Two juvenile prospects set to dominate Newcastle coverage
Sky Sports Racing brings live action from Southwell and Newcastle on Thursday, with a competitive juvenile nursery at Gosforth Park and a trio of notable contests at the Nottinghamshire track. The 6.00pm at Newcastle features a clash between two unexposed juveniles who have already drawn attention this season: Havana Lightning and Blake’s Mountain.
Havana Lightning, trained by George Boughey, drops into a nursery after taking on Listed and Group company earlier in the campaign. The filly began her career with a novice win at Yarmouth in May before stepping up to Group Two level in the Queen Mary, and connections hold her in high regard at home.
Blake’s Mountain, trained by Ivan Furtado, arrives off a recent success at Redcar where he finally opened his account at the fourth attempt. That win came following a wind operation and gelding, and the colt could be expected to progress now he moves into handicap company.
Other juveniles in the line-up include Peaceful Warrior, who made a promising start with a Yarmouth victory in May but has not built on that since. The contest looks to be a good test of potential for several horses yet to establish a full profile.
Night Of Gold among those to watch in the EBF maiden
Earlier on the Newcastle card, the 5.30pm EBF Maiden Stakes features Night Of Gold, another Boughey-trained youngster who seeks a first success. Purchased as a yearling for a substantial sum, Night Of Gold shaped with promise when third on debut at Southwell and may be well suited by a mile as he looks to improve on that introduction.
Saint Of Seville, by Baaeed, is another with potential to progress after a modest debut at Sandown, while Hugo Palmer’s newcomer Ring Of Music carries an interesting pedigree and will attract attention in the market.
Southwell on the agenda: Duke Of Luckley heads the hurdle feature
At Southwell the feature is the Old Stag 70th Birthday Handicap Hurdle, where the nine-year-old Duke Of Luckley bids for a fourth win of the year. Trained by Martin Keighley, he has won three of his four starts this season and is expected to be prominent once more in a competitive renewal.
Several rivals hold each-way appeal, notably King Ulanda, who was successful at Uttoxeter on his penultimate outing and ran creditably at Sedgefield subsequently. Max Of Stars, who finished runner-up to King Ulanda most recently, and Granny Hawkins, who remains capable over timber, also warrant consideration on paper.
Other highlights and international notes
- Southwell’s 5.10pm features a clash between last-time winners Crack Ops and Spot On Soph.
- Across the Atlantic at Belmont Park there are a number of high-class declarations, including Flowerhead in a Grade Three and a Grade One Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes that lists El Cordobes and Pride Of Arras among the headline names. The Grade Two Flower Bowl Stakes also appears on the card with Esna, Gezora and Cathedral declared.
Coverage from Sky Sports Racing will provide live action and context for these contests, offering viewers a look at emerging juveniles at Newcastle alongside established performers returning to hurdles at Southwell. The day’s cards present a mixture of promising young horses stepping forward and experienced types seeking to maintain form through the summer months.
This article may have been prepared in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
