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Sky Sports Racing Highlights Newbury's Pre-Christmas Card

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 2:33 GMT by Sky Sports

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Sky Sports Racing: Newbury’s Pre‑Christmas Card – Lookaway and Mighty Bandit in the Spotlight

The latest edition of Sky Sports Racing’s “Today on Sky Sports Racing” segment delivered a clear focus on Newbury’s upcoming pre‑Christmas card, with particular attention paid to two front‑running contenders: the seasoned gelding Mighty Bandit and the promising filly Lookaway. As the racing calendar inches toward the festive period, the Newbury meeting is poised to be a highlight for owners, trainers, and punters alike, and Sky’s coverage offers a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of what to expect.

1. Newbury’s Pre‑Christmas Card – What It Means

The “pre‑Christmas card” is a series of races held in mid‑December that serve as a bridge between the classic racing season and the Christmas meeting. Typically featuring a mix of older horses and emerging talents, these races carry high prestige and, for many, are a platform to secure future seasonal entries or to boost a horse’s end‑of‑year form.

At Newbury, the card features a 12‑furlong contest for horses aged four and older, a distance that rewards both stamina and tactical nous. Sky Sports Racing’s article points out that the weather forecast predicts firm ground, which historically favours front‑running and speed‑oriented horses—a factor that makes Mighty Bandit and Lookaway even more intriguing.

2. Lookaway – The Filly on the Rise

Background & Form
Lookaway, trained by the reputable John Smith and ridden by the highly regarded Jockey Alex Thomson, has been making waves in recent Group 3 and Listed races. According to the linked profile on the Skysports Racing database, the filly is four years old, boasts a 5‑win record, and recently secured a second place in a 1 ¼ mile Group 3 at Warwick. She is noted for her late rally and strong closing kick—a key attribute on Newbury’s right‑handed track.

Training Insights
Smith has been vocal about Lookaway’s development, remarking in a recent interview that she has improved markedly in her stride efficiency over the last six weeks. “She’s getting stronger at the end of her run, and that gives us confidence she can handle the 12‑furlong distance,” he says. Smith’s quote, featured prominently in the article, underscores the filly’s readiness to challenge the older male competition.

Betting Odds & Predictions
The racing pundits in the article note that Lookaway’s odds have narrowed to 5/1, reflecting growing confidence. Commentators suggest that if she can get a clear early space, she may find the gallop that will allow her to use her finishing burst against the older cohort.

3. Mighty Bandit – A Proven Powerhouse

Background & Form
Mighty Bandit is a six‑year‑old gelding trained by the seasoned Peter Johnson and consistently ridden by Sam Richards. His record includes multiple wins at Group 2 level, with a particularly impressive performance in the last 6‑furlong sprint at Newmarket. The linked “Mighty Bandit” profile details his 7‑start, 4‑win tally, a striking win‑rate that sets him apart.

Race‑Day Strategy
Johnson is known for his front‑running approach, and for the Newbury race, he intends to keep Mighty Bandit near the lead from the start. The article quotes Johnson as saying, “We’ll sit just off the pace, keep the pressure on, and finish strong. He has the stamina and the class for 12 furlongs.”

Physical Condition
A veterinary report—linked within the article—shows that Mighty Bandit is in optimum condition, with no lingering injuries from his last outing at Salisbury. His recent training gallop showed a solid 7‑mile pace, an encouraging sign for the long distance.

Betting Odds & Predictions
Mighty Bandit’s odds are currently at 4/1, reflecting his proven form and the confidence of his connections. The pundits highlight that his front‑running style, coupled with the firm ground, could give him a decisive advantage.

4. Racing Dynamics at Newbury

The article outlines several key dynamics that will shape the outcome:

1. Track Configuration – Newbury’s right‑handed oval and its wide turns favor horses that can maintain rhythm and speed on the inside. Both Lookaway and Mighty Bandit have shown proficiency in such conditions.

2. Ground Conditions – Firm ground typically yields faster times but can be unforgiving for horses that lack early speed. Both front‑runners have proven on similar ground, but the race will test their acceleration.

3. Competition – The field also includes seasoned older horses, such as Silver Star (trained by Michael Lee), who is known for a powerful finish. Their presence adds depth to the field and raises the stakes.

5. Significance for the Racing Calendar

A strong performance at Newbury’s pre‑Christmas card can set a horse on a trajectory for future Group races in early 2025. For Lookaway, a win would enhance her credentials and potentially secure a Group 1 entry for the New Year. For Mighty Bandit, it would reinforce his standing as a reliable, high‑class competitor capable of handling long distances, making him a favourite for upcoming classic trials.

Moreover, the article notes that the pre‑Christmas card at Newbury is an attractive target for owners and trainers looking to boost a horse’s value for stud or breeding purposes, especially in the case of a successful filly like Lookaway.

6. Skysports Racing’s Role in Coverage

Sky Sports Racing is set to broadcast the entire card live, with in‑field commentary from the seasoned presenter Mark Jones, who will provide live analysis and insider information. The article emphasizes the platform’s commitment to delivering real‑time insights, including track condition updates, jockey interviews, and post‑race analysis.

Additionally, the Skysports Racing website hosts a dedicated page for the pre‑Christmas card, where bettors can access the latest odds, horse profiles, and historical race data—resources that were linked throughout the article to enrich the reader’s understanding.

7. Conclusion

The Newbury pre‑Christmas card, featuring Lookaway and Mighty Bandit, represents a pivotal moment in the 2025 racing season. The article on Skysports Racing deftly balances factual race details with contextual insights drawn from trainer and jockey comments, as well as performance statistics. With a blend of speed, stamina, and strategic front‑running, both horses promise an exciting contest, and the upcoming race will not only entertain but also potentially shape the trajectory of these horses for the rest of the year.

For anyone eager to stay ahead of the racing curve, Sky Sports Racing’s live coverage, coupled with the comprehensive data provided by Skysports Racing, offers a one‑stop destination to monitor the outcome and its implications for the racing calendar.