Saturday promises a packed schedule of horse racing 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 competitive eight‑horse contest headlined by the seasoned pair Lazy Griff and By The Book. Trainer Charlie Johnston has entered Lazy Griff, a horse that has shown a respectable level of form during the summer campaign. After a solid re‑appearance at Sandown, where he secured a convincing victory, the colt now carries a three‑pound penalty for that win.
His recent run in the Goodwood Cup saw him finish seventh, indicating that he still has work to do if he hopes to capture the Chester Stakes. To succeed, Lazy Griff will need to rediscover the best of his abilities and handle the added weight without losing his stride. Also in the field is By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane.
The gelding impressed in early July with a strong second‑place finish in a similar grade at Beverley, and his relatively light racing schedule for his age suggests he still has plenty of potential to develop. By The Book represents a serious threat to Lazy Griff, and the race could come down to which horse can best manage the pace and the finishing kick.
Among the other contenders, Fantasy World, trained by Andrew Balding, offers an intriguing storyline. After spending part of the season over obstacles, the horse is now stepping back down to this level, providing a fresh test of his versatility and adaptability. Observers will be keen to see if his experience over jumps translates into a competitive edge on the flat. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot features Handlethekettle, who is targeting a rare hat‑trick in this race.
The Jamie Snowden‑trained horse was heavily tested as a novice but has thrived since moving into handicap company. With Isabelle Ryder aboard and a five‑pound weight advantage, Handlethekettle appears well‑placed to add another victory to his record. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, is expected to stay close to the leaders over the extended distance. His recent form suggests a strong finishing attitude, and he will likely be a factor in the final stages of the race.
Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, is a consistent hurdler who should be in good shape after a flat run last month. Her reliability over hurdles makes her a solid contender for a place finish.
The Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap at Chester also showcases George Boughey's Asuka, who is unbeaten on turf and looking to extend his perfect 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 dominant win at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50 and then secured a handicap triumph at Thirsk.
A modest three‑pound increase in weight is unlikely to deter him from seeking another win. Whip Cracker brings solid handicap form and demonstrated his resilience with a runner‑up finish over a longer distance in May.
He remains a plausible challenger should he replicate that performance. Collecting Coin, who claimed a course‑and‑distance victory 28 days ago, adds depth to the field, while Yanifer and Two Tempting, the winners of the previous two editions of this race, are also expected to be strong rivals. Beyond the Chester action, Sky Sports Racing will broadcast a series of international fixtures.
At 7:30 am, the Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick will see Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a marquee showdown. Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester will host Nicely and Kentucky Rain, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive.
Newton Abbot will feature Gore Point at 3:05 pm, aiming for a fourth consecutive win, and at 1:55 pm, Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar will lead a six‑runner novices’ hurdle. Lingfield’s Class Four race at 5:10 pm includes Epictetus among nine entries.
In Europe, the 1:31 pm Listed race at Deauville will pit Majnoun against Big Money Man, both of whom could be above average. Across the Atlantic, 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. The early morning schedule at Del Mar includes the Grade One Oaks at 2:00 am, featuring Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner and a debut for Philip D’Amato’s Kensington Lane. At 2:30 am, the Pacific Classic – a Grade One event – will see Knightsbridge and Hit Show among the contenders, though this race will not be broadcast live.
Finally, at 3:50 pm, Chester will welcome the debut of the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon for trainer George Boughey, marking an exciting addition to the day’s racing program. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.