Saturday promises a packed schedule of racing action across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing featuring events at Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot. The centerpiece of the afternoon is the Listed Chester Stakes, a high‑profile contest that brings together a small but talented field of eight runners, headlined by the well‑regarded Lazy Griff and the promising By The Book. Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, has demonstrated a respectable level of form this summer.
After returning to the track earlier in the season, the horse impressed at Sandown, where he secured a convincing win that earned him a three‑pound penalty. That penalty will be applied to his weight in the Chester Stakes, reflecting his recent success. Although his performance in the Goodwood Cup last month saw him finish seventh, the connections believe he can rediscover the best of his abilities and contend strongly for the prize at Chester. By The Book, another key contender, is trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane.
The five‑year‑old has shown considerable promise, having finished a credible second in a similar grade at Beverley in early July. Despite his limited racing experience for his age, By The Book remains lightly raced and is expected to improve further as he gains more exposure to top‑class competition. The race also features Fantasy World, a horse that has attracted attention from the Andrew Balding stable.
After spending part of the season over obstacles, Fantasy World is now stepping back down to this level, offering an intriguing storyline for punters and racing enthusiasts alike. At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle presents a chance for Handlethekettle to chase a third successive victory.
The Jamie Snowden‑trained gelding was heavily tested as a novice but has flourished since moving into handicap company, and with a five‑pound allowance from Isabelle Ryder, he will be eager to add another win to his record. Supreme Yeats, who displayed a great attitude in his most recent start at Bangor, will be looking to replicate that form over the longer distance on the day.
The horse’s recent sixth career win suggests he is well‑suited to the extended trip and could be a factor in the finishing order. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, is a consistent hurdler who recently returned to the track after a flat run last month. Her reliability over hurdles makes her a solid contender in the field.
In the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka aims to preserve an unbeaten record on turf. The yard has been in exceptional form, highlighted by Libertango’s victory in the Lowther at York.
Although Asuka suffered a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, he quickly bounced back with a dominant win at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50 and followed that up with a successful handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase in weight is unlikely to deter him from seeking another win. Whip Cracker, another seasoned handicap performer, demonstrated his quality by finishing runner‑up over a similar trip in May. His solid form and resilience mean he cannot be discounted when the race reopens.
Collecting Coin, who captured a course‑and‑distance race just four weeks ago, joins the field alongside Yanifer and Two Tempting, both of whom have claimed victory in the last two editions of this particular contest. Their recent success adds depth and competition to the race. Beyond the Chester action, Sky Sports Racing will broadcast a range of international fixtures. At 7:30 am, the Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick will see Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a highly anticipated showdown.
Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester will host a feature race where Nicely and Kentucky Rain will compete for Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive. Newton Abbot will stage a four‑timer attempt by Gore Point at 3:05 pm, followed by a novices’ hurdle at 1:55 pm where Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar leads a six‑runner field.
Lingfield’s Class Four race at 5:10 pm will feature Epictetus among nine entrants, while a Listed race at Deauville at 1:31 pm will see Majnoun and Big Money Man as potential above‑average performers. In the United States, Saratoga will host the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at 11:07 pm, representing jockey Stuart Williams and rider Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11:42 pm.
Over in California, Del Mar’s schedule includes a Grade One Pacific Classic at 2:30 am, featuring Knightsbridge and Hit Show, and a Grade One Oaks at 2:00 am with Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner and a debut for Philip D’Amato’s Kensington Lane. Finally, back at Chester at 3:50 pm, the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon will make his debut for trainer George Boughey, adding a fresh face to an already bustling card.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers continuous coverage, interviews, and feature stories across its platforms, ensuring that every racing enthusiast can follow the action wherever they are.