The Sky Sports Racing cameras head to Worcester’s jumps meeting and the Flat fixtures at Ripon and Wolverhampton on Monday, with 21 live races across the three tracks.
3.45 Worcester – Lallygag, Mr Freedom and Bethpage clash
Lallygag, Mr Freedom and Bethpage clash in the AK Bets Meet Celebrant Dave On-Course Handicap Hurdle (3.45).
Sheena West saddles Mr Freedom, who was once fifth in the Fred Winter. He won last time out on the Flat but has been less than consistent before this. He needs to return to that Cheltenham Festival performance level to be in with a chance.
Lallygag’s form looked somewhat consistent before he ran out last time at Newton Abbot and, in an attempt to refocus the seven-year-old, Paul Nicholls reaches for the cheekpieces and re-instates champion jockey Harry Cobden for a steady set of hands.
The danger horse here is the four-timer seeking Bethpage. Joe Anderson takes off a valuable 3lb but this appears to be a deeper contest for him.
7.25 Ripon – Last-time-out winners Havana Prince and Makalu feature
In-form duo Havana Prince and Makalu feature in the Bishopton Equine Handicap (7.25).
Front-running Havana Prince is seeking a hat-trick of wins at Ripon following two consecutive course and distance victories. There could be more improvement at a track that clearly suits him.
Ruth Carr’s Makalu managed to defy a poor start last time out to notch a win at Beverley. He is only off 4lb higher and can be competitive.
Garden Oasis is also somewhat of a course specialist with five wins at Ripon to his name, he won off 85 back in 2021 and has a big chance.
8.00 Ripon – High Opinion bids for hat-trick
High Opinion bids for three on the bounce in the Download The At The Races App Handicap (8.00).
Bryan Smart’s five-year-old was always doing enough to win at Catterick last time out and that form has taken a boost as the second has won since. Despite being raised 5lb in the weights, Andrew Breslin on board will try to counteract this by taking off a handy 3lb.
Vadamiah seems to enjoy the trip around Ripon and could enter calculations in the hands of Luke Morris.
Paddy’s Day was only beaten a neck last time out at Newcastle but he did not seem fully comfortable over this course and distance earlier this season. He needs to bring his best here.
Monday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Worcester, Wolverhampton and Ripon – live on Sky Sports Racing on Monday July 8.
The live action on Sky Sports Racing continues with Group 1 action at Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, with jumping from Uttoxeter and all-weather racing from Wolverhampton
2.55 Saint-Cloud – Group 1 Feed The Flame and Point Lonsdale feature
Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale and Feed The Flame feature in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2.55).
O’Brien claimed this prize with Broome in 2021 and looks to have a big chance this year as Point Lonsdale bids to build on his recent Chester success and record a first Group 1 victory under Ioritz Mendizabal.
Pascal Bary’s Feed The Flame will be popular for the home team and he looks primed for a big show having finished third in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last month.
Of the others, Outbox is a UK raider for Archie Watson. He should bounce back from the Klampenborg Group 3 and get back to his winning ways like at Newmarket on his penultimate start.
3.00 Uttoxeter – Hang In There and Hidden Heroics headline in Summer Cup
The strong field is headlined by Hang In There and Hidden Heroics in the bet365 Summer Cup Handicap Chase (3.00).
Emma Lavelle’s 10-year-old warmed up for this with a narrow second at Perth. He will bid to defy a career-high mark of 155 under 3lb claimer Joe Anderson.
Skelton’s team are represented by Hidden Heroics and he could be well handicapped off just 5lb higher for an impressive Stratford win last time out.
The Sam England-trained course winner Kinondo Kwetu must be feared. He has struggled of late but back over this course and a distance he’s comfortable over he can’t be discounted.
3.55 Wolverhampton – In-form Atlantic Gamble seeks the hat-trick
Atlantic Gamble seeks the hat-trick in the Neal Wood 15th Anniversary Handicap (3.55).
William Knight’s three-year-old arrives in fine form after scoring easily enough on his last two starts. He could prove a hard nut to crack up in class under Brandon Wilkie.
Sir Mark Prescott’s Orbital remains lightly raced after just six starts. Her trainer reaches for the visor now as she hopes to bounce back from a poor effort at Salisbury.
Diffident Spirit looks to go one better than last time out in this easier contest. Ray Dawson has been knocking on the door of late and can notch another winner on the board.
Sunday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton, Saint-Cloud – live on Sky Sports Racing on Sunday 30th June.
Our senior form analyst Jamie Lynch delivers his verdict on all 20 declared runners for the historic handicap at Newcastle on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
1. TASHKHAN (Drawn 16)
Jockey: Ben Robinson | Trainer: B Ellison
A big weight needn’t bother him remembering that he carried 10-2 when third in last year’s Cesarewitch, after which he got bronze again in a Group 1 in France, a class component which rationalises a mark of 111, which could be higher still on some calculation, but his task is magnified by coming on cold, withdrawn from the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot last weekend because of the fast ground: this will be his first start on All-Weather since getting his grounding at Dundalk way back in 2020.
2. YASHIN (1)
Scott McCullagh (3) | Mrs J Harrington
Mostly keeps pattern company these days and off the same mark here as when seventh in last year’s Ebor, when shaping like 2m may well be up his street (first try here). Messing with a tuning-up Kyprios on both starts this year, not to take that too literally, but it suggests if not shows that he’s in the form of his life, and the distance upscale could well be what he’s wanted all along.
3. SPARTAN ARMY (18)
Billy Loughnane | A King
Ultimately underwhelming over hurdles but suddenly surged when setting foot on synthetics and completed a hat-trick prior to checking in third in the Marathon Final here on Good Friday. Both that and his following fifth at Newbury indicates his mark is at its maximum, and difficult draw to overcome in 18.
4. ZOFFEE (13)
Harry Davies | H Palmer
Had been circling around a big one for a long time and eventually nailed the Chester Cup last month. Lessons learnt from last year (when running flat in the Plate) by missing Royal Ascot this time around to give him more time to target this, having won the consolation Vase in 2022. He’s spirited and straightforward but, tellingly, he’s 0/8 when his mark exceeds 90.
Image: Zoffee is currently third favourite for the race
5. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (12)
Connor Beasley | B Ellison
Has done his best work at Newcastle, successful in the rearranged November Handicap around here at the end of last year, that over 12f, but he’s equally effective at this trip as highlighted at Southwell last time when splitting Prydwen and Pledgeofallegiance, a performance which looks all the better in light of the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot. If it turns tactical, there are few faster than him in the finish.
6. TRUE LEGEND (15)
Cieren Fallon | Sir Mark Prescott
A great nudger who has nudged up his rating for over a year, beginning off 63 (with success here at Newcastle) and now over 2 stone higher after incremental improvement, but all at shorter trips, never before tackling 2m, maybe on purpose with an eye on this big day. This is the deepest field he has faced by far.
Image: Onesmoothoperator and Ben Robinson are set to team up once more at Newcastle
7. TOO FRIENDLY (8)
Callum Shepherd | James Owen
The gamble of the Chester Cup (went off 9-2) but looked a non-stayer there, though it may have more a trait than the trip as he hasn’t found much for pressure twice since over shorter. One remaining ray of light is the All-Weather as the best he has ever looked on the Flat was his Kempton win in March.
8. ZEALANDIA (7)
Josephine Gordon | Ian Williams
Produced a lifetime best on New Year’s Day to win over this course and distance from classy companion Enemy, but the consequence has been a mark in the 90s, which might be beyond him given his dull displays since, the latest in the Chester Cup.
9. SPIRIT MIXER (6)
George Rooke | A M Balding
Chased home heavyweight Trueshan in the memorable 2022 renewal but it has basically been downhill ever since and his latest third was a hollow placing (beaten 8 lengths). There’s no recommending him right now.
10. DUKE OF OXFORD (20)
Tyler Heard (3) | M L W Bell
Up-and-coming stayer who ran a blinder over course and distance when beating all bar Prydwen in the Marathon Final on Good Friday. Easy to put a line through the Chester Cup when he was dropped out from a wide draw but he’s out of luck in that regard yet again, drawn 20 of 20, but for which he’d be amongst the favourites given his age and progressive profile.
Image: Solent Gateway is Hugo Palmer’s charge for the race
11. SOLENT GATEWAY (4)
Rowan Scott | H Palmer
Rebounded from a reduced mark last time at Haydock when runner-up to the thriving Divine Comedy, though never laid a glove on her, and it’s still a stretch to say he’s the same now as when third in this race in 2022.
12. GRAND PROVIDENCE (14)
David Probert | A M Balding
Has been racing for little over a year and still pushing upwards, but has inevitably found it harder in the leagues she’s now playing, fifth in the Chester Cup last time (when having more chance than most from her prominent position). There’s a suspicion she’ll be better with stiffer tests than an All-Weather 2m provides.
13. ISLAND BRAVE (5)
Ethan Jones (5) | H Main
Has previously had two cracks at a Northumberland Plate including a fourth off 100 in 2021 but his efforts this year suggests age has caught up with him, and he’s due to drop a further 3 lb.
14. TROOPER BISDEE (10)
Hollie Doyle | Sir Mark Prescott
Surface stats of 6/9 in handicaps tells a tale of his trajectory and his trainer, and, without knowing the specifics (reassessed mark yet to be published), generally he’s well-in here under a penalty as he’ll be going up a good bit more than 5 lb for his Pontefract win by 4 lengths, which could have been double that had the rider wanted. He’s coming in hot, but he’s missing a few rungs of the ladder to swing at this high-end handicap, plus he hasn’t run on the All-Weather since his 2-y-o groundwork.
Image: Hollie Doyle rides Trooper Bisdee
15. EVALUATION (19)
A Mullen | Miss Lucinda V Russell
Took advantage of circumstances to win a 0-85 at Wolverhampton last time, on just his second start for the stable. This sort of mark has been beyond him in the past – he finished fourth in the Vase off 89 in 2022 – and stall 19 only compounds matters.
16. HOWTH (9)
Marco Ghiani | M Appleby
First go at 2m when fourth in the Marathon Final here on Good Friday, but not seen since. Seems at last to be undergoing a Mick Appleby makeover but probably biting off more than he can chew in a race like this.
Image: Kevin Ryan saddles Forta Orta
17. GOLDEN FLAME (11)
D Fentiman | Ms D C Faulkner
Trainer had the runner-up last year with Golden Rules, though that one had proven his worth in the spring whereas Golden Flame hasn’t been seen since October 2022 (for Charlie Johnston).
18. FORZA ORTA (17)
J P Sullivan | K A Ryan
Won on his first attempt at 2m at York’s Ebor meeting but hasn’t kicked on from that, albeit beaten only 4 lengths in the Chester Cup (eighth). Making All-Weather debut here, from a difficult draw.
19. RATHGAR (3)
Cam Hardie | J Channon
Has raised his game since coming to 1¾m, but these are challenging circumstances for his first go at this far, from 2 lb out of the handicap in a race as well-contested as this. Best hope is a falsely-run race, which isn’t out of the question looking at the pace projection.
20. ARTISAN DANCER (2)
Andrew Breslin (3) | C Johnston
One of the horses of the All-Weather season for his dependability and durability, and maintaining standards into the turf season, but he has never been in a race like this, and he’s 3 lb out of the weights.
The live action on Sky Sports Racing continues with both codes with thrilling jumps action from Newton Abbot and flat meetings at Newbury and Brighton on Tuesday.
6.05 Newbury – Entrancement, Eben Zaabeel and Marhaba Million clash
In-form trio Entrancement, Eben Zaabeel and Marhaba Million clash in the Pump Technology Handicap (6.05).
David Menuisier’s Entrancement tackled this distance for the first time last time out at Goodwood. He stayed on strongly for second and should be able to go one better for Oisin Murphy.
Eben Zaabeel is making his handicap debut following a fourth on his last start at Salisbury. He will need to improve to get that elusive first win.
The lightly raced Marhaba Million also makes his handicap debut. This son of Galileo went close last time out but could need more cut in the ground.
5.30 Newbury – Flaming Stone and We Sea You headline
Flaming Stone and We Sea You headline the IRE Incentive, Pays To Buy Irish EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (5.30).
Andrew Balding’s Flaming Stone cost a significant 425,000gns and could well build on her debut fourth at Newmarket under Oisin Murphy. This looks an easier contest.
We Sea You cost connections €150,000 and aims to justify that price tag by winning on debut. She can’t be overlooked first time out for the in-form Ralph Beckett.
Ollie Sangster landed this race last year with Shuwari and must be respected. William Buick takes the mount on Flight.
4.30 Newton Abbot – Mr Tambourine Man seeks hat-trick
Mr Tambourine Man bids for a hat-trick in the Tilly And Seth Wedding Party Handicap Hurdle (4.30).
David Pipe saddles the in-form Mr Tambourine Man. Last time out he won by a whopping seven lengths under the same jockey Jack Tudor, he should go well again.
Townhill justified favouritism in his victory at Plumpton, this comfortable win results in a hike in ratings. Ben Sutton will take off a useful 7lb.
Sea The Clouds will be trying to go one better, following a second after a lengthy break. If he continues in the same vain he could be a danger.
Tuesday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Newbury, Newton Abbot and Brighton – live on Sky Sports Racing on Tuesday June 25.
Royal Ascot continues on Friday with all seven races live on Sky Sports Racing once again, with the Coronation Stakes the feature contest.
3.45 Royal Ascot – Elmalka and Opera Singer headline strong Coronation field
Roger Varian has already hit the Group One target with Charyn this week and his 1000 Guineas winner Elmalka bids to follow up her shock Newmarket success in the one-mile Coronation Stakes with James Doyle replacing Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle.
Aidan O’Brien’s Opera Singer looked a potential superstar when claiming the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac as a two-year-old and is fancied to take a huge step forward, having finished third behind Fallen Angel in the Irish 1000 Guineas last month.
Donnacha O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna and French raider Ramatuelle filled the places behind Elmalka in the 1000 Guineas and should be on the premises again, while Charlie Appleby’s Devoted Queen is unbeaten in three starts and could spring a surprise.
3.05 Royal Ascot – Inisherin and Elite Status in cracking Commonwealth Cup line-up
Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin proved a revelation when taking the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes on his first try at this six-furlong trip and a similar performance in the Commonwealth Cup would see him hard to beat under Tom Eaves.
Image: Inisherin heads for the Commonwealth Cup field
Karl Burke’s Elite Status built on his two-year-old form to comfortably land the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on his return and looks a big each-way player under Clifford Lee.
Plenty of the others look to have chances, including emphatic Commonwealth Cup trial winner Jasour, while Starlust warrants respect after his York handicap success last month.
5.40 Royal Ascot – Diego Velazquez and Calandagan clash in King Edward
French runner Calandagan has scored at Group Three level on his last two starts and if able to handle this quicker surface, then he looks the one to beat in the King Edward VII Stakes for Francis-Henri Graffard and Stephane Pasquier.
Aidan O’Brien seeks a third success in this race as Diego Velazquez bids to bounce back from a couple of defeats in the French Classics with the step up in distance to 1m 4f expected to suit, while stablemate The Euphrates could ensure a strong pace.
Of the others, Space Legend takes a step up in class after his recent second at Goodwood, while Mondo Man finished a staying-on fifth in the Prix du Jockey Club last time and should finish closer with a sharper break.
Friday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday June 21.
The live action on Sky Sports Racing on Monday features an afternoon Flat meeting from Chepstow followed the the traditional Windsor evening meeting.
7.00 Windsor – Many A Star and Amazonian Dream lock horns again
Many A Star and Amazonian Dream rematch in the Fitzdares Sprint Series Qualifier Handicap (7.00) over six furlongs.
Rod Millman’s Amazonian Dream is a course and distance winner following his victory last time out. He could enter the frame again if he can handle the 6lb rise.
Saffie Osborne takes the mount on Many A Star who finished second to Amazonian Dream last month. He may still be too high in the weights to reverse the form, though.
Another course and distance winner is Bishop’s Crown. With his last run having excuses, the switch back to this distance could see this Eve Johnson Houghton gelding bounce back.
7.30 Windsor – Queen’s Guard seeks another victory
Recent winner Queen’s Guard features in the Fitzdares Windsor Handicap (7.30).
The progressive three-year-old was a ready winner last time out at Lingfield after going close on her last two starts. With Daniel Tudhope on board she looks to defy a 7lb rise in the weights.
Beyond Borders ran a lovely fourth on his penultimate start at Chester behind some smart rivals. He could pose a threat from 2lb lower.
Aramram is taking a step down in class following a credible fifth in a competitive novice at Doncaster. On his handicap debut he could go close.
3.18 Chepstow – Feeraas and Waking Dream feature in maiden
Feeraas and Waking Dream clash inthe vickers.bet EBF Maiden Stakes (3.18).
Archie Watson’s colt, Feeraas, finished third behind Symbol Of Honour on his debut at Lingfield and showed some promise in that contest with the form being franked by the runner-up winning since. It would not be a surprise if he progresses here.
Waking Dream is an expensive purchase for King Power Racing, costing 270,000gns, but she fell flat on debut at Windsor and should improve for this.
Hofburg is the most experienced horse coming into this race with two runs for Richard Hannon, including on his debut when he finished behind Feeraas. He will need to have come on to reverse the form.
Monday racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Chepstow and Windsor all live on Sky Sports Racing on Monday June 17.
Frazer Clarke has revealed that his rematch with Fabio Wardley is a ‘possible option’ for Anthony Joshua’s undercard at Wembley in September.
The British heavyweight rivals battled to a thrilling draw at The O2 Arena in March and Wardley had discussed plans for a rematch to be staged at Portman Road, home of his local football club, Ipswich Town.
But Clarke vs Wardley 2 could now collide on the same bill as Joshua’s next fight at Wembley, which is expected to be scheduled for September 21, with Daniel Dubois being considered as an opponent.
Daniel Dubois could face Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September
Clarke told Sky Sports: “I can’t tell you too much, but what I can tell you is there are deep conversations going on and it’s just the little nitty-gritty bit now.
“It shouldn’t be too long and I think we’re about there, and hopefully we’ll have good news for British fight fans. The general sense is everyone enjoyed it, so hopefully we can give these guys entertainment once again.
“It’s definitely a possible option [on the AJ undercard], but I think we both did ourselves a favour in the performance last time where we both have options. That is definitely a massive one and may be a frontrunner, but we could headline our own show, we could go on an undercard – the possibilities are all there.
Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley have both called for an immediate rematch
“There are talks going on every day and sooner or later we’ll come to some sort of agreement, and I’m sure we’ll have it on before you know it.”
After being denied the British and Commonwealth belts by a draw, Clarke is eager for another significant bout, even if Wardley is not in the opposite corner.
“I’m open to options [if it isn’t Wardley next], but I think my days of fighting people who are turning up to survive are done,” he said.
“I need a challenge, I need people who are coming to win, so I’m only looking up and that’s people who are ranked higher than me and I want to get right in that mix, and mix it with the best of them.
“The division’s quite busy at the minute and I’ll have to see what everyone else does, but I’m ready to get ready to fight, so let’s just hope I get a date for myself soon. Whether that’s Fabio or not, I just want to be in competitive fights.”
Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO cruiserweight world title against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park, live on Sky Sports on Saturday June 15.
