Monday’s racing schedule promises a full slate of action, with meetings at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton all being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the many stories to watch, the gelding Danehill Star, trained by Tony Carroll, is the headline attraction as he aims to secure a remarkable hat‑trick of wins. Danehill Star has been in blistering form of late, having claimed victory in his previous two outings.
The first of those wins came over the same course and distance, where he edged the runner‑up by half a length. He then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, pulling away by more than five lengths. Those impressive margins have not gone unnoticed by the handicapper, who has already raised his rating by ten pounds. The size of his Bath win suggests that the horse still possesses plenty of room to improve, making a third straight triumph a realistic target.
One of the most significant challengers in the Brighton handicap is Newfangled. The horse captured this race last season while carrying just one pound less than the current mark, indicating a strong affinity for the track.
Newfangled has hit the form window at the right moment, most recently finishing a respectable third at Windsor. If he can replicate the conditions that helped him win last year, he could prove a serious obstacle for Danehill Star.
Another contender worth noting is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled to maintain his previous level after a 36‑pound rise in his handicap since his winning streak began in late May. However, a recent two‑pound drop in his rating gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the speed that made him a winner on this surface, he may be in contention.
On the same card, the Jodie Standing Point‑to‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle features a promising juvenile hurdler named Matiwo. Last season Matiwo impressed by taking a solid novice win at Newbury and then delivering a brilliant fourth‑place finish 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, positions him well above the rest of the field, and he is expected to be a tough nut to crack on his seasonal comeback.
Ride Like A Girl, a horse that showed promise after wind‑surgery by winning in May, has not progressed much since that victory. If he returns for a final run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him competitive, but he will need to show improvement to challenge the leading contenders. Scott’s Legacy could be the main threat if he makes his hurdle debut, having displayed impressive ability in a March bumper win at Southwell.
A successful transition to obstacles would instantly elevate him into the race’s top tier. Pappano, rated 96 on the flat and a participant in this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins, has yet to reveal his true potential over hurdles. Two lacklustre hurdling starts and a keenly‑run effort in his most recent outing leave him with a lot to prove, and a strong finish could signal a breakthrough. In other news, the record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will face the highly‑rated Wootz in 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 then produced a solid performance in a race that produced the Cambridgeshire fourth‑place finisher Gavriel. However, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, where he became the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at 1‑33. Despite that setback, his pedigree is impressive – he is a brother to St Leger winner Logician and a half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee – suggesting ample scope for further development.
Wootz, the other key player in the Novice Stakes, made a striking six‑and‑a‑half‑length debut victory before being fancied at Windsor, where he hung left and was narrowly beaten by the smart Song Of The Clouds. Additional experience should help him iron out his quirks and continue his upward trajectory. Other notable entries include Al Jolson, who secured a pleasing win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to benefit from an extra furlong after a solid debut in April.
For those who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features, the Sky Sports Racing app provides real‑time coverage and in‑depth analysis. The day’s race card also features several other intriguing contests: - 4.27 Brighton – Royal County Glory seeks a third win in a row. - 5.00 Brighton – Macanudo aims for a hat‑trick. - 1.50 Newton Abbot – Depalma targets his first fence victory for the Skeltons.
- 3.00 Newton Abbot – Gore Point hopes to rebound after facing the last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut. - 3.35 Newton Abbot – Saint Polo looks to return to form after a poor chase start, targeting a four‑win streak over hurdles. - 4.10 Newton Abbot – An unexposed yet progressive clash between Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme.
- 5.30 Wolverhampton – Majestic Flame aims to recapture form after a promising debut in the hot Goodwood maiden. - 8.00 Wolverhampton – Trappy offers a 0‑75 handicap opportunity.
- 8.30 Wolverhampton – Anthony Gover seeks a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick. Finally, Bordeaux will host a Listed race later in the day, rounding out an action‑packed schedule for racing enthusiasts.