Saturday promises a packed racing schedule, with live coverage from Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the afternoon will be the Listed Chester Stakes, a competitive eight-runner contest headlined by the seasoned pair Lazy Griff and By The Book.
Trainer Charlie Johnston will have Lazy Griff back in the saddle. The gelding has enjoyed a respectable run of form this summer, building on a confident return to the track that saw him win impressively at Sandown. That victory carries a three‑pound penalty, which will be applied to his weight for the Chester Stakes.
Although he finished a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, Lazy Griff will need to rediscover the best of his abilities if he hopes to capture the prize. Also featuring prominently is By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane.
The horse impressed with a solid second‑place finish in a similar graded race at Beverley in early July, and despite his limited racing experience for his age, he remains a strong contender. Fantasy World, campaigned by Andrew Balding, is another intriguing entry.
After spending part of the season over obstacles, the horse is stepping back down to this level, offering a fresh angle for bettors and fans alike. At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle will see Handlethekettle chase a third consecutive victory.
The Jamie Snowden‑trained runner has a history of being heavily tried as a novice but has flourished since moving into handicap company. Backed by jockey Isabelle Ryder, who enjoys a five‑pound allowance, Handlethekettle is eager to add another win to his record. Supreme Yeats, who displayed a commendable attitude in his most recent outing at Bangor, where he secured his sixth career win, is expected to stay close to the leaders over the longer distance of this race.
His consistency makes him a horse to watch. Kitty Foyle, trained by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable hurdler who should be fit after a flat race spin last month.
Her steady performances over hurdles suggest she will be competitive. Meanwhile, George Boughey’s Asuka is set to extend his unbeaten turf record in the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap.
The yard has been in outstanding form recently, highlighted by Libertango’s win in the Lowther at York. Asuka, after a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, quickly rebounded with a dominant victory at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50, followed by a successful handicap debut at Thirsk.
A modest three‑pound increase is unlikely to deter him from pursuing another win. Whip Cracker brings a solid handicap pedigree and proved his soundness when finishing second over the same ground in May. He remains a viable option on his return. Collecting Coin, who secured a course‑and‑distance triumph just 28 days ago, will also be in the mix, while Yanifer and Two Tempting, the winners of the last two editions of this race, are expected to pose a serious threat.
The broadcast will also feature a range of international fixtures: the Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick (7.30 am) will see Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a marquee showdown; Chester’s 3.15 pm meeting will feature Nicely and Kentucky Rain for Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive. At Newton Abbot, Gore Point will aim for a fourth win at 3.05 pm, and Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar will lead six runners in a novices’ hurdle at 1.55 pm.
Lingfield’s 5.10 pm Class Four will include Epictetus among a nine‑horse field, while Deauville’s 1.31 pm Listed race will see Majnoun and Big Money Man as potential above‑average performers. Later in the evening, Saratoga will host the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands (11.07 pm) representing trainer Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11.42 pm.
In the United States, Del Mar’s early morning schedule will showcase Joseph O'Brien’s Sandringham winner in the Grade One Oaks at 2 am, with Kensington Lane making his debut for Philip D’Amato. The Grade One Pacific Classic at 2.30 am will feature Knightsbridge and Hit Show, though it will not be broadcast live.
Finally, Chester’s 3.50 pm race will see the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon make his debut for trainer George Boughey, adding another layer of excitement to an already bustling day of racing. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action.