Monday promises a packed racing schedule, featuring meetings at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline attractions is Danehill Star, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, who is eyeing a remarkable hat‑trick in the Bet £20 Get £40 Free Bets Handicap at Brighton. Danehill Star has been in scintillating form, securing wins in his last two outings.
He first snapped a narrow half‑length victory over a mile and a half at Brighton, then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, where he won by more than five lengths. Those impressive displays have not gone unnoticed by the handicappers; the horse has been assigned an additional ten pounds since his recent successes.
Nevertheless, the manner of his Bath triumph suggests that he possesses the class and stamina to overcome the added weight and complete a three‑in‑a‑row. One of his main rivals appears to be Newfangled, who claimed victory in the same race last season while carrying just a pound less.
Newfangled has hit the form at an opportune moment, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent start. This consistency makes him a genuine threat to Danehill Star’s ambitions.
Another contender worth watching is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled to maintain his previous mark of 73 after a 36‑pound increase since his winning run at Brighton in late May. A recent reduction of two pounds in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the early‑season momentum that saw him excel in lower‑class events, he could be competitive. On The Inlet also merits attention; the horse has shown promise earlier in the season and could be back in contention if he can return to the class level where he first emerged.
Turning to the Jodie Standing Point‑to‑Point Recruits Novices' Hurdle, Dovecote fourth Matiwo makes his return. Matiwo was a promising juvenile hurdler last season, capturing a solid novice win at Newbury and then delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran on par with the eventual Grade One Top Novices' Hurdle winner Storming George. His current form, coupled with an unexposed profile, places him well above his rivals, and he should prove a tough opponent on his seasonal re‑appearance.
Ride Like A Girl, who showed promise after a wind‑surgery win in May, has not progressed since that victory. However, if he returns for a final run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him competitive, especially if the race unfolds at a pace that suits his running style.
Scott's Legacy could emerge as the principal challenger if he takes to the obstacles on his hurdle debut. The horse impressed in a solid bumper win at Southwell in March, suggesting he possesses the raw ability to handle hurdles with the right guidance. Pappano is another intriguing entrant.
Rated 96 on the flat and having contested this year's Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins, Pappano has yet to show his true potential over hurdles, having run too keenly in his two starts. With more experience and a better‑timed run, he could be a dark horse with plenty to prove.
The racing program also includes a record‑breaking story: Najidi Storm, the 1‑33 outsider who became the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at Goodwood, is set to 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 has since been linked with two subsequent winners, including the Cambridgeshire fourth‑place finisher Gavriel.
Despite a disappointing run in heavy ground at Goodwood, Najidi Storm remains a horse of considerable pedigree—he is a brother to St Leger winner Logician and half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee—indicating ample room for improvement. Wootz, on the other hand, captured attention with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length victory on debut and was well‑favoured at Windsor before hanging left and being edged out by the smart Song Of The Clouds.
Additional racecraft and experience could see him continue his upward trajectory. Other notable mentions include Al Jolson, who won comfortably on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to benefit from the added distance after a solid debut in April. Both horses are likely to gain valuable experience that could shape their future campaigns.
For fans who don’t want to miss any action, Sky Sports Racing provides the latest horse racing news, interviews and feature stories, all accessible via mobile apps for on‑the‑go updates. The day's racecards feature several intriguing contests: - 4.27 pm Brighton – Royal County Glory seeks a third straight win.
- 5.00 pm Brighton – Macanudo aims for a hat‑trick. - 1.50 pm Newton Abbot – Depalma targets his first fence victory for the Skeltons.
- 3.00 pm Newton Abbot – Gore Point looks to rebound after last time out winner Juggernaut. - 3.35 pm Newton Abbot – Saint Polo hopes to return to form after a poor chase start, targeting a four‑win streak over hurdles.
- 4.10 pm Newton Abbot – An unexposed yet progressive clash between Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme. - 5.30 pm Wolverhampton – Majestic Flame aims to rediscover form after a promising debut in the hot Goodwood maiden. - 8.00 pm Wolverhampton – Trappy offers a 0‑75 handicap opportunity. - 8.30 pm Wolverhampton – Anthony Gover pursues a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick.
Additionally, Bordeaux will host listed action later in the day, rounding out a diverse and action‑packed programme for racing enthusiasts. Overall, Monday’s meetings promise a blend of seasoned campaigners chasing historic feats and emerging talents eager to make their mark. Whether you are following Danehill Star’s quest for a hat‑trick, tracking the progress of promising novices, or simply enjoying the spectacle of British flat and jump racing, the day's schedule offers something for every fan.