Friday promises a packed racing programme, with action slated from Ascot, Hexham, Newcastle and Wolverhampton, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the day is the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot, where a strong six‑horse field has been assembled and Infraad is looking to extend his recent winning streak. Infraad, a three‑year‑old trained by William Haggas, has shown steady improvement throughout the season. He opened his campaign with a solid win in a handicap at Goodwood, then followed that up with a dominant performance in the Melrose Stakes at York, where he displayed both speed and stamina.
Stepping up to Listed class for the Noel Murless Stakes, Infraad will be ridden by Tom Marquand, who is expected to keep the colt in contention throughout the race. The connections anticipate that Infraad will be among the leaders and could very well finish close to the winner. Also contesting the race is Galiyan, who carries an official rating of 106, matching Infraad’s rating and providing a genuine test. Galiyan has a respectable résumé: after breaking his maiden at Chester, he has been campaigned in high‑profile events, most notably finishing fifth in the St Leger last month—a respectable effort given the quality of the field.
His experience over longer distances and his proven ability to handle the pressure of big races make him a credible challenger to Infraad’s bid for a hat‑trick. The remaining four runners are less proven but still worth noting. Melrose and Haydock’s second‑placed runner, Galilean, is rated as a Quality handicap performer and is considered the best of the rest. While not as highly rated as the top two, Galilean’s consistency in lower‑grade contests could see him take advantage of any mishap at the front.
Turning to Wolverhampton, the bet365 Fillies’ Handicap will feature a fresh partnership between jockeys George Boughey and Billy Loughnane aboard Enchanted Queen, a handicap debutant. Enchanted Queen earned an easy win in a novice race at Kempton on his first start for the yard, and now steps up in distance to test his stamina over a longer trip. He carries a modest rating of 84, which should give him a favorable weight allocation and a realistic chance of improving his record. Another contender at Wolverhampton is Bintaziza, trained by Roger Varian and piloted by Ray Dawson.
Bintaziza has shown promise on the all‑weather surface, winning her first two outings before suffering a defeat at Thirsk. Sent off at 9‑1 odds for the Sandringham in June, she has not raced since that appearance, suggesting she may have untapped ability that could emerge with a well‑timed run.
The day’s program also highlights a key race at Hexham: the Jewson Hexham Handicap Hurdle, featuring a field of seven. Move It Like Minnie, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston‑Davies, is the favorite. The mare secured her eighth career win at Wincanton in March and then ran a respectable race in a quality Plumpton heat later in the season. After a brief break, she returns in a slightly lower‑grade heat, where she could potentially defy her top‑weight assignment and add another victory to her record.
Banderas, who triumphed over two miles at Hexham in May, is another horse to watch. If he can handle the reduced distance while carrying six pounds more than his previous winning effort, he could pose a serious threat to the front‑runners.
Completing the shortlist are Winds Of Winter and Double Digits, both of whom have shown form in recent outings and could capitalize on any opening. The broadcast will also feature top jockeys William Buick, James Doyle, Colin Keane, Tom Marquand and Kieran Shoemark, ensuring a high‑quality ride for each of the day’s marquee contests. Below is a quick glance at the race card for the day: - 2:25 Ascot – Hot novice race featuring Pink Larkspur among five runners.
- 4:10 Ascot – A high‑class 0‑105 handicap over six furlongs, with entries such as Wiltshire, Pilu, Far Above Dream and Fandom. - 3:00 Ascot – A classified race where Drymee and Hygge are expected to be popular choices; Hygge is trained by Gordon Elliott. - 5:45 Newcastle – A fair‑quality fillies’ novice race, with prospects Always Sunny and Noozhaa (a half‑sister to Meydaan) attracting attention. - 12:43 Saint‑Cloud – Group Three contest featuring eight runners.
- Saint‑Cloud – Four Listed races, including a 3:38 event where Osin Murphy will ride Zgharta. - 10:16 Keeneland – Grade One Darley Alcibiades Stakes, with Emphatic and Summer Starlet among the eight entrants.
Racing enthusiasts can stay up to date with the latest news, interviews and feature stories from Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action. Whether you are tracking Infraad’s quest for a third straight win, following the promising fillies at Wolverhampton, or keeping an eye on the seasoned hurdlers at Hexham, Friday’s card offers a diverse mix of talent and excitement that will satisfy fans of all disciplines within the sport.