Saturday promises a packed schedule of racing action across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing featuring 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 eight seasoned competitors.
Charlie Johnston will saddle Lazy Griff, a horse that has shown a respectable level of form during the summer campaign. After returning to the track, Lazy Griff impressed at Sandown, winning with confidence and earning a three‑pound penalty for that triumph. Although he only managed seventh place in the Goodwood Cup last month, his connections will be hoping he can rediscover the best of his abilities to claim the Chester Stakes. Also in the spotlight is By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane.
By The Book recorded a solid second‑place finish in a comparable grade at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age, making him a genuine threat to upset the odds. Fantasy World, a versatile runner for the Andrew Balding stable, is another intriguing entrant. After spending part of the year over fences, he is now stepping back down to the level of this race, offering a fresh angle for bettors and punters alike.
At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle will see Handlethekettle chase a third consecutive victory. Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse was heavily tested as a novice but has thrived since moving into handicap company. With Isabelle Ryder aboard, Handlethekettle carries a modest five‑pound concession, positioning him well for a potential hat‑trick. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, will be looking to extend his winning streak over the longer distance on offer.
The horse’s positive attitude and recent form suggest he could be a strong contender in this contest. Kitty Foyle, owned by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable hurdler who should be in good shape after a recent flat run. Consistency has been a hallmark of her career, and she will aim to add another placing to her record.
The programme also highlights George Boughey’s Asuka, who is unbeaten on turf and will contest the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap. The yard has been in fine form, with Libertango capturing the Lowther at York earlier in the week. Asuka, after a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, bounced back with a dominant 1‑50 win at Lingfield and a successful handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase is unlikely to deter him from pursuing another victory.
Whip Cracker brings solid handicap form to the mix, having shown his durability with a runner‑up finish over the same distance in May. His consistency makes him a contender that cannot be ignored. Collecting Coin, who won a course‑and‑distance race just 28 days ago, will also be in the field, while Yanifer and Two Tempting, the winners of the last two editions of this race, present a formidable challenge to any newcomer.
Beyond the UK, Sky Sports Racing will feature a global roundup of key races. At 7:30 am, Randwick will host the Group One Winx Stakes, a showdown between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi that promises high drama.
Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester will see Nicely and Kentucky Rain contest the Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive. Newton Abbot will have two notable events: at 3:05 pm, Gore Point will aim for a fourth win, and at 1:55 pm, Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar will lead a six‑runner novices’ hurdle.
Lingfield’s 5:10 pm Class Four will feature Epictetus among nine entrants, while Deauville’s 1:31 pm Listed race will see Majnoun and Big Money Man vying for superiority. In the United States, Saratoga’s evening schedule includes the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at 11:07 pm, representing trainer Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the prestigious Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11:42 pm. Across the Atlantic, Del Mar will host several Grade One events in the early hours: at 2:00 am, Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner will contest the Grade One Oaks, with Kensington Lane making his debut for Philip D’Amato; at 2:30 am, the Pacific Classic will feature Knightsbridge and Hit Show; and at 3:50 am, Chester will welcome the debut of the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon for trainer George Boughey. Overall, Saturday’s racing card offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising stars, and fresh talent, ensuring plenty of excitement for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates from the world of horse racing.