Monday promises a packed racing programme, with fixtures at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton all being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline attractions is Danehill Star, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, who is eyeing a rare hat‑trick in the upcoming handicap.
After a dazzling run of form, the horse has won his last two starts, first clinching a narrow half‑length victory over the course and distance, then exploding into a five‑length winner’s circle at Bath. Those performances have not gone unnoticed by the handicapper, who has already added ten pounds to his rating. The extra weight makes the task more challenging, but the manner of his Bath triumph suggests he still has a strong claim to add a third win in a row. A key rival to watch is Newfangled, who captured the same race last season while carrying just a pound less than Danehill Star will today.
Newfangled has hit the ground running, producing a respectable third place at Windsor in his most recent outing, indicating he is in good form at the right time. Another contender, the course specialist Dion Baker, has struggled since his last victory at Brighton in late May, having seen his rating climb by 36 pounds to a current mark of 73.
Nevertheless, a recent two‑pound drop in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the early‑season form that saw him dominate at this venue, he could be a factor. On the same card, the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices' Hurdle will feature a returning Matiwo, who impressed as a juvenile hurdler last season. Matiwo secured a solid win at Newbury over novice company before delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran amongst the best. That performance saw him beat several promising rivals, including future Grade One winner Storming George.
With his current form and a relatively modest handicap, Matiwo is positioned well above his opposition and should prove a tough nut to crack on his seasonal re‑appearance. Ride Like A Girl, who returned from a wind‑surgery operation with a win in May, has not shown further progression since that triumph. However, a fresh run after a short break could see him become competitive, especially if his experience and fitness are fully restored.
Scott's Legacy is another horse to monitor; if he makes his hurdle debut, he could become the main threat, having displayed an impressive win in a quality bumper at Southwell in March. Pappano also merits attention. Rated 96 on the flat and having contested this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins, the horse has yet to find a clear rhythm over obstacles, having shown only limited promise in his two previous hurdling starts and finishing too keenly on his last run.
With plenty of ability still untapped, Pappano will be eager to prove his worth. In other news, the record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm is set to face the highly regarded Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes. Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length victory in his debut, showcasing a sharp turn of foot.
He subsequently produced two more wins, including a fourth‑place finish in the Cambridgeshire behind the talented Gavriel. The horse’s performance dipped at Goodwood when heavy ground saw him become 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 champion Logician and half‑brother to the promising Okeechobee – indicating ample room for further improvement. Wootz, the other contender, made a striking impression on debut with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length victory, earning him a strong market at Windsor.
However, he hung left badly in his next start and was narrowly beaten by the clever Song Of The Clouds. Additional experience should help him continue his upward trajectory. Additional entries on the card include Al Jolson, who secured a comfortable win in his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to benefit from an extra furlong after a solid debut in April. The meeting also features a series of notable handicaps: Royal County Glory at 4.27 in Brighton will attempt a hat‑trick, while Macanudo at 5.00 also seeks three straight wins.
At Newton Abbot, Depalma aims for his first victory over fences for the Skeltons at 1.50, and Gore Point looks to rebound against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut at 3.00. Saint Polo, at 3.35, hopes to rediscover form after a poor chase start, targeting a four‑win streak over hurdles. The progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme meet at 4.10, while Majestic Flame at Wolverhampton (5.30) tries to return to form after a promising debut in a hot Goodwood maiden.
Trappy, a 0‑75 handicap at 8.00, and Anthony Gover, seeking a course and distance hat‑trick at 8.30, round out the Wolverhampton card. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on Sky Sports Racing’s app, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action.
The day's program offers a blend of seasoned campaigners chasing historic feats and emerging talent looking to make their mark, promising an exhilarating day for racing enthusiasts.