Alan King’s veteran Edwardstone is set to head the field in this afternoon’s Betgoodwin Sussex Champion Handicap Chase at Plumpton, live on Sky Sports Racing.
2.35 Plumpton — Edwardstone seeks more honours
Edwardstone, King’s seasoned campaigner, leads a five-strong line-up for the two-mile one-furlong feature. The grey has compiled an impressive CV that includes wins in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, the Arkle and the 2022 Tingle Creek. His most recent run produced a respectable fourth in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase in February. He will carry top weight on his first start at Plumpton as he bids for a twelfth career victory.
Paul Nicholls’ Matterhorn represents the principal threat. The eight-year-old recorded his fifth career chase win at Uttoxeter two starts ago but was pulled up at Ascot over Christmas. He chased home Sans Bruit in this race last year and arrives in better form this season.
James Owen’s in-form Secret Des Dieux goes for a hat-trick under Jonathan Burke but must shoulder an extra 9lb following his recent successes. Gary and Josh Moore’s course-and-distance winner Kotmask and Neil Mulholland’s Scorsese complete the quintet.
8.35 Sha Tin — Ka Ying Rising chases 19th straight victory
At Sha Tin, David Hayes’ superstar Ka Ying Rising aims for a 19th consecutive win in the Group 2 Sprint Cup on Sunday morning. The five-year-old notched his 18th straight triumph 43 days ago when scoring over seven furlongs for only the second time. He drops back to his more familiar six furlongs here and, having already earned in excess of £13 million, the sprinter looks to add another Group 2 to his record. Connections have also suggested the Chairman’s Sprint Prize later this month as a target.
Hugh Bowman, who won this contest in 2024, partners Helios Express, a horse that has finished second to Ka Ying Rising on the last two occasions and will again hope to be best of the rest. Raging Blizzard and Hayes’ other runner Tomodachi Kokoroe are additional contenders to watch.
4.25 Plumpton — Invincible Nao defends Sussex National crown
Eleven go to post in the Betgoodwin Sussex National Handicap Chase over 3m 4½f, and last year’s winner Invincible Nao is out to retain his title for Gary and Josh Moore. He carries a 4lb higher mark this time but benefits from Freddie Mitchell’s 3lb claim.
Stablemate Havaila is an intriguing entry after a comfortable success at Newbury 16 days ago; Caoilin Quinn takes the ride and has won the last two renewals of this race. Neil Mulholland’s Transmission will attempt to overcome top weight and add a third chase success; the nine-year-old scored at Musselburgh in February wearing a first-time visor, which is retained for today.
Tommie Beau, a previous course winner, runs in first-time cheekpieces for Seamus Mullins, while Planned Paradise aims to complete a hat-trick for Christian Williams and Jack Tudor. Others to note include Chris Gordon’s Unanswered Prayers and Paul Nicholls’ Largy Poet.
Racing fans can follow the action on Sky Sports Racing as the cards at Plumpton and Sha Tin play out.