Saturday promises a packed schedule of racing action, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing featuring meetings at Chester, Lingfield, and Newton Abbot. The centerpiece of the afternoon is 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 under his care. The horse has shown a respectable level of form throughout the summer, building on a confident return to the track that culminated in a convincing win at Sandown. That victory carries a three‑pound penalty, which Lazy Griff will have to bear in the Chester Stakes. Although he finished a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, the gelding will need to tap into his best form if he hopes to claim this valuable prize.
By The Book, meanwhile, presents a serious threat for the Charlie Appleby‑Billy Loughnane partnership. The five‑year‑old placed a credible second in a similar‑grade race at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age group. His recent performances suggest he could be a strong contender for the top spot.
Fantasy World, trained by Andrew Balding, is another intriguing entrant. After spending part of the season over obstacles, the horse is stepping back down to this level, and his versatility could make him a dark horse in the field. At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle offers a chance for Handlethekettle to chase a hat‑trick.
The Jamie Snowden‑trained runner was heavily tested as a novice but has flourished since moving into handicap company. With Isabelle Ryder picking up a five‑pound allowance, Handlethekettle will be aiming for a third victory in quick succession. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, is expected to stay close to the pace over the longer distance. His recent form indicates he will be a key player in the finish.
Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, has been a consistent performer over hurdles. After a recent flat run last month, she should be fit and ready to challenge for a place. On the turf, George Boughey’s Asuka looks to preserve an unbeaten record in the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap.
The yard has been in top form recently, with Libertango capturing the Lowther at York. Asuka, who was beaten at Wolverhampton in July, justified odds of 1‑50 at Lingfield and then secured a win on his handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase is unlikely to deter him from adding another victory.
Whip Cracker also boasts solid handicap form, having shown his quality with a runner‑up finish over a longer distance in May. He remains a contender on his return to the course. Collecting Coin, a recent course‑and‑distance winner, joins the field, while Yanifer and Two Tempting, the winners of the last two editions of this race, will be keen to defend their titles. The broadcast will also feature a range of international fixtures.
At 7:30 am, Randwick hosts the Group One Winx Stakes, where Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi will clash in a high‑profile showdown. Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester’s Nicely and Kentucky Rain will line up for Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking promising. Other notable races include the 3:05 pm Newton Abbot meeting where Gore Point seeks a fourth win, the 1:55 pm Newton Abbot novices’ hurdle featuring Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar, and the 5:10 pm Lingfield Class Four race with Epictetus among nine runners. Across the Atlantic, Deauville’s 1:31 pm Listed race will see Majnoun and Big Money Man aiming to prove they are above average.
In the United States, Saratoga’s 11:07 pm Grade Two Sunlit Uplands will showcase the talents of Stuart Williams and Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11:42 pm. Further afield, Del Mar’s 2:00 am Grade One Oaks will feature Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner, while the 2:30 am Pacific Classic will see Knightsbridge and Hit Show in contention. Finally, at 3:50 pm Chester, the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon will make a debut for Boughey, adding a fresh face to an already bustling card. 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 in the world of horse racing.