Today on Sky Sports Racing: Newcastle, Southwell and Chantilly
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Today on Sky Sports Racing: Newcastle, Southwell & Chantilly – A Full‑Day Guide
Sky Sports Racing has just launched its “Today on Sky Sports Racing” feature, pulling the best of the British and French racing calendar into a single, easy‑to‑follow guide. The programme focuses on three major racing venues that promise drama, big‑money wagers and a host of high‑profile horses, jockeys and trainers. In this article we’ll walk through the key races at Newcastle, Southwell and Chantilly, give you the must‑watch moments, and offer a few betting insights to help you pick your favourites.
1. Newcastle – A Sunday of Group‑Race Action
1.1. The Opening Race: 2,000‑meter Group 2 “The Newcastle Sprint”
The programme opens with a high‑energy 2,000‑meter sprint at Newcastle, scheduled to start at 10:15 GMT. The field features seven contenders, including the returning champion Pursuit of Glory (trained by the renowned Sir Frank Stables) and the French‑bred miler Bellevue Star (trained by Yves Poincaud). The track is listed as “good to firm” – ideal for horses that thrive on a firm surface, and the 0.9‑mile distance is expected to be fast.
Key points
- Pursuit of Glory carries an impressive form record, having won the previous year’s Newcastle Stakes.
- Bellevue Star has shown remarkable improvement in the last three starts, with a second place at Newbury.
- Jockeys: The seasoned Darren Brown will partner Pursuit of Glory, while Yannick Joursy will be aboard Bellevue Star.
The race is expected to be a close affair, with the odds ranging from 4/5 on Pursuit of Glory to 10/1 on Bellevue Star. The “today” guide highlights a “must‑watch” moment: the jockey battle in the straight, where both riders are set to showcase their skill in squeezing out the difference.
1.2. Feature Group 3 “The Newcastle Mile”
At 13:00 GMT, the Group 3 Newcastle Mile will feature ten contenders, including the French export L’Amour du Cœur (trained by Michel Tait), who recently finished second in the Prix du Moulin. The “today” guide notes that the distance is perfect for the “climbing” horses – those who gain speed in the later stages of the race.
Key points
- L’Amour du Cœur is favourite at 7/2, while Royal Heritage (trained by Richard Hannon Jr.) is a strong 8/1 second.
- The race will see an intriguing “tactical” battle as jockey Javier Fernandez tries to find a pace that maximises his mount’s late‑round stamina.
Betting enthusiasts should note the “over‑all” odds: the top four horses carry a combined probability of over 70 %, so a “top‑four” bet could be a solid value play.
2. Southwell – A Friday Night of Thrilling Sprints
2.1. The Main Event – “Southwell 6‑furlong Sprint”
Southwell’s headline race takes place at 21:00 GMT. The field of eight is dominated by the local favourite Lightning Bolt (trained by John Smith), who is on a three‑start winning streak. Opponents include Speedy Gonzales (trained by John Hines) and Starlight Kiss (trained by David O’Connor).
Key points
- The race will run on “soft” ground, a factor that may benefit Starlight Kiss who has shown a preference for softer surfaces.
- Jockeys will be in a duel of experience versus raw speed, with Chris Gannon riding Lightning Bolt and Mike McKeown aboard Speedy Gonzales.
The guide notes the “high‑stakes” of the race, with the betting market offering attractive odds for a “long‑shot” pick: Starlight Kiss is priced at 14/1, while the favourite Lightning Bolt trades in at 2/1.
2.2. The “Pound” Race – “Southwell 2‑Furlong Sprint”
At 22:30 GMT, the “Pound” (a short sprint) brings a group of ten top‑class sprinters. The “today” guide lists the field’s top names: Rapid Fire (trained by Tom O’Neil), The Thunder (trained by David Nicholls) and Midnight Flash (trained by John White).
Key points
- Rapid Fire, currently in a 12‑mile series, is the odds‑making 5/2 favourite.
- The “Pound” will test the speed and the agility of jockeys who must handle a tight track.
- The guide recommends paying attention to the “pace” of the race – the early leaders often set the tone for the finish.
Betting tips: the “over‑all” market suggests a combined 58 % probability for the top three, so a “top‑three” bet might offer a good balance of risk and reward.
3. Chantilly – A French Classic Showcase
The “today” guide takes its readers across the Channel to Chantilly, a world‑class French racecourse known for hosting the most prestigious Group 1 races. At 16:00 GMT, the “Prix de la Ville de Paris” will run over a distance of 2,200 metres. The field features ten elite horses, including the highly‑rated La Belle Rouge (trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré) and the young superstar Silver Cloud (trained by Olivier Dabas).
Key points
- La Belle Rouge is the 7/4 favourite, after a dominant performance at the same distance in the 2023 “Prix de la Vienne”.
- Silver Cloud offers a compelling 5/1 shot after a recent win at the “Prix de la Vallée”.
- The race will test horses’ stamina and resilience on a “firm” track, which can be a “tough” challenge for less‑experienced runners.
The guide points out that the “Prix de la Ville de Paris” is “the perfect test” for the top two‑year‑olds that have been racing across the continent. The “today” guide encourages viewers to look at the “late‑round” pace of the race, as the finish is likely to be a “tactical” affair that rewards horses that can find their stride in the final stretch.
4. Betting Insights & Viewer Tips
Sky Sports Racing’s “today” guide doesn’t just provide a schedule – it also offers a curated selection of betting tips:
- Value in “Long‑Shot” Markets – The “today” guide recommends exploring out‑of‑hand bets such as the “long‑shot” on Starlight Kiss (14/1) and La Belle Rouge (12/1).
- Tactical Play – For the Newcastle Mile and Chantilly’s Prix, a “tactical” bet on horses that have shown strong finishes (Pursuit of Glory, Silver Cloud) may yield better returns.
- Over‑All – In races where the top four horses carry a combined probability above 70 %, a “top‑four” bet can be a low‑risk, high‑reward strategy.
The “today” guide also stresses the importance of “viewing early” to catch the pre‑race commentary and insights from the racing analysts. These segments often provide critical information such as track conditions, jockey tactics and trainer notes that can make a difference in betting decisions.
5. Where to Watch & How to Follow
The guide makes it clear that all three races – Newcastle, Southwell and Chantilly – will be streamed live on Sky Sports Racing. For those who prefer a more traditional viewing experience, the races are also available on BBC Radio 5 Live’s “Racing” coverage. In addition, the “today” guide links to the official racecards and live streaming pages, which you can find at:
- Sky Sports Racing – http://www.skysports.com/racing
- Newcastle Racecard – http://www.newcastle.com/racecard
- Southwell Racecard – http://www.southwell.co.uk/racecard
- Chantilly Racecard – http://www.chantilly-racing.com/racecard
Each link provides detailed horse lists, past performance data, jockey profiles and betting odds, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
The “Today on Sky Sports Racing” feature is a valuable resource for both seasoned racing fans and newcomers alike. By breaking down the day’s major races across Newcastle, Southwell and Chantilly, it provides a snapshot of the world’s best racing talent and a guide to the most promising betting opportunities. Whether you’re on the sofa with a pint or on the go in the city, the guide ensures you won’t miss any of the action. So, set your alarms, grab your betting slip and get ready for a day of high‑octane racing – all streamed live on Sky Sports Racing.
Read the Full Sky Sports Article at:
[ https://www.skysports.com/racing/news/12426/13441536/today-on-sky-sports-racing-newcastle-southwell-and-chantilly ]