Trainer Ralph Beckett’s three-year-old filly Star Velocity is poised to continue her upward trajectory in the British EBF Novice Stakes at Leicester. Unraced as a juvenile, the Zoustar filly overcame 28-1 odds to finish a credible third at Southwell on all-weather in June before winning on her turf debut over the minimum trip at Ffos Las last week. Owned by Jim and Fitri Hay, Star Velocity faced a keen challenge from Queen Sana but ultimately prevailed in a competitive finish. This hard-fought success is expected to provide significant momentum as she takes on a four-runner field.

Meanwhile, Kimpton Down’s Zen Diva seeks to secure a double on the day by aiming for a hat-trick in the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap. The Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy-owned filly remains unbeaten as a three-year-old, having recorded victories over seven furlongs at Ripon in May and five and a half furlongs at Salisbury. Despite carrying an additional 6 pounds in this contest, Zen Diva appears in good form. Notably, she is a half-sister to Shouldvebeenaring, known for her durability and progression to Group One races.

At Catterick, trainer David O’Meara will introduce a newcomer, Freshwater, in the Download The Raceday Ready App Restricted Maiden Stakes. Owned and bred by Cheveley Park, Freshwater is a Twilight Son juvenile and is viewed as a prospect who might emulate the achievements of stable star Estrange. While matching Estrange’s success is a long-term goal, a winning debut would mark a promising start for the filly in North Yorkshire.

Lingfield will host the Free Race Replays On atthreraces.com Novice Stakes, where George Boughey’s four-year-old Asuka looks to build on a recent encouraging effort following a lengthy absence. Asuka, a half-brother to Boiling Point, showed early promise as a juvenile with a commanding debut win at Newmarket in August 2024, but did not race again for nearly two years. Returning last month at Wolverhampton, he finished narrowly beaten by a nose under jockey Billy Loughnane, who also rode him in his debut. Asuka is considered open to further improvement.

Over jumps at Worcester, Dan Skelton’s Iwanttobreakfree seeks to make progress after finishing a promising third on his bumper debut. He will compete in the Colin Jones Memorial Maiden Hurdle.