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 will be the Listed Chester Stakes, a competitive contest that brings together a strong field of eight horses, highlighted by the seasoned pair Lazy Griff and By The Book. Trainer Charlie Johnston will have Lazy Griff under his care for this race. The gelding has displayed a respectable level of form throughout the summer, building on a confident return to the track that saw him win impressively at Sandown.
That victory carries a three‑pound penalty, which Lazy Griff will have to concede to his rivals. After a modest seventh‑place finish in the Goodwood Cup last month, the horse will need to rediscover his best performance if he hopes to capture the Chester Stakes title.
Also featuring prominently is By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane. The horse proved his quality earlier in July with a commendable second‑place finish in a comparable grade at Beverley.
Although his campaign has been relatively light for a horse of his age, By The Book remains a serious threat and could well challenge for the win. Another intriguing contender is Fantasy World, who returns to the Listed level after spending part of the season over obstacles.
Back under the tutelage of Andrew Balding, the horse is expected to benefit from the change in discipline and could surprise the field with a strong performance. At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle offers a chance for Handlethekettle to chase a third consecutive victory. Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse was heavily tested as a novice but has flourished since stepping up into handicap company. With a five‑pound advantage assigned to his jockey Isabelle Ryder, Handlethekettle arrives confident and eager to add another win to his record.
Supreme Yeats, who displayed a great deal of determination in his most recent outing at Bangor, will be stepping up in distance for this race. Having secured his sixth career win at Bangor, the horse is expected to stay close to the leaders and could be a factor in the finish. Kitty Foyle, owned by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable hurdler who has been consistent over the jumps.
After a recent flat run last month, the horse should be fit and ready to take his place among the contenders. In the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka looks to extend his unbeaten streak on the turf.
The yard has been in exceptional form recently, highlighted by Libertango’s victory in the Lowther at York. Asuka, who was beaten at Wolverhampton in July, justified his short odds of 1‑50 at Lingfield and then secured a win on his handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase in weight may not be enough to stop him from continuing his winning run. Whip Cracker also boasts solid form in handicap races and demonstrated his fitness when finishing runner‑up over a longer distance in May.
His return to the track cannot be dismissed, and he remains a viable contender. Collecting Coin, who captured a course‑and‑distance event just 28 days ago, adds depth to the field.
Meanwhile, Yanifer and Two Tempting have each won the last two editions of this particular race, making them formidable opponents that should not be underestimated. The broadcast will also feature a series of international fixtures and notable races throughout the day. 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 Nicely and Kentucky Rain, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive.
Other highlights include a 3:05 pm meeting at Newton Abbot where Gore Point will aim for a fourth consecutive win, and a 1:55 pm novices’ hurdle at the same venue featuring Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar among six runners. Lingfield’s 5:10 pm Class Four race will see Epictetus among nine entries, while a 1:31 pm Listed race at Deauville will feature Majnoun and Big Money Man, both considered above average. Internationally, the schedule includes a 11:07 pm Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at Saratoga, representing trainer Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11:42 pm the same day. In the early hours, Del Mar will host several top‑level contests: at 2:00 am, Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner will contest a Grade One Oaks, with Kensington Lane making his debut for Philip D’Amato; at 2:30 am, the Grade One Pacific Classic will feature Knightsbridge and Hit Show; and at 3:50 am, Chester will see the debut of the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon for trainer George Boughey.
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