Saturday promises a packed racing schedule on Sky Sports Racing, featuring thrilling contests at Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot. The centerpiece of the afternoon is the Listed Chester Stakes, a high‑profile race that will see a strong field of eight horses, headlined by the seasoned pair Lazy Griff and By The Book. Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, has enjoyed a respectable run of form this summer.
After returning to the track earlier in the season, the horse impressed at Sandown with a confident win, a performance that earned him a three‑pound penalty for the upcoming Chester Stakes. Although he finished a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, his connections believe that a return to his best form could see him recapture the top spot.
Lazy Griff’s blend of experience and recent success makes him a genuine contender for the prize. By The Book, another strong entry for Johnston, poses a serious threat to rival trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey Billy Loughnane. The five‑year‑old placed a credible second in a similar grade at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age group.
His consistency and the quality of his recent performance suggest he could be a key factor in a tightly contested finish. Adding further intrigue is Fantasy World, a horse that has re‑entered the Listed level after a spell over obstacles earlier in the year. Back with the Andrew Balding stable, Fantasy World offers a fresh dynamic to the race, and his ability to adapt between hurdle and flat conditions could prove decisive. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot features Handlethekettle, who is targeting a third consecutive win in this competitive contest.
Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse was heavily tested as a novice but has thrived since stepping up to handicap company. Backed by jockey Isabelle Ryder, who will receive a five‑pound allowance, Handlethekettle looks poised to continue his winning streak.
Supreme Yeats also merits attention after a strong showing at Bangor, where he recorded his sixth career victory. The horse is expected to stay close to the pace over the extended distance of the Newton Abbot hurdle, offering a solid chance for a place or a win. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, has been a reliable performer over hurdles and appears fit after a recent flat run.
Her consistency makes her a valuable contender in the field. In the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka seeks to preserve his unbeaten record on turf. The yard has been in superb form recently, highlighted by Libertango’s Lowther win at York.
Asuka, after a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, bounced back with a dominant performance at Lingfield (starting at odds of 1‑50) and a successful handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound weight increase is unlikely to deter him from adding another victory. Whip Cracker brings solid handicap form and demonstrated his resilience by finishing second over a longer trip in May. His proven ability over varied distances means he cannot be discounted in the upcoming race.
Collecting Coin, a recent course‑and‑distance winner, will be looking to replicate that success, while Yanifer and Two Tempting have each won the last two editions of this specific race, making them formidable opponents. Beyond the UK, Sky Sports Racing will also deliver international coverage, including a 7:30 am Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick where Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a blockbuster showdown.
Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester will host Nicely and Kentucky Rain, with Bated Benevolence also appearing to add depth to the lineup. Newton Abbot continues to be a focal point with Gore Point aiming for a fourth consecutive win at 3:05 pm, and Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar leading a six‑runner novices’ hurdle at 1:55 pm.
Lingfield’s Class Four race at 5:10 pm will feature Epictetus among nine competitors, while a Listed race at Deauville (1:31 pm) pits Majnoun against Big Money Man, both expected to be above average. In the United States, Saratoga’s evening program 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 showcase top‑level action with the Grade One Pacific Classic (not live) featuring Knightsbridge and Hit Show, and the Grade One Oaks at 2:00 am, where Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner will compete alongside debutant Kensington Lane for trainer Philip D’Amato.
Finally, back at Chester at 3:50 pm, the highly anticipated debut of 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon for trainer George Boughey adds a splash of excitement to an already action‑packed day. Racing enthusiasts can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews and feature stories via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a beat of the sport they love.