares such as Esna, Gezora, and Cathedral compete, with Kathynmarissa among the fancied runners. Overall, Thursday promises a packed programme of high‑quality racing across both flat and National Hunt disciplines.
Whether you are tracking the rising stars in the nursery ranks or the seasoned campaigners tackling the hurdles, Sky Sports Racing will deliver comprehensive coverage, insightful analysis, and the excitement that makes horse racing a beloved sport worldwide.