ECNETNews reports a thrilling day of horse racing as Southwell, Plumpton, and Wolverhampton prepare for a packed Monday schedule.
12:22 Southwell – Bad Aims for First Chase Victory
Trained by Ben Pauling, Bad is set to compete in the Southwell Golf Club Handicap Chase. After showcasing potential in novice chases at Ascot this season, a drop to lower-class competition may provide the breakthrough he needs to secure his first victory in Britain, especially with Ben Jones aboard. If he can overcome his ungamely head carriage, victory could be on the horizon.
Leading trainer Dan Skelton enters three competitors: Benny’s King, Real Stone, and Salamanca Bay. Harry Skelton’s decision to ride Real Stone reflects the horse’s impressive performance last season. Also noteworthy is No Ris Des Flos, entering for the in-form team of Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen.
12:40 Plumpton – Epic West and Touquet Carry Penalty
Jamie Snowden’s Epic West, a promising novice hurdler, looks to capitalize on his recent successful debut at Carlisle, where he won by seven lengths. Competing in the Dawson Hart Gallop Novices’ Hurdle, he poses a significant threat from the front end today.
Touquet, a previous course and distance winner, returns after a challenging outing at Ascot. Now back at two miles for Paul Nicholls, expect him to bounce back and reclaim form. Andashan, with two solid bumper performances, will also be one to watch if he transitions well to hurdles.
2:10 Plumpton – Lady Balko Seeks to Extend Unbeaten Streak
Lady Balko looks to maintain her unbeaten record at this distance after a solid performance last time out. Her experience from a similar hurdling campaign last season under trainer David Pipe bodes well for her chances. Meanwhile, Village Master, a previous winner, attempts to recover from a disappointing return after a break in the G.E. White & Sons Agricultural Buildings Handicap Chase.
Northern Poet, fresh off a second-place finish and following wind surgery, will be keen to improve his standings today.
Best of the Rest
In an exciting debut for Fergal O’Brien, Cool Palmer will join the lineup at Southwell’s 12:52 PM race. North Of Richmond, scoring last time out, may also leverage his experience to shine.
At Plumpton at 1:10 PM, Dubrovnik Harry and Sea Invasion face off in a Novices’ Handicap Chase, followed by Bold Recruit seeking victory at 1:40 PM under jockey Gavin Sheehan.
Southwell’s 2:22 PM race features Crazierthandaisy, eager for her first hurdle win, ahead of Magical Arthur, who aims for a hat-trick an hour later.
Meanwhile, John and Thady Gosden debut the intriguing Java Raja at Wolverhampton.
