STAR RACING PREVIEW: Brighton Wednesday

The Star Sports Brighton Festival kicks off on Wednesday with six races – the first of a three day extravaganza on the south coast, writes LEWIS WILLIAMS.

2.25 Brighton – Star Sports We Believe In Bookmaking Handicap (Class 4) 5½f

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Night On Earth doesn’t stay much further than 5 but he gets his absolute optimum ground, trip and track configuration on Wednesday for the opener of the Star Sports Brighton Festival. Although it’s his first appearance at the seaside, it might not be his last and everything in his locker screams a quick ground sharp 5 will suit him down to the letter.

David Nolan surprisingly didn’t grab the rail at Hamilton last time out, but off the same mark with the super Billy Loughnane on board he can go one better. 82 might seem high in the context of previous marks in 2024, but just two years ago he was running off marks in the high 90s chasing home the likes of Twilight Calls, Flaming Rib and Mr Wagyu in the sprinting handicap divisions. He’s full of pace and I don’t think Billy will see any other horse throughout this race and land the spoils at ? with starsports.bet.

At anywhere other than a track like Brighton I’d rate Dapperling’s chances. The fact he was sent off only 12/1 for the Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes speaks highly of him off 76 but so maybe there’s a day in him further down the line.

3.55 Brighton – Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Brighton Mile Challenge Handicap (For the Brighton Mile Challenge Trophy) (Class 4) 1m

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Blenheim Star was a huge eyecatcher on debut at two at a huge price and was subsequently thrown in the deep end in the Tatts October Auction Stakes behind Woodhay Wonder before finding herself in easier company and striking three times at three including on both occasions at Brighton once stepped up to the mile trip.

Despite a career high mark of 69, she was probably the best horse last time at Epsom where Callum Shepherd found himself running 8 wide and the same number of lengths behind the leading pack off a pace that the winner was much closer to, which led to a 2nd placed finish covering much more ground than the leader. Returning to her stomping ground in Brighton, Brandon Wilkie takes 5 off this daughter of Churchill and I really think this price of ? with starsports.bet is too good to be true for the Brighton Mile Trophy if she’s provided with a more prominent ride to the one she received at Epsom.

Charming Whisper could perhaps want further and I think he’s exposed enough off 80. Despite George Rooke dropping his whip and finishing well on board the son of Charm Spirit last time, horses in front and behind him that day have since been comprehensively beaten and course specialist Blenheim Star might have the edge over him.

4.55 Brighton – starsportsbet.co.uk “Confined” Handicap (For horses which have not won a race in 2024) (Class 6) 7f

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Wednesday’s final race sees Tony Carroll have what I think is his best chance of the day in what is usually a benefit meeting for the Worcestershire trainer. Cut To The Chase is a rare unexposed Tony runner who had absolutely no chance on debut behind Starlust at 200/1 and similar prices in maidens/novices, but ran a massive race in a Classified Stakes last time out where he was given a polar opposite ride to the winner and was a massive eyecatcher.

The son of Muhaarar was held up in rear division and had to come 6 wide around the Wolverhampton bend under Jack Doughty compared to the winner Top Button who hugged the rail the whole way home. To even get within the final distance of a neck was a huge effort and if he takes to Brighton as many of Tony’s horses do, he’s got a huge chance off 52 on handicap debut. Kodebreaker in 4th has won since and the profile of this horse makes it a must-bet for me at ? with starsports.bet.

RECOMMENDED BETS
BACK Night On Earth to win the 2.25 at Brighton 2pts at 13/8 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
BACK Blenheim Star to win the 3.55 at Brighton 1pt at 9/2 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
BACK Cut To The Chase to win the 4.55 at Brighton 2pts at 7/2 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)