Saturday promises a packed programme of racing across several venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing featuring action from Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot. The centerpiece of the afternoon will be the Listed Chester Stakes, a race that pits the well‑regarded Lazy Griff against the promising By The Book in a field of eight runners. Trainer Charlie Johnston has entered Lazy Griff, a horse that has shown a respectable level of form this summer.
After returning to the track earlier in the season, the gelding impressed at Sandown with a confident win, a performance that earned him a three‑pound penalty which he will carry into the Chester Stakes. Although he finished a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, Lazy Griff will need to rediscover his best shape if he hopes to claim the prize.
His recent improvement suggests he has the stamina and class to compete, but the added weight could prove a decisive factor. By The Book, trained by Charlie Appleby and piloted by Billy Loughnane, presents a serious challenge. The five‑year‑old placed a creditable second in a similar grade at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age, making him a fresh and resilient contender.
His performance at Beverley demonstrated a turn of foot and a willingness to race close to the pace, qualities that could see him finish strongly at Chester. Another intriguing name is Fantasy World, who returns to the Listed level after a spell over hurdles earlier in the year. The Andrew Balding‑trained horse has shown versatility by switching back to flat racing, and his experience over obstacles may give him an edge in terms of stamina and mental toughness. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot will feature Handlethekettle, who is aiming for a hat‑trick.
The Jamie Snowden‑trained mare has been tried extensively as a novice and has since flourished in handicap company. Backed by jockey Isabelle Ryder, who will receive a five‑pound allowance, Handlethekettle looks poised to add a third victory to her record. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, will contest the same hurdle over a slightly longer distance.
The horse displayed a great attitude in his previous outing and is expected to stay close to the leaders, potentially providing a strong finish. Kitty Foyle, trained by Daisy Hitchen, is a consistent hurdler who recently enjoyed a spell on the flat. Her recent flat run should have sharpened her fitness, and she will be looking to translate that form back over hurdles.
In the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka seeks to preserve an unbeaten record on turf. The yard has been in fine form, highlighted by Libertango’s victory in the Lowther at York. Asuka, after a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, rebounded with a dominant win at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50, followed by a successful handicap debut at Thirsk.
A modest three‑pound penalty is unlikely to deter him from a strong showing. Whip Cracker also merits attention. The horse has a solid record in handicaps and proved his soundness with a runner‑up performance over a longer distance in May. His consistency makes him a contender worth watching on his return.
Collecting Coin, who secured a course‑and‑distance win just 28 days ago, will be in the mix, while Yanifer and Two Tempting have each won the last two editions of this particular race, making them formidable opponents. The broadcast will also feature a series of international highlights.
At 7.30 am, the Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick will see Autumn Glow clash with Sheza Alibi in a high‑stakes showdown. Later, at 3.15 pm, Chester will host Nicely and Kentucky Rain for Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive.
Other notable slots include a 3.05 pm contest at Newton Abbot where Gore Point aims for a fourth win, a 1.55 pm novices’ hurdle at the same venue featuring Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar, and a 5.10 pm Class Four race at Lingfield with Epictetus among nine runners. Across the Atlantic, the schedule continues with a 1.31 pm Listed race at Deauville, where Majnoun and Big Money Man could be above‑average performers. In the United States, the evening will feature the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at Saratoga, representing trainer Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes later that night. Further action includes a 2 am Grade One Oaks at Del Mar, where Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner will compete, and a debut for Kensington Lane under Philip D’Amato.
At 2.30 am, the Grade One Pacific Classic will showcase Knightsbridge and Hit Show, though this race will not be broadcast live. Finally, at 3.50 pm back at Chester, the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon will make his debut for trainer George Boughey, adding a fresh face to an already bustling card.
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