Saturday’s racing schedule promises a packed day of high‑octane action across three venues—Chester, Lingfield, and Newton Abbot—broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the afternoon is the Listed Chester Stakes, a race that will see a strong field of eight horses, headlined by the well‑regarded pair Lazy Griff and By The Book.
Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, arrives in Chester after a promising summer campaign. The horse has been building form steadily, most notably delivering a confident victory at Sandown, a performance that earned him a three‑pound penalty for the upcoming contest. Although his recent outing in the Goodwood Cup saw him finish a modest seventh, his connections believe he can rediscover the best of his abilities and claim the Chester Stakes. Lazy Griff’s progression this season has been marked by consistent improvement, and the three‑pound weight addition is a testament to his recent success.
By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and piloted by Billy Loughnane, is another serious contender. The horse posted an impressive second‑place finish in a comparable grade at Beverley in early July, demonstrating that he can compete at a high level despite a relatively light racing schedule for his age. By The Book’s blend of speed and stamina makes him a genuine threat to Lazy Griff, and the race could turn into a thrilling duel between the two seasoned campaigners.
Fantasy World, representing the Andrew Balding stable, offers a fascinating subplot. After spending part of the season over obstacles, the horse is stepping back down to the level of the Chester Stakes.
This switch back to flat racing adds an extra layer of intrigue, as connections hope the experience over hurdles will translate into a strong finish on the flat. Over at Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle presents a competitive field, with Handlethekettle targeting a hat‑trick.
The horse, trained by Jamie Snowden, was heavily tested as a novice but has flourished since moving into handicap company. Handlethekettle now seeks a third victory, and a five‑pound concession to Isabelle Ryder could prove decisive. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, is expected to stay close to the pace over the extended distance.
The horse’s recent form suggests a readiness to tackle the added yardage and potentially finish strongly. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable hurdler who should be fit after a flat run last month. Consistency has been a hallmark of Kitty Foyle’s career, and she will aim to add another placing to her record.
In the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka looks to preserve an unbeaten turf record. The yard has been in exceptional form lately, highlighted by Libertango’s victory in the Lowther at York.
Asuka, after a disappointing run at Wolverhampton in July, bounced back with a 1‑50 odds win at Lingfield and a successful handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase may not deter the horse from continuing its winning streak. Whip Cracker brings solid handicap credentials, having shown his class with a runner‑up finish over a longer distance in May.
His form suggests he cannot be dismissed when the race returns. Collecting Coin, who secured a course‑and‑distance win just 28 days ago, remains a contender, while Yanifer and Two Tempting have each claimed victory in the last two editions of this specific race, making them formidable opponents. The broadcast will also feature a series of international highlights, starting with the 7:30 am Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick, where Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a marquee showdown. At 3:15 pm, Chester will host Nicely and Kentucky Rain, with Bated Benevolence also looking promising.
Newton Abbot’s 3:05 pm slot features Gore Point, aiming for a fourth win, while the 1:55 pm novices’ hurdle will see Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar leading a six‑horse field. Lingfield’s 5:10 pm Class Four will include Epictetus among nine entrants, and Deauville’s 1:31 pm Listed race will showcase Majnoun and Big Money Man, both expected to be above average.
Across the Atlantic, Saratoga’s 11:07 pm Grade Two Sunlit Uplands will represent Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the prestigious Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11:42 pm. In California, Del Mar’s early morning schedule includes the Grade One Pacific Classic (not broadcast live) with Knightsbridge and Hit Show in the mix, while a 3:50 pm Chester race will see the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon make a debut for Boughey. All of these events, together with in‑depth interviews, expert analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes features, will be available on Sky Sports Racing’s app and website, ensuring fans never miss a story from the world of horse racing.
The network continues to deliver comprehensive coverage, from domestic meetings to international Grade One contests, keeping enthusiasts informed and entertained throughout the day.