Tuesday’s racing programme promises a packed schedule, featuring meetings at Bath, Sedgefield and Wolverhampton, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights are two promising two‑year‑olds, Divide And Conquer and Al Qayed, who will contest the British EBF Future Stayers’ Novice Stakes. This race has already built a reputation as an insightful early‑season test: Hopewell Rock captured the 2024 edition before moving on to win the Juddmonte International, while Item followed that triumph with a victory in 2025.
Consequently, the two juveniles entered this year’s contest are regarded as the form‑setters. Al Qayed’s maiden effort saw him finish well behind the unbeaten Bin Jahwar, but he quickly improved to secure a third‑place finish in his next start, trailing the later‑season Royal Lodge Group‑3 performer Quicken Away. The filly’s debut was on heavy ground, a surface that did not suit her perfectly, and she appeared a little raw.
The experience gained should see her take another step forward when she returns to more forgiving going. Divide And Conquer, a filly purchased for £320,000 as a yearling, impressed on her first start by finishing second despite being bumped twice in the final half‑furlong. The horse that finished third in that race has since taken a victory at Haydock, indicating that the class of the field was high. With a solid debut behind her, Divide And Conquer is expected to progress on her second start and could be a serious contender for the prize.
Two newcomers, Political Resident and Next Best, also feature in the field. Both carry stamina‑rich pedigrees and may be looking for their first race experience, adding an element of intrigue to the betting markets. The Winning Connection Conference Hire Handicap Chase will be led by PassengerOnTheShip and Thank You Blue, two seasoned chasers with contrasting recent form. PassengerOnTheShip surged through the fences midway through the season, stringing together five consecutive wins over a five‑week period that culminated in late June.
During that run he was raised 28 pounds, eventually meeting a top weight of 110 that proved too much to overcome. In his most recent outing he was off the bridle early and, while still competitive, the performance suggests a shorter trip may not suit him. Thank You Blue, on the other hand, may thrive when returned to a shorter distance after a six‑furlong step‑up proved beyond his stamina. He was travelling well before a mistake at the last fence cost him in his penultimate start.
The nine‑year‑old could therefore produce a career‑best effort over fences this time, especially if the ground and pace are to his liking. Tanking Along is another horse to watch. After a solid effort at Cartmel, he returns with a perfect record at the venue – two wins from two starts over fences – and remains well‑handicapped if he can recapture that form. By contrast, Four Decades has shown little promise over hurdles or fences and will need a dramatic improvement to be competitive in this contest.
Beyond the main feature, the card includes a variety of supporting races and a handful of notable entries. Saeed bin Suroor’s well‑bred Arabian Summer makes a comeback after a 23‑month lay‑off in the attheraces.com/marketmovers Maiden Stakes.
Arabian Summer is a half‑sister to the Prix Chaudenay winner and Dubai Gold Cup runner‑up Manobo, and displayed early speed over six furlongs on debut. Suroor is renowned for his ability to bring horses back to peak condition after long breaks, so Arabian Summer could be a surprise factor, though she will face race‑fit rivals. Gold Star Glazing, despite being the most exposed runner, offers a respectable benchmark. He bumped into the promising Wathnan‑owned Storm Force in his last outing and could use his experience to improve over a seven‑furlong distance.
Battlefield Boy, who finished third at Lingfield earlier this month, and Missmisfortune, also third on debut at Kempton, are both showing promise and may add depth to the fields. The schedule continues with several sprint handicaps and listed contests. At 2.02 at Bath, Decalogue aims to build on his recent Kempton success.
The 4.02 sprint at Bath will see an in‑form trio – Maharajas Express, South Shore and Alondra – battle for a valuable handicap win. Over at Sedgefield, Jet Of Dreams will attempt to repeat his previous year’s victory at the same distance, while Close House and Red Shea look to extend the momentum from promising bumper debuts. Additional meetings at Chantilly will feature informative maidens and a listed race, and Marseille‑Borely will host a seven‑race card.
Overall, Tuesday offers a rich tapestry of stories for racing enthusiasts: from rising juveniles testing their stamina, to seasoned chasers seeking redemption, to seasoned trainers aiming to extract the best from horses returning from long spells. Keep an eye on Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates throughout the day.