Saturday’s racing schedule promises a full slate of action across several venues, 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 partnership of Lazy Griff and the promising By The Book. Trainer Charlie Johnston will have Lazy Griff under his care.
The horse has demonstrated a respectable level of form this summer, building on a strong return to the track that culminated in an impressive victory at Sandown. That win carries a three‑pound penalty, which Lazy Griff will have to concede.
After finishing a modest seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, he will need to rediscover the best of his abilities if he hopes to capture the Chester Stakes. By The Book, meanwhile, presents a serious threat for Charlie Appleby’s stable and jockey Billy Loughnane. The five‑year‑old earned a creditable second place in a similar‑grade race at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age group, suggesting he still has plenty of room to improve. Fantasy World, a standout for the Andrew Balding operation, is another intriguing contender.
After spending part of the season over fences, he is now back at the level where he originally excelled, offering a fresh angle for the race. At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle will see Handlethekettle chase a third consecutive win. Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse was heavily tested as a novice but has thrived since moving into handicap company. With jockey Isabelle Ryder picking up a five‑pound allowance, Handlethekettle will be keen to add another victory to its record.
Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career win at Bangor, will be looking to stay close to the pace over the extended distance. The horse’s positive attitude and recent form make it a solid candidate for a place finish.
Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, has proved to be a reliable hurdler. After a flat run last month, she should be fit and ready to contest the hurdles with confidence.
George Boughey’s Asuka is set to keep an unbeaten turf record in the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap. The yard has been in top form recently, with Libertango taking the Lowther at York and Asuka himself delivering a strong performance at Lingfield after a 1‑50 odds win.
A three‑pound penalty may not deter him from adding another win to his tally. Whip Cracker, another solid handicap performer, displayed good form when finishing runner‑up over the same course in May.
He remains a plausible contender on his return. Collecting Coin, a recent course‑and‑distance winner, will also feature, while Yanifer and Two Tempting have proven themselves by winning the last two editions of this particular race, making them threats that cannot be ignored. The day’s schedule continues with a series of notable fixtures worldwide.
At 7:30 am, Randwick will host the Group One Winx Stakes, pitting Autumn Glow against Sheza Alibi in what promises to be a blockbuster 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, chasing a fourth win, and at 1:55 pm, Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar will lead a six‑runner novices’ hurdle. Lingfield’s 5:10 pm Class Four will include Epictetus among nine entrants, while Deauville’s 1:31 pm Listed race will showcase Majnoun and Big Money Man as potential above‑average performers.
Across the Atlantic, Saratoga will host 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 will see the Grade One Pacific Classic at 2:30 am, featuring Knightsbridge and Hit Show, while the Grade One Oaks at 2:00 am will feature Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner and a debut for Philip D’Amato’s Kensington Lane. Finally, back at Chester at 3:50 pm, yearling Ivory Moon, valued at 700,000 gns, will make his debut for Boughey, adding a touch of excitement to the 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 fast‑moving world of horse racing.