Monday’s racing schedule promises a full slate of action across three venues – Brighton, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton – all being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the many stories to watch, the most compelling is the quest of Danehill Star, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, to secure a hat‑trick of wins in a competitive handicap race at Brighton. Danehill Star has been in the finest form of his career, having triumphed in his last two outings. The first of those victories came over the same course and distance, where he edged out his rival by a half‑length.
That win was followed by a dominant performance at Bath, where he surged ahead to win by more than five lengths. Those impressive margins prompted the handicapper to raise his rating by ten pounds, reflecting the confidence that the horse can still improve despite the added weight. The ten‑pound increase has not diminished the optimism surrounding Danehill Star. In fact, the manner of his Bath victory – a display of acceleration and stamina that left the field struggling to keep pace – suggests he possesses the class to overcome the extra burden and complete a three‑in‑a‑row at Brighton.
If he can replicate that turn of foot, he will not only add another win to his record but also cement his reputation as a top‑class handicapper. One of the main challengers in the field is Newfangled, a horse that proved his quality last season by winning the same race from a slightly lower rating. Newfangled has hit form at just the right moment, having produced a credible third‑place finish at Windsor in his most recent start. While he will be keen to improve on that effort, Danehill Star’s recent displays give him a slight edge.
Another contender worth noting is the course‑specialist Dion Baker. He has struggled recently after his rating rose by 36 pounds since his winning run at the track in late May. Nevertheless, a recent reduction of two pounds in the handicap gives him a glimmer of hope, and if he can rediscover the form that made him a force on this surface, he could be in contention. Similarly, On The Inlet may be competitive if he can return to the lower class that facilitated his early‑season progress.
Turning to the novice hurdles, Dovecote fourth Matiwo is making a return in the Jodie Standing’s Point‑To‑Point Recruits Novices’ Hurdle. Matiwo showed considerable promise as a juvenile hurdler last season, capturing a respectable novice at Newbury and then delivering a brilliant fourth‑place effort in the Grade Two Dovecote Hurdle, where he ran among the best. Notably, he beat several high‑profile rivals, including the future Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle winner Storming George.
Given his current form and the fact that his official rating remains unexposed, Matiwo is likely to be a tough opponent for the rest of the field. Ride Like A Girl is another horse to watch. After undergoing wind surgery, the gelding produced a promising win in May but has not progressed since. If he returns for a final run after a short break, his experience and fitness could make him a competitive factor, especially if the race unfolds at a steady pace.
Scott’s Legacy could pose a significant threat if he makes his hurdle debut in this race. The horse impressed in a March bumper at Southwell, winning convincingly, and could translate that ability to the obstacles with the right guidance.
Pappano brings a strong flat pedigree to the mix, having been rated 96 on the flat and contesting this year’s Triumph Hurdle for Willie Mullins. However, his two previous hurdling starts have not shown much promise, and a keenly ridden effort in his last outing suggests he still has much to prove over jumps. The broader racing news continues to be rich with intrigue.
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 made a striking debut, winning by half a length with a sharp turn of foot. He has since produced two subsequent winners, including Gavriel, who later placed fourth in the Cambridgeshire. Despite a disappointing run on heavy ground at Goodwood, where he became the shortest‑priced loser in British racing history, Najidi Storm remains a horse of great potential.
He is a full brother to St Leger winner Logician and half‑brother to the talented Okeechobee, indicating a strong family line that could see further improvement. Wootz, on the other hand, caught attention with a six‑and‑a‑half‑length debut victory before being well‑fancied at Windsor. Though he hung left badly in that race and was edged out by the smart Song Of The Clouds, the experience gained could serve him well as he continues to develop.
Other notable entries include Al Jolson, who secured a solid win on his second start, and Shadow Boxer, expected to benefit from the added distance and experience after a respectable debut in April. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers a steady stream of racing news, interviews and feature stories accessible via mobile apps, ensuring that no important development is missed. The race card for the day also lists several other contests: at Brighton, Royal County Glory will aim for a hat‑trick at 4.27, while Macanudo seeks a similar feat at 5.00.
At Newton Abbot, Depalma targets his first win over fences for the Skeltons at 1.50, Gore Point hopes to rebound against last‑time‑out winner Juggernaut at 3.00, Saint Polo looks to return to form after a poor chase start at 3.35, and the progressive pair Kom Tu Voudras and Kilnew Supreme clash at 4.10. Over at Wolverhampton, Majestic Flame hopes to revive form after a promising debut at Goodwood, while Trappy is set for a 0‑75 handicap at 8.00, and Anthony Gover seeks a course‑and‑distance hat‑trick at 8.30.
Finally, Bordeaux will host listed action later in the day. In summary, Monday’s racing offers a blend of seasoned campaigners chasing historic feats and emerging talent eager to make their mark. Danehill Star’s pursuit of a hat‑trick stands out as the headline story, but the depth of the fields across all three venues promises an exciting day for punters and racing enthusiasts alike.