Monday’s racing schedule promises a full programme, with fixtures at Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton all being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights is the quest of Danehill Star, a Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, to secure a third straight win in the Bet £20 Get £40 in Free Bets at matchbook.com Handicap. Danehill Star has been in blistering form of late, having claimed victory in his two most recent outings. The first of those wins came over the same course and distance, where he edged the runner‑up by a half‑length.
His second triumph was even more emphatic – he surged ahead at Bath, finishing more than five lengths clear of his rivals. Those performances have not gone unnoticed by the handicapper, who has raised his rating by ten pounds since the two wins. The manner of his Bath victory, in particular, suggests that he is well‑placed to complete a hat‑trick of wins on the day.
The main challenger appears to be Newfangled, who won this very race last season when carrying just one pound less than the current mark. He has hit the right form at an opportune moment, having produced a respectable third‑place effort at Windsor in his most recent start. His recent run indicates that he could be a serious threat to Danehill Star’s ambitions.
Another contender worth noting is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has struggled to maintain his previous form since picking up a 73‑pound mark – a 36‑pound increase from the start of his winning streak at the track in late May. However, a recent drop of two pounds in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and the horse On The Inlet could also be competitive if it can replicate the early‑season progress it showed when stepping down in class. Turning to the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle, the four‑year‑old Matiwo returns after a promising juvenile campaign. Last season he captured a solid novice win at Newbury and then delivered a brilliant fourth‑place finish in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, travelling like one of the best in the field.
That performance saw him beat several high‑profile rivals, including future Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle winner Storming George. Given his current form and relatively unexposed profile, Matiwo is rated well above his opponents and should prove a difficult hurdle for anyone on his seasonal re‑appearance. Ride Like A Girl showed flashes of ability after undergoing wind surgery, securing a win in May, but has not progressed since that victory. If he lines up for a final run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him a competitive factor in the race.
Scott’s Legacy would be the principal threat should he be entered over hurdles for the first time. He displayed an impressive win in a quality bumper at Southwell in March, suggesting he possesses the class to make an impact when stepping up to obstacles. Pappano is another horse with considerable ability, having earned a rating of 96 on the flat and even contesting this year’s Triumph Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins. Despite two unremarkable hurdling starts and a keenly‑run effort in his most recent outing, he still has much to prove and could surprise the field.
In other news, 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 made a striking debut, winning by half a length with a powerful turn of foot.
He has already produced two subsequent winners, including the later 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. He is a full brother to St Leger champion Logician and a half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee, indicating a strong pedigree and ample room for improvement. The competition will be stiff, with Wootz, who impressed with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length debut victory, likely to pose a stern test.
Wootz later faltered at Windsor, hanging left and being beaten by the classy Song Of The Clouds, but further experience could see him return to his earlier best. Other notable entries include Al Jolson, who secured a solid win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to benefit from the added distance after a promising debut in April. For fans eager to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers the latest horse racing news, interviews and feature stories, all accessible via mobile apps so you never miss a beat. The race card continues with the following fixtures: at Brighton, Royal County Glory (4.27) and Macanudo (5.00) each aim for a hat‑trick; at Newton Abbot, Depalma (1.50) seeks his first win over fences for the Skeltons, while Gore Point (3.00) hopes to rebound against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut.
Saint Polo (3.35) looks to rediscover form after a poor chase start, targeting a fourth win over hurdles. A clash of the unexposed but progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme is slated at 4.10. Over at Wolverhampton, Majestic Flame (5.30) hopes to return to form following a promising debut in a hot Goodwood maiden, while Trappy (8.00) contests a 0‑75 handicap.
Finally, Anthony Gover (8.30) is on a quest for a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick. The day concludes with a Listed race at Bordeaux. Overall, Monday offers a rich tapestry of storylines, from seasoned campaigners chasing historic feats to emerging talents eager to make their mark. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the action promises excitement, drama and plenty of opportunities to witness the next chapter in British flat and National Hunt racing.