Monday’s racing schedule promises a full day of action across three venues – Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton – all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights is the quest of Danehill Star, a Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, to secure a remarkable hat‑trick in the Bet £20 Get £40 Free Bets handicap at Brighton. Danehill Star has been in blistering form, winning his last two outings with authority. His first recent triumph came over the same course and distance, where he edged out his rival by a half‑length.
He then followed that up with a dominant performance at Bath, pulling away by more than five lengths. The handicapper has taken note, increasing his rating by ten pounds after those victories.
Nevertheless, the manner of his Bath win suggests that the horse still possesses a strong claim to add a third successive win to his record. The most significant challenger appears to be Newfangled Perhaps, who captured the same race last season while carrying just one pound less. That horse has hit the right form at the right time, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent start. If Newfangled Perhaps can replicate that late‑season surge, he will pose a genuine threat to Danehill Star’s hat‑trick ambitions.
Another contender is the course specialist Dion Baker, who has found it increasingly difficult after his rating rose from 73 to 109 – a 36‑pound increase since he began his winning streak at Brighton in late May. A recent drop of two pounds in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the early‑season momentum that saw him excel in lower classes, he may be competitive. On the same card, the Jodie Standing Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle will feature Dovecote fourth Matiwo, returning after a brief spell. Matiwo impressed as a juvenile hurdler last season, capturing a respectable novice at Newbury before delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran alongside the eventual Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle winner Storming George.
His current form, coupled with an unexposed profile, places him well above his rivals and makes him a tough nut to crack on his seasonal re‑appearance. Ride Like A Girl, who showed promise after wind surgery with a win in May, has not progressed since that victory. However, with a short break behind him, he could be competitive if he returns with fresh fitness and the benefit of experience. Scott’s Legacy could emerge as the leading threat if he takes to the obstacles for the first time, having produced an impressive win in a quality bumper at Southwell in March.
His transition to hurdles will be closely watched. Pappano brings a wealth of ability, having earned a flat rating of 96 and contested this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins. Despite two lackluster hurdling starts and a keenly run recent outing, the horse still has much to prove and could surprise the field if he settles better.
In other news, record‑breaking 1‑33 outsider Najidi Storm will face the exciting Wootz in the Download the At the Races App Novice Stakes. Najidi Storm burst onto the scene with a half‑length victory on debut, displaying a sharp turn of foot. He later produced a strong performance, finishing second to the eventual Cambridgeshire fourth‑place finisher Gavriel.
However, he struggled in heavy ground at Goodwood, becoming the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history at 1‑33. As a half‑brother to St Leger winner Logician and to the talented Okeechobee, Najidi Storm still holds considerable upside, and the step up in class against Wootz will test his resilience. Wootz, meanwhile, captured attention with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length debut win before being fancied at Windsor, where he hung left and fell short of the smart Song Of The Clouds.
Additional experience could see him continue his upward trajectory. Other notable entries include Al Jolson, who secured a comfortable win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, who is expected to benefit from the extra furlong after a promising debut in April.
The card also lists several other contests: - 4.27 pm at Brighton – Royal County Glory aims for a third win in a row. - 5.00 pm at Brighton – Macanudo seeks a hat‑trick.
- 1.50 pm at Newton Abbot – Depalma targets his first victory over fences for the Skeltons. - 3.00 pm at Newton Abbot – Gore Point looks to bounce back when facing last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut. - 3.35 pm at Newton Abbot – Saint Polo hopes to return to form after a poor chase start, targeting a four‑win streak over hurdles.
- 4.10 pm at Newton Abbot – An unexposed but progressive clash between Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme. - 5.30 pm at Wolverhampton – Majestic Flame aims to regain form following a promising debut in the hot Goodwood maiden.
- 8.00 pm at Wolverhampton – Trappy offers a 0‑75 handicap. - 8.30 pm at Wolverhampton – The Anthony Gover seeks a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick.
Finally, the Bordeaux meeting will feature listed action, adding an extra layer of excitement for racing enthusiasts. Stay tuned for live coverage, in‑depth interviews and expert analysis throughout the day on Sky Sports Racing, ensuring you never miss a story from the world of horse racing.