Sunray Shadow and Imperial Alex clash at Uttoxeter

Sunday’s jumps card at Uttoxeter delivers a marquee clash between two in-form chasers when Sunray Shadow and Imperial Alex lock horns in the Sheila and Wayne Golden Wedding Anniversary Handicap Chase. The eight-race programme, live on Sky Sports Racing from 2.12pm, offers a mix of returning handicappers and proven performers, but the 3.42pm feature carries the weight of momentum.

Why this race matters now

Sunray Shadow arrives as the clear market mover after rattling off five wins in his last six starts over fences, including a course-and-distance score at Uttoxeter just 11 days ago. The Dan and Harry Skelton combination have tuned him to peak fitness, and a fifth victory in six would cement his status as the form horse in handicaps this summer. Imperial Alex, trained by Tom Lacey, counters with a hat-trick secured at Stratford and Uttoxeter and a four-pound rise that handicapper Martin Pipe has judged fair. Neither horse has finished outside the top three in their last three runs, so the winner will step straight into the next handicap with a psychological edge.

The broader field reads like a who’s who of handicappers on the up: Olly Murphy’s The Flying Poet, five-year-old Sony Bill, and Karnaval Point—fresh from a winning breeze-up at Worcester—all carry claims. That depth means the race could unfold at a gallop, with pace and jumping dictating terms. A fast tempo would suit Sunray Shadow’s front-running style, while Imperial Alex’s tactical nous could exploit any late scrambling.

Handicap debuts and bounce-back stories

The afternoon’s earlier contests spotlight handicaps where reputations are either burnished or rebuilt. In the 3.12pm B&F Cleaning Services Ken Boulton Memorial Handicap Hurdle, Drombeg Lad makes his handicap bow fresh from a first career win at Worcester 25 days ago. A drop in trip and a clean round of jumping could see him graduate from maiden to handicapper in one stride. Ice Jet, meanwhile, was denied a four-timer here by a short head last time out, so a return to this track with a tighter jumping effort would reopen the door to another score.

At 4.12pm, the Gary and Mavis Bird Family Raceday Handicap Hurdle pairs Shallow River and Zillow. The veteran Shallow River rebounded from a setback at Hexham to finish third at Worcester, while Zillow—formerly with Willie Mullins—has quietly switched to Faye Bramley and needs a market watch to gauge his handicap debut. Karnaval Point, in great spirits for David Pipe, makes his handicap debut with a clean sheet under Rian Corcoran, adding another layer of intrigue to a competitive renewal.

Tactical pointers for punters

Sunray Shadow’s front-running style demands respect, but Imperial Alex’s ability to sit and sprint suggests he can exploit any pace that stretches the field. A strong gallop early would suit Sunray Shadow, while Imperial Alex needs cover to launch late. Among the handicaps, Drombeg Lad’s drop in trip and Ice Jet’s familiarity with the track give them clear edges, while Shallow River’s course form and Karnaval Point’s reported enthusiasm could underpin each-way value.

The afternoon also offers a reminder that handicaps are less about pedigree than current form and tactical fit. Sunray Shadow and Imperial Alex have both answered the call in their last three runs; the difference will be who can dictate the race’s rhythm and who cracks under pressure. With Sky Sports Racing delivering live feeds from Uttoxeter and Mont-De-Marsan, viewers can watch these contests unfold in real time and see which horse seizes the narrative.

For trainers and owners, the day is a chance to measure progress against peers. For punters, it’s a test of reading between the handicap ratings and spotting the horse whose prep most closely matches the demands of the race. Either Sunray Shadow or Imperial Alex will leave Uttoxeter with a statement of intent, while the handicaps provide the supporting cast—each with their own story to tell.