We have a busy day’s racing on Monday with Flat action from Bath, Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton, live on Sky Sports Racing.
3.45 Lingfield – Top-rated El Matador faces six rivals
The top-rated El Matador faces six rivals in the Lingfield Park feature, the Tia Giggle Gallop Handicap over seven furlongs. The Valmont-owned gelding represents top connections, ridden by Hector Crouch for Ralph Beckett, and arrives with two wins from six starts and a rating of 87. He showed promise winning two of his first three starts last year, but his form faded later in the season; gelded over the winter, more is expected from this relatively unexposed sort. Tiger Crusade could be the biggest danger if he applies his experience—he has 10 wins from 57 starts, disappointed when last of six last time but has dropped to his last winning mark. King’s Vanity and Silver Trumpet look best of the remainder.
3.00 Bath – Full brother of two Group performers debuts
David Evans runs a well-related newcomer in the Silvershine Turf Services Support Bath Maiden Stakes as Undercover Affair makes his debut. The Havana Grey gelding is out of Secret Romance, a full brother to Group performers Rosy Affair and Cuban Mistress. Evans is adept with debutants, so Undercover Affair could be one to watch. Evans also sends Dandyman Dan and Downloadmylife, with the latter aiming to improve on his green Brocklesby effort. Global Success finished fifth here 10 days ago after helping to force the pace and may take a step forward. Richard Hannon’s Leucothea, a daughter of Soldier’s Call, is the only other filly and makes her first start for an in-form yard.
6.30 Wolverhampton – Six course winners clash
Epictetus, once fifth to Ace Impact in the Prix du Jockey Club, meets six course winners in a trappy Country And Western Raceday – 28th June Handicap at Wolverhampton. The Kingman son has lost his way since winning the Group Three Thoroughbred Stakes in 2023 but has been competitive recently at a much lower level for the Osbornes and looks to have a solid each-way chance. Big Sip, Echalar, Jez Bomb, Lordsbridge Blu, Newfangled and Renesmee all boast course wins and make this a likely hotly-contested handicap.
Best of the rest
11.25 Bordeaux – Al Shaqab runner for Fabre by Frankel chases first win.
2.45 Lingfield – Travel Agent looks to defy a 4lbs rise.
3.30 Bath – Alvin and Comic Strip appeal on a clear-class angle.
5.00 Bath – Zoustellar looks to back up Yarmouth win.
5.20 Lingfield – Youthful King and Son Of Man lock horns.
6.00 Wolverhampton – Half-sister to Listed winner Novakai debuts.
8.00 Wolverhampton – Forever Perfect carries a 6lbs penalty.