Monday’s racing schedule promises a full day of action across three venues—Brighton, Newton Abbot, and Wolverhampton—broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the many storylines, the standout is the campaign of Danehill Star, a Tony Carroll‑trained gelding who is eyeing a rare hat‑trick in the upcoming Brighton handicap.
His recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, having secured wins in his last two outings. The first of those victories came over the same course and distance, where he edged out his rival by half a length.
He then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, winning by more than five lengths. Those displays of class have not gone unnoticed by the handicapper, who has raised his rating by ten pounds since those wins. The sizable weight increase reflects the belief that Danehill Star possesses the ability to continue his winning streak, and the manner of his Bath triumph suggests he is well‑placed to add a third consecutive victory to his résumé.
Another contender to watch is Newfangled, who proved a formidable opponent last season when he captured the same race from a slightly lower weight. He has hit the ground running this year, delivering a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent start. His recent form indicates he could pose the biggest threat to Danehill Star’s ambitions, especially if he can replicate the speed and stamina he displayed at Windsor.
Course specialist Dion Baker has also been in the mix, though his recent performances have been hampered by a steep rise in weight. Since his breakthrough win at the track in late May, he has been forced to carry an additional 36 pounds, which has made his recent outings more challenging.
Nevertheless, a recent drop of two pounds in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can recapture the form that saw him excel earlier in the season, he could be a factor in the finishing order. On the same card, the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle will feature the returning Matiwo, who previously impressed as a juvenile hurdler. Last season he captured a respectable novice race at Newbury and then delivered a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, running on par with the eventual Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle winner, Storming George.
Matiwo’s current form, combined with a relatively modest handicap, positions him well above his rivals, and he is expected to be difficult to beat on his seasonal reappearance. Ride Like A Girl, a horse that showed promise after undergoing wind surgery and secured a win in May, has not progressed since that victory.
However, with a short break behind him and the benefit of experience, he could be competitive if he returns to the track in good fitness. Scott’s Legacy could become the chief contender if he makes his hurdle debut, having displayed impressive ability in a March bumper win at Southwell. His transition to obstacles will be closely watched by punters looking for a fresh storyline.
Pappano, a versatile athlete rated 96 on the flat, has already contested this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins. Though his two hurdling starts to date have not been particularly promising and he ran too keenly in his last outing, the horse still has plenty to prove and could surprise if he settles into a more measured rhythm.
In other news, the record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will take on the highly regarded Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes. Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length win on debut, showing a sharp turn of foot that impressed observers.
He followed that up with two wins in subsequent starts, including a fourth‑place finish in the Cambridgeshire behind Gavriel. However, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, where he became the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at odds of 1‑33. Despite that setback, his pedigree is strong—he is a brother to St Leger winner Logician and half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee—suggesting ample room for improvement.
Wootz, the other main player in the contest, made a striking debut with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length victory before being fancied at Windsor, where he hung left and was unable to beat the classy Song Of The Clouds. With more experience under his belt, Wootz is expected to continue his progression and could prove a stern rival to Najidi Storm. Additional entries worth noting include Al Jolson, who secured a solid win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is anticipated to benefit from the extra furlong in distance after a promising debut in April.
The day’s card also features a series of notable bets: at Brighton, Royal County Glory (4.27) and Macanudo (5.00) both aim for hat‑tricks; at Newton Abbot, Depalma (1.50) seeks his first win over fences for the Skeltons, while Gore Point (3.00) looks to bounce back against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut; Saint Polo (3.35) hopes to return to form and chase a four‑win streak over hurdles; and the progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme (4.10) present an unexposed challenge. Over at Wolverhampton, Majestic Flame (5.30) aims to rediscover the form that earned him a promising debut in the hot Goodwood maiden, while Trappy (8.00) contests a 0‑75 handicap, and Anthony Gover (8.30) targets a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features, Sky Sports Racing offers comprehensive coverage across its platforms, ensuring that every story—from the biggest betting odds to the most compelling underdog narratives—can be followed on the go. The blend of seasoned campaigners, rising novices, and intriguing handicaps makes Monday’s racing a compelling showcase of the sport’s depth and excitement.