Sky Sports Racing brings a busy Sunday of jumps and flat racing from Ascot and Doncaster, with several competitive handicaps and notable entries to follow.
3.05 Ascot — Sodexo Live! Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Munsif heads a 13-strong juvenile hurdle field at Ascot. Trained by Charles Byrnes, he is still seeking a first hurdles success after four runs but has shown promise and could be well treated now dropped into handicap company, provided the going doesn’t become too testing. Senator, who beat Macshadow Des Crai in a Market Rasen maiden, arrives on a fair mark for his handicap debut, as does the reopposing Macshadow Des Crai. Innamorato and Cayman Dancer look the best of the remainder and should be involved in the finish.
4.05 Doncaster — William Hill NRMB On The Grand National Handicap (1m2f)
Port Of London is the progressive pick here for John and Thady Gosden. The four-year-old won again on the all-weather at Lingfield in December — his second success from four AW starts and his first after being gelded — and makes an appealing turf debut. Atherstone Warrior is a major alternative after a productive campaign last season and a strong run in Doncaster’s November Handicap; the drop back to a mile and a quarter should suit. Other runners to note include UK debutant Ashnak and Ian Williams’ Harvey, who may have more to offer.
5.15 Doncaster — William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap (6f)
A top-class renewal over six furlongs with 20 declared. Dark Thirty returns for the Quinn yard after winning this race last year for Richard Hannon; he carries an extra 4 lb but could place each way if fully tuned up on his seasonal reappearance. Korker, topping the weights for Karl Burke with Pierre-Louis Jamin engaged, has been rated higher in the past and often runs well in defeat — a contender if this race is run to suit. Fine Interview, trained by Hamad Al Jehani, is a dual course-and-distance winner and would be a danger should the ground turn soft.
Best of the rest
– 4.50 Ascot: Copperhead takes in the Veterans’ Chase.
– 5.25 Ascot: A competitive heat featuring Brave Knight and Afadil.
– Trainer stat: Ben Pauling has a 33% strike-rate at Ascot this season.
– 2.20 Doncaster: A race for potential future winners — Firewalker (saddled by Amo) brings an attractive pedigree, while the experienced Naval Light remains a maiden.
– 4.40 Doncaster: Siam Ruby and Morbeh look likely to progress.
– 1.47 Doncaster: A useful contest for apprentices.
International action to note
– Saint-Cloud 3.25 (Group 3 Prix Edmond Blanc): UK contenders Sparks Fly, Skukuza and Native Warrior head to France.
– Saint-Cloud 4.00 (Listed): Double Major and Hotheaded are the main players; Asmarani is also declared.
– Saint-Cloud 12.58: A maiden with several interesting pedigrees.
– Saint-Cloud 1.33: Estivale and Ilithyie are two to watch.
– Sha Tin: Riders Zac Purton and Andrea Atzeni are in action.
Summary
Sunday offers a mix of progressive types, course specialists and returning performers. Keep an eye on Munsif and Senator in the juvenile hurdle, Port Of London as a strong turf debutant, and the large Doncaster sprint where Dark Thirty, Korker and Fine Interview each bring solid claims. Across the card there are several races that could reveal future improvers and international contests worth following.