The Shadwell-owned Raaheeb makes his return to competitive action this afternoon in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor, with the race broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
4.15 Windsor - Classy Raaheeb aims to resume his progression
Raaheeb, a brother to top-class performers Baaeed and Hukum, is looking to get back on track after a summer campaign that saw mixed results. The colt made an impressive start to his racing career with a victory at two years old, followed by an impressive display when capturing the Classic Trial at Sandown in commanding fashion.
His subsequent outing in the Irish Derby proved less rewarding, finishing fourth after travelling like a genuine contender under Rossa Ryan before fading in the closing stages. The time away from the track since that effort has been designed to allow Raaheeb to develop both physically and mentally, and connections are hopeful this break will set him up nicely for a successful return.
According to Godolphin's racecard information, Raaheeb is entered as a seven-runner field for the Winter Hill Stakes on Monday 7 September 2026, carrying 9st 5lb off a rating of 112 under jockey Rossa Ryan for trainer Owen Burrows. Market moves have shown strong support for the colt, with early trading suggesting odds around 8/11, indicating confidence in his chances despite the penalty he carries.
Racing Post reported that
connections had been patient with Raaheeb after his summer runs and were monitoring the ground at Windsor because of concerns about good-to-firm conditions, with the team prepared to make a final decision after inspecting the track. The focus for the Shadwell operation extends beyond this afternoon, as Raaheeb is also entered in the Qatar Champion Stakes, with connections indicating that next year's targets take precedence over forcing an immediate return to winning form.
Even under the penalty, Raaheeb should prove difficult to beat in what appears a more straightforward contest than the Irish Derby, and he remains the horse to beat in this afternoon's feature.
Venetian Prince represents the in-form Andrew Balding yard after winning the Italian Derby in June. However, Jason Watson's mount will need to bounce back from a disappointing run at Royal Ascot, where he was outpaced over three furlongs out in the King Edward VII Stakes and failed to show his best form.
Maho Bay ran respectably at the Royal meeting and could easily have finished closer had he not encountered trouble in the home straight. With limited experience at this level, he represents the biggest threat to the favourite and could provide a genuine test of Raaheeb's credentials.
Crest Of Fire and Harmonics have been making steady progress through handicap company but would require a significant step up in performance to win at this elevated grade.
4.00 Newton Abbot - Improving duo Arctic Voyage and Edelak feature in cagey affair
The improving pair of Arctic Voyage and Edelak headline the Par Inn Handicap Hurdle, with both horses in excellent form heading into the contest.
Edelak got back to winning ways at Stratford in July following a fall at his previous outing when he appeared to be a likely winner. His record since then has been outstanding, with four victories in his last five starts, and he has been winning with considerable ease. A small break after a busy spell should see him deliver a career-best performance.
The opposition is formidable, however, with Arctic Voyage having taken exceptionally well to hurdling since joining the Michael Blake yard. He has won three of his last four outings and impressed most recently when scoring with plenty in reserve, suggesting there is more to come from this improving sort.
War Correspondent carries a fair weight and returns to hurdles after two disappointing runs over fences, which means he is unlikely to pose the main threat. Ellerton emerges as the primary danger to the leading pair, having recorded an encouraging victory back over hurdles following a breathing operation that appears to have had a positive effect on his performance.
6.30 Wolverhampton - Progressive filly Brunhilde steps up in trip
Progressive filly Brunhilde takes a step up in distance in the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap, looking to build on an impressive recent run.
George Boughey's charge has improved noticeably with each outing since making her debut in May, and the patience shown by connections paid off when she won by over five lengths at Lingfield on her most recent start. Her pedigree is strong, being closely related to Godolphin's listed winner Ghostwatch, which suggests the step up to one mile and six furlongs could unlock further improvement.
Last Verse impressed when winning at Lingfield on his previous outing and remains relatively unexposed, with a favourable mark that gives him genuine winning chances in this contest.
Level Look should be capable of progressing from his promising second-place finish at Chester, having been disadvantaged by his position when too far back at the Shergar Cup last month.
Robusto won his last time out and can be competitive, though his higher all-weather rating means he has less scope for improvement than some of his more unexposed rivals in the field.
