We have a busy Thursday of live racing from Chepstow and Southwell on Sky Sports Racing.
3.37 Southwell – Crest Of Fire and Powder Monkey contest strong maiden
A deep Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Maiden Stakes features Crest Of Fire and Powder Monkey seeking first wins. Crest Of Fire is yet to score in five starts but showed ability when runner-up off a mark of 83 on handicap debut at Doncaster. Now gelded and dropping back into maiden company, he looks a leading contender. George Boughey’s Powder Monkey was beaten by a lack of pace when second on debut over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton and should be sharper stepping up to a mile. Regulus Black and King Of Berkshire offer each-way appeal.
3.50 Chepstow – River Voyage bids to continue the winning thread
Point winner River Voyage recorded a first chase success with a battling staying display at Ffos Las last month and should relish a significant step up in trip. Gold Emery produced a solid effort when second to Planned Paradise at Bangor and is likely to be competitive off the same mark. Lightonthewing, narrowly beaten over hurdles last time, added a seventh success over larger obstacles at Exeter twenty days ago and will be popular attempting to follow up despite a five-pound rise. To Be Sure and Amateur complete the shortlist.
4.37 Southwell – Last-time winners Numero Vingt and Hvar clash
Numero Vingt and Hvar meet in a classy renewal of Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap. Archie Watson’s Numero Vingt has shown grit to prevail narrowly on both starts since being gelded; the Lingfield runner-up has since provided depth to the form and heads into handicaps with Hollie Doyle aboard. Hvar, a Wolverhampton novice winner on his third start last season, has moved to John and Sean Quinn, while Riley Rocks, successful at Newcastle in January, must be respected. Wyle Cop, a recent Wolverhampton maiden winner, is another to note.
Best of the rest
2.37 Southwell – Appier and St Faz headline a decent contest, with St Faz seeking a hat-trick.
5.20 Chepstow – An intriguing bumper featuring Stick To The Board, Trigg and Lord Du Gouet.
2.40 Chantilly – Another interesting maiden contest.