Sunday promises a packed programme of flat racing at Ffos Las, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, and among the headline attractions is the deepening Celebrate In Style At The Bridge Novice Stakes. In this race, trainer Charlie Fellowes will drop his Frankel‑bred gelding Romanza down a grade, hoping the change in class will finally translate the colt's consistent form into a win. Romanza, currently rated 90 after five runs this season, has been a model of consistency.
Though he has yet to break his maiden, his performances have suggested he is on the cusp of success. His most recent outing saw him finish just off the pace in a Listed contest, a run that underscored his ability to hold his own against higher‑rated opposition. The decision to step him down to a novice level is a strategic move by Fellowes, designed to give the horse a realistic chance to experience victory and build confidence for future campaigns. Also featured in the field is Andrew Balding’s Silent Force.
The young horse has only one start to his name—a third‑place finish at Newbury last month—but that effort has been heavily promoted in the betting markets. Silent Force will be ridden by Callum Hutchinson, who will be looking to extract the best from a horse that, despite limited experience, has shown promise in his solitary run. The trainer’s confidence suggests that Silent Force could be a serious contender if he can replicate his Newbury form.
Another notable entrant is Ghost Raider, who has already compiled two respectable performances at Kempton and York. Those runs have positioned him as the leading contender among the remaining horses after Romanza and Silent Force. Ghost Raider’s versatility across different tracks and distances makes him a horse to watch, especially if he can improve on his current form. In the open Bridge, The Home Of The Carvery Nursery Handicap scheduled for 1:49 pm, recent winner Rhodes Runner will take on seven rivals.
Rhodes Runner, trained by Ralph Beckett, broke his maiden in a Chester novice race with an impressive display. Since that win, he has been earmarked as a horse capable of competing strongly in handicap events, and his connections will be hoping the step up in class does not diminish his winning momentum.
Jamie Osborne will saddle Blondie Larry, who is making his handicap debut with a weight of 73 pounds. Blondie Larry has finished second in each of his last two starts, indicating a consistency that could translate into a strong performance under the guidance of William Carver. The combination of a low handicap mark and recent form makes him a potential threat in a field that appears fairly open.
The remainder of the field includes Naval Cop and Perigold Noir, both of whom are expected to be among the best of the rest. Their past performances suggest they have the ability to challenge for place money, especially if the race unfolds in a way that suits their running styles. Beyond the main events at Ffos Las, the card also features a two‑mile contest titled the Happy Birthday Alex, From The Bridge Handicap. This race will see Sir Mark Prescott’s seasoned mare Campeona square off against Carthusian, a filly who made a promising stable debut for Jennie Candlish at Chester earlier in the month.
Campeona, who enjoyed a rapid three‑win streak earlier in the summer, has suffered defeats in her last two outings. Dropping her back in class and switching her to turf could prove advantageous, offering a more suitable surface and a level of competition where her experience may give her an edge. Carthusian, on the other hand, is looking to build on her Chester debut win.
The extra distance of two miles will test her stamina, but her recent form suggests she could thrive over the longer trip. Rounding out the five‑horse field are A Daughters Love, No Ordinary Joe and Queenie St Clair. Each of these runners brings a distinct set of credentials, and while they may be considered outsiders, the nature of handicap racing means any of them could produce a surprise performance on the day.
For racing enthusiasts who want to stay up to date, Sky Sports Racing provides a comprehensive suite of news, interviews, and feature stories accessible via mobile devices. The platform ensures fans never miss a beat, whether they are following the action at Ffos Las or tracking international events.
Speaking of international racing, the day’s schedule also includes several notable fixtures abroad. At 7:45 am, the Manikato Stakes at Caulfield will see Jimmysstar and Beiwacht headline the field, promising a high‑octane sprint for Australian racing fans. Shortly thereafter, at 7:40 am, the Group One Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama in Japan will showcase elite sprinters from across the Pacific, adding a global dimension to the day's racing narrative.
Later in the afternoon, at 12:40 pm, the Listed race at Craon will feature Matsauri Bay and Spinning Lizzie among its contenders. This European contest offers another opportunity for emerging talent to make a mark on the racing calendar.
Overall, Sunday’s racing card delivers a blend of promising newcomers, seasoned campaigners, and international highlights. Whether you are rooting for Romanza to finally break his maiden, hoping for a surprise upset in the handicap, or simply enjoying the global sprint spectacles, the day promises excitement for every racing aficionado.