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 will be the Listed Chester Stakes, a high‑profile contest that pits the seasoned Lazy Griff against the promising By The Book in a field of eight runners.
Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, has been in respectable form this summer. After returning to the track he delivered a confident victory at Sandown, a performance that earned him a three‑pound penalty for the upcoming Chester race. Although he finished a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, the horse’s connections believe he can rediscover his best form and claim the prize. Lazy Griff’s recent displays suggest he possesses the stamina and class required for the Listed distance, and the added weight penalty will be a test of his resilience.
By The Book, a five‑year‑old owned by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane, is another strong contender. The colt posted an impressive second‑place finish in a similar grade at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age group. His recent form indicates a blend of speed and staying power, making him a genuine threat to Lazy Griff and the rest of the field. Also attracting attention is Fantasy World, a horse that has recently returned to the Listed level after spending part of the season over obstacles.
Trained by Andrew Balding, Fantasy World is expected to benefit from the switch back to flat racing, and his recent workouts suggest he is sharpening up for a competitive run. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot will feature Handlethekettle, who is targeting a third consecutive win in the race.
Handlethekettle, trained by Jamie Snowden, was heavily campaigned as a novice but has thrived since moving into handicap company. With a five‑pound concession to his rival Isabelle Ryder, the horse will be looking to secure another victory on the bounce.
Supreme Yeats, who recorded a sixth career win at Bangor on his last outing, will be stepping up in distance for this event. The horse’s attitude and consistency make him a solid candidate to stay close to the front and possibly challenge for the win. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, has been a reliable performer over hurdles and should be fit after a recent flat run.
Her experience over obstacles and recent fitness work should see her in contention. On the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, George Boughey’s Asuka aims to preserve an unbeaten record on turf.
The yard has been in fine form lately, with Libertango capturing the Lowther at York and Asuka delivering a dominant performance at Lingfield after a 1‑50 odds win. Following a win on his handicap debut at Thirsk, a modest three‑pound increase is unlikely to deter him from continuing his winning streak. Whip Cracker, another solid handicap performer, showed his staying ability when he finished runner‑up over a longer distance in May. His form suggests he cannot be ruled out as a serious contender when the race resumes.
Collecting Coin, who secured a course‑and‑distance victory just 28 days ago, will be back to test his recent form. Meanwhile, Yanifer and Two Tempting have each won the last two editions of this race, making them formidable opponents that any challenger will have to beat. The day’s schedule also includes a range of international fixtures. At 7:30 am, Randwick will host the Group One Winx Stakes, where Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi will clash in a marquee showdown.
Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester will see Nicely and Kentucky Rain line up for Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive. Newton Abbot will feature Gore Point at 3:05 pm, seeking a fourth consecutive win, and at 1:55 pm King’s Scholar, trained by Paddy Brennan, will lead a six‑runner novices’ hurdle. Lingfield’s 5:10 pm Class Four will see Epictetus among nine runners, while Deauville’s 1:31 pm Listed race will feature Majnoun and Big Money Man, both considered above‑average prospects. Across the Atlantic, Saratoga will host two Grade races in the evening: the Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at 11:07 pm, representing trainer Stuart Williams and jockey Johnny Velazquez, followed by the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11:42 pm.
In California, Del Mar’s early morning card includes a Grade One Pacific Classic at 2:30 am, with Knightsbridge and Hit Show among the entries, and a Grade One Oaks at 2:00 am featuring Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner and a debut for Philip D’Amato’s Kensington Lane. Finally, Chester will close the day with a 3:50 pm feature, showcasing the debut of the 700,000‑gns yearling Ivory Moon for trainer George Boughey.
This promising youngster will be watched closely as he makes his first appearance on the track. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices. The network continues to provide comprehensive coverage, expert analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insight into the world of horse racing, ensuring that enthusiasts never miss a beat of the action.