Eydon and Champagne Prince will be facing off in the Winter Derby Trial at Southwell, a highly-anticipated event that promises to be a thrilling showdown for horse racing enthusiasts. Eydon, trained by Andrew Balding, is considered a strong contender with an impressive official mark of 109. Despite being lightly raced for his age, Eydon showcased his potential with a series of solid performances last year, including a second-place finish behind Champagne Prince at Kempton. With a slight shift in weights, Eydon is expected to be in the mix once again for the BetUK Winter Derby Trial Conditions Stakes.
Champagne Prince, under the guidance of Jane Chapple-Hyam, enters the competition in red-hot form, having secured victories in four out of five starts on the all-weather tracks. This three-year-old phenom is a standout in the field and poses a serious challenge to Eydon in this quality race. Intinso, making a satisfactory debut for trainer Craig Lidster, and Claymore, looking to bounce back from a lackluster performance at Newcastle, will also be vying for victory in the Winter Derby Trial.
Top Contenders in Lingfield National Field
In another exciting race at 2.45 Lingfield, The Two Amigos, Lady Balko, and Major Dundee are set to headline the National field. Nicky Martin’s The Two Amigos, a standout performer, displayed his prowess by finishing second to Saint Xavier in a Class 2 handicap chase at Haydock. Despite a higher mark, The Two Amigos is expected to deliver a competitive performance as he drops in class. Major Dundee, a seasoned marathon runner, aims to recapture his past glory after claiming the Midlands National title in 2023. However, Alan King’s charge has struggled in recent races, posing a challenge for the seasoned competitor.
Lady Balko, trained by David Pipe, is another contender to watch out for in the Surrey National Handicap Chase. After a hat-trick of wins over fences in December, Lady Balko faced difficulties at the Listed level in her last outing. With a more suitable race ahead, Lady Balko is poised to make a strong comeback under the skilled guidance of Jack Tudor. Olly Murphy’s Here Comes McCoy, an untested talent in larger obstacles, completes the shortlist under Sean Bowen.
Feature Race at Newcastle: Hierarchy vs. Muscika
The spotlight shifts to Newcastle at 3.28, where the Jamie Osborne-trained Hierarchy takes on Muscika in an exciting BetUK Handicap. Hierarchy, coming off a dominant performance at Lingfield, looks to redeem himself after being disqualified for weighing in light. With William Carver in the saddle, Hierarchy aims to seize the opportunity and secure a well-deserved victory. Muscika, a veteran in the racing circuit, continues to defy the odds with his remarkable career record. Having recently clinched a course and distance event, Muscika is determined to follow up on his success under a slightly higher mark.
Antony Brittain’s Bellagio Man, known for his unpredictable starts, presents an intriguing each-way option in the race. With a clear break, Bellagio Man could surprise the field and emerge as a dark horse contender. Additionally, Haut Folin eyes a change in fortune in the At The Races App Form Study Handicap Chase at Lingfield, while Drayton Flyer seeks to build on a promising debut at Wetherby in the Monthly Cashback @ greatbet.co.uk Maiden Hurdle.
As the racing action unfolds at Southwell, Newcastle, Lingfield, and Sha Tin, viewers can expect a day filled with thrilling contests and standout performances. Internationally renowned jockeys such as Mickael Barzalona, Zac Purton, and Christophe Soumillon will showcase their skills in high-stakes races at Sha Tin. With a diverse range of competitions on offer, including the Group 3 Centenary Vase and the Hong Kong Classic Mile, racing enthusiasts are in for a treat with a chance to witness top-notch equestrian talent in action. Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage of all the heart-pounding moments from the tracks.
