The Thursday schedule on Sky Sports Racing promises a lively mix of action from Southwell and Newcastle, with a particular focus on the upcoming Nursery Handicap at Newcastle that pits two promising newcomers against each other. In this feature we will break down the key runners, their recent form, and what to watch for as the race unfolds, while also touching on several other noteworthy contests on the card. First up, the headline clash in the Free Race Replays Nursery Handicap (available on attheraces.com) sees Havana Lightning take on Blake's Mountain. Both horses are making their debut at this level, and the race offers a perfect platform to gauge their potential against similarly‑matched opposition.
Havana Lightning, trained by George Boughey, is stepping down in class after a recent outing in Listed company. She previously captured a novice victory at Yarmouth in May before stepping up to contest the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes, where she proved she could hold her own against higher‑graded rivals. Her connections have high expectations for her, especially given her solid pedigree and the fact that she is home‑trained, which often translates into a strong local fan base.
In the upcoming handicap, she will be looking to translate her early promise into a winning performance, using her proven ability to settle well and unleash a decisive turn of foot in the final furlongs. Opposite her, Blake's Mountain, campaigned by Ivan Furtado, is also eager to make a statement.
The horse’s most recent win came at Redcar in a novice race, where he secured victory by a comfortable margin. Notably, that race marked his first start after a wind operation and a gelding procedure, suggesting that he is now fully fit and potentially more focused.
Furtado believes Blake's Mountain could be a real asset in handicaps, especially if he continues to improve his stamina and racecraft. The horse’s recent form indicates that he possesses a blend of speed and resilience that could prove decisive over the Nursery Handicap distance.
Beyond the main clash, several other runners deserve attention. Peaceful Warrior, another Boughey trainee, broke his maiden at Yarmouth in May but has struggled to replicate that success since.
A return to form could see him become a useful place‑getter, particularly if the pace of the race suits his running style. The Free Tips Daily also highlights Boughey’s Night Of Gold, who is targeting his first career win in the EBF Maiden Stakes (also featured on attheraces.com).
Night Of Gold was purchased as a yearling for 800,000 guineas, a price that reflects his high‑quality breeding. After a respectable third‑place finish on debut at Southwell, he is expected to benefit from a step up in distance to a mile, a trip that should allow his stamina to shine and potentially deliver a breakthrough performance.
Another intriguing entry is Saint Of Seville, a son of the notable sire Baaeed. He was sent off at relatively long odds after finishing fifth in a Sandown maiden last month. Observers note that his shape suggests he may still be acclimatising to the rigours of racing, and a return to the track could see him improve markedly as his fitness builds.
Ring Of Music, a newcomer trained by Hugo Palmer, also merits a look. While his pedigree is respectable, the horse is still untested at this level, and his odds will likely reflect the uncertainty surrounding his true ability. Bettors should keep an eye on his early positioning, as a well‑timed move could see him finish strongly.
The broadcast also includes a reminder to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing, ensuring fans never miss a story. Switching to the hurdle division, the Old Stag 70th Birthday Handicap Hurdle features a nine‑horse field headed by Duke Of Luckley, a three‑time winner this season under the guidance of trainer Martin Keighley.
The nine‑year‑old has won three of his four starts this year, and his consistency makes him a strong contender for the top spot. It would be surprising if he does not feature prominently in the finish.
Also worth noting is King Ulanda, who offers solid each‑way value. The horse recorded a win at Uttoxeter in his penultimate run and showed respectable form by finishing third of three at Sedgefield. His recent performances suggest he remains competitive and could be a factor if the race unfolds at a brisk pace. Max Of Stars, who finished ahead of King Ulanda in their last meeting, is another horse to watch.
His recent second‑place finish indicates he possesses the speed and stamina to challenge for the win. Meanwhile, Granny Hawkins, though primarily a hurdler, still has the ability to improve and could surprise the field if she finds the right rhythm. The broadcast concludes with a reminder that fans can stay connected on their mobile devices for the latest racing updates, interviews, and feature stories, ensuring they never miss a beat.
Finally, the program highlights several upcoming races across the United States, including: - At 5:10 p.m., Southwell will host a clash between last‑time winners Crack Ops and Spot On Soph. - At 8:46 p.m., Belmont Park will see Charlie Clover aboard Flowerhead in a Grade Three contest, with former Joseph O'Brien runner Queen Of Hawaii also entered.
- At 10:18 p.m., the Grade One Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes at Belmont Park will feature top‑class contenders such as El Cordobes and Pride Of Arras, with Fort George also in the mix. - At 10:48 p.m., the Grade Two Flower Bowl Stakes will showcase Esna, Gezora, and Cathedral, while Kathynmarissa is among the fancied runners. These international fixtures underline the global nature of the sport and provide additional excitement for racing enthusiasts worldwide.