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 is the Listed Chester Stakes, a high‑profile contest that pits the seasoned pair Lazy Griff and By The Book against a field of eight competitors, each hoping to claim the valuable prize.
Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, has displayed a respectable level of form throughout the summer. After returning to the track earlier in the season, he impressed at Sandown with a decisive victory, a performance that earned him a three‑pound penalty which he will now have to carry into the Chester Stakes. Although he finished a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, the horse has shown that he can handle a range of distances and conditions. To be competitive in this Listed event, Lazy Griff will need to rediscover the best of his earlier displays and deliver a run that matches the quality of his previous winning effort.
By The Book, another strong contender, is owned by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane. The five‑year‑old gelding earned a creditable second place in a similar grade at Beverley in early July, demonstrating that he can hold his own against high‑calibre opposition.
Despite his relatively light campaign for a horse of his age, By The Book remains in good shape and is expected to be a serious threat to Lazy Griff’s chances. His consistent form and the expert handling of his connections make him a horse to watch closely.
Fantasy World, trained by Andrew Balding, offers another intriguing storyline. After spending part of the year over hurdles, the horse is now stepping back down to the level at which he originally excelled.
This switch back to his preferred discipline could see Fantasy World regain his previous sharpness and challenge for a placing, especially if the softer ground at Chester suits his running style. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot features Handlethekettle, who is targeting a third consecutive victory in this competitive race. Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse has a solid novice record and has thrived since moving into handicap company.
With a five‑pound concession to his rival Isabelle Ryder, Handlethekettle is well‑placed to make a strong bid for another win, provided he can navigate the hurdles cleanly and stay on a favorable pace. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, will be looking to add another success over the longer distance offered at Newton Abbot. The horse’s recent form suggests a positive attitude and the ability to stay on the race’s tail end, which could be crucial in a race that tests stamina as well as speed.
Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable performer over hurdles. After a recent flat run that kept her fit, she is expected to be in good condition for the upcoming hurdle contest. Her consistency makes her a solid pick for bettors seeking a dependable finish. In the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka aims to extend his unbeaten streak on turf.
The yard has been in excellent form lately, highlighted by Libertango’s victory in the Lowther at York. Asuka, who suffered a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, bounced back with a dominant win at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50 and then impressed on his handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase in weight is unlikely to deter him, and his connections are confident he can repeat his strong performance at Chester.
Whip Cracker, another seasoned handicapmer, brings solid form to the meeting. He showed his resilience when finishing second over a longer distance in May and remains a contender that cannot be dismissed lightly. His experience over varying ground conditions could prove advantageous in the unpredictable autumn weather. Collecting Coin, who captured a course‑and‑distance victory just 28 days ago, will also be in the mix.
Meanwhile, Yanifer and Two Tempting have each won the last two editions of this particular race, making them formidable opponents that any aspirant must reckon with. Beyond the Chester action, Sky Sports Racing will deliver a host of international fixtures.
At 7.30 am, the Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick will see Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a blockbuster showdown. Later, at 3.15 pm, Chester will host Nicely and Kentucky Rain, while Bated Benevolence also looks competitive. Newton Abbot’s 3.05 pm slot features Gore Point, who is chasing a fourth win, and at 1.55 pm the novices’ hurdle will be led by Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar. Lingfield’s 5.10 pm Class Four race will include Epictetus among nine runners, while Deauville’s 1.31 pm Listed contest could see Majnoun and Big Money Man perform above average.
Across the Atlantic, Saratoga will host the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at 11.07 pm, representing Stuart Williams and Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11.42 pm. In California, Del Mar’s early‑morning schedule includes the Grade One Pacific Classic at 2.30 am, with Knightsbridge and Hit Show among the entries. Finally, Chester will close the day at 3.50 pm with the debut of the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon for trainer George Boughey, marking a promising start to his racing career.
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