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 is the Listed Chester Stakes, a prestigious contest that will see a high‑quality field of eight horses, led by the notable pair Lazy Griff and By The Book. Trainer Charlie Johnston has entered Lazy Griff, a horse that has demonstrated a respectable level of form throughout the summer. After returning to the track earlier in the season, Lazy Griff impressed with a confident victory at Sandown, a performance that earned him a three‑pound penalty which he will now carry into the Chester Stakes.
Although his recent run in the Goodwood Cup saw him finish seventh, the horse’s connections believe that a return to his best form could see him claim the prize. Also featuring in the race is By The Book, a five‑year‑old trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Billy Loughnane. By The Book proved his class with a solid second‑place finish in a similar grade at Beverley in early July, and despite his limited racing experience for his age, he remains a serious contender for the top spot. Another intriguing entry is Fantasy World, who is stepping back up to this level after having competed over obstacles earlier in the year.
Back with the Andrew Balding stable, Fantasy World offers a fresh angle to the race, potentially adding a different tactical dynamic. At Newton Abbot, the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle will feature Handlethekettle, who is targeting a third consecutive win in this competitive event. Handlethekettle, trained by Jamie Snowden, was heavily campaigned as a novice but has since flourished in handicap company, now aiming for a hat‑trick with a five‑pound weight concession to Isabelle Ryder. Supreme Yeats, who displayed a commendable attitude in his most recent outing at Bangor, where he recorded his sixth career win, is expected to stay close to the leaders over the extended distance of this race.
His consistency makes him a horse to watch. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, has been a reliable performer over hurdles and should be in good shape following a flat race spin last month. Her versatility adds depth to the field.
In other news, George Boughey’s Asuka is set to preserve his unbeaten record on turf in a high‑profile Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap. The Boughey yard has been in superb form recently, highlighted by Libertango’s victory in the Lowther at York.
Asuka, after a loss at Wolverhampton in July, bounced back with a dominant performance at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50, then secured a win on handicap debut at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase in weight is unlikely to deter him from repeating his success. Whip Cracker also arrives with solid handicap credentials, having shown his class with a runner‑up finish over a longer trip in May.
His consistency makes him a contender that cannot be dismissed. Collecting Coin, fresh from a course‑and‑distance win just 28 days ago, will look to add another victory, while Yanifer and Two Tempting, both 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, the Group One Winx Stakes at Randwick will showcase a clash between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi.
Later, at 3:15 pm, Chester will host Nicely and Kentucky Rain, with Bated Benevolence also in the mix. Newton Abbot will see Gore Point chase a fourth win at 3:05 pm, followed by a novices’ hurdle at 1:55 pm where Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar leads a six‑runner field.
Lingfield’s 5:10 pm Class Four will feature Epictetus among nine competitors, while Deauville’s 1:31 pm Listed race will pit Majnoun against Big Money Man, both likely to be above average. In the United States, 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. Across the Atlantic, Del Mar will see Joseph O'Brien’s Sandringham winner contest the Grade One Oaks at 2:00 am, with Kensington Lane making his debut for Philip D’Amato.
Later, at 2:30 am, the Grade One Pacific Classic will feature Knightsbridge and Hit Show, though this race will not be broadcast live. Finally, back at Chester at 3:50 pm, the yearling Ivory Moon, priced at 700,000 gns, will make his debut for trainer George Boughey, adding a fresh storyline to an already action‑packed day. Racing enthusiasts are encouraged to stay connected for the latest news, interviews, and in‑depth features via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing.