Saturday promises a packed programme 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 will be the Listed Chester Stakes, a contest that pits two high‑profile runners – Lazy Griff and By The Book – against a field of six other competitors, making for a total of eight horses vying for the prize. Trainer Charlie Johnston will have Lazy Griff under his care. The horse has enjoyed a respectable run of form this summer, building on a solid return to the track that culminated in an impressive victory at Sandown.
That win earned Lazy Griff a three‑pound penalty, which will be added to his official weight for the Chester Stakes. Despite finishing a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup only a month ago, Lazy Griff has demonstrated the ability to bounce back when given the right conditions.
To secure the Listed prize, he will need to rediscover the best of his earlier performances and show the stamina and turn of foot that have made him a contender in longer distance contests. Also in the spotlight is By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and piloted by jockey Billy Loughnane. By The Book earned a creditable second‑place finish in a similar grade at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age, suggesting he still has plenty of untapped potential.
His tactical versatility and proven ability to stay on strongly in the final stages make him a genuine threat to Lazy Griff and a horse to watch closely throughout the race. Another intriguing entrant is Fantasy World, representing the stable of Andrew Balding.
After spending part of the season over hurdles, Fantasy World is stepping back down to the level of the Chester Stakes, offering a fresh set of challenges for the horse. His recent switch back to flat racing adds an element of unpredictability, as he seeks to translate his hurdling experience into a strong performance on the turf. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot features Handlethekettle, who is targeting a third consecutive win in this competitive contest. Handlethekettle has been a workhorse in novice company, showing consistency and resilience, and has since progressed into handicap races where he has continued to thrive.
Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse arrives with a five‑pound allowance from jockey Isabelle Ryder, a factor that could prove decisive in a tightly contested finish. Supreme Yeats, fresh off a sixth career win at Bangor, will be stretched out over a longer distance at Newton Abbot. The horse displayed a commendable attitude in his previous outing, and connections expect him to stay close to the leaders, potentially adding another victory to his growing résumé. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable hurdler who recently enjoyed a spin on the flat course last month.
Her consistency over obstacles makes her a solid contender in the hurdle division, and she will be looking to add another placing to her record. Across the program, George Boughey’s Asuka is set to continue his unbeaten streak on the turf in a Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap. The yard has been in outstanding form recently, highlighted by Libertango’s win in the Lowther at York. Asuka, after a disappointing run at Wolverhampton in July, rebounded with a dominant performance at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50 and then secured a handicap debut victory at Thirsk.
A modest three‑pound increase in his weight is unlikely to deter him from seeking another win. Whip Cracker also returns to the track with a solid handicap record, having shown his class when finishing second over a longer distance in May. His form suggests he cannot be dismissed as a contender in this outing.
Collecting Coin, who captured a course‑and‑distance race just 28 days ago, will be looking to replicate that success, while Yanifer and Two Tempting are both on the radar after winning the previous two editions of this specific race, making them formidable opponents. The broadcast will also include a range of international highlights. At 7.30 am, Randwick will host the Group One Winx Stakes, featuring a clash between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi in what promises to be a blockbuster contest. Later, at 3.15 pm, Chester will see Nicely and Kentucky Rain line up for Amo, with Bated Benevolence also appearing to be in decent form.
At Newton Abbot, Gore Point will aim for a fourth victory at 3.05 pm, while at 1.55 pm, Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar will lead a six‑runner field in a novices’ hurdle. Lingfield’s Class Four race at 5.10 pm will feature Epictetus among nine entrants. Further afield, Deauville’s Listed race at 1.31 pm will see Majnoun and Big Money Man as potential above‑average performers.
In the United States, Saratoga will host two Grade races in the evening: the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at 11.07 pm, representing trainer Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11.42 pm. Across the Atlantic, Del Mar will showcase a Grade One Pacific Classic at 2.30 am, featuring Knightsbridge and Hit Show, while the Grade One Oaks at 2 am will see Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner take on the field, with Kensington Lane making his debut for Philip D’A Mato. Finally, back at Chester at 3.50 pm, the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon will make his debut for Boughey, rounding out a day full of high‑stakes competition and promising storylines for racing enthusiasts.