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 contest that brings together a high‑quality field of eight runners, headlined by the seasoned pair Lazy Griff and By The Book. Charlie Johnston’s Lazy Griff arrives in Chester after a promising summer campaign.
The gelding has shown a steady improvement since his return to the track, most notably delivering a confident victory at Sandown that earned him a three‑pound penalty. Although his performance in the Goodwood Cup last month saw him finish seventh, the connections believe that a return to his best form is within reach, and the Listed race offers an ideal platform to showcase his abilities. By The Book, trained by Charlie Appleby and piloted by rising jockey Billy Loughnane, presents a serious challenge. The five‑year‑old has already proven his class with a commendable second‑place finish in a similar grade at Beverley earlier in July.
With limited runs for his age, he remains lightly campaigned and is expected to be a strong contender for the top spot. Among the other notable entries, Fantasy World, a horse linked to the Andrew Balding stable, offers an intriguing storyline. After spending part of the season over obstacles, the colt is now stepping back down to the level he previously excelled at, and his connections are eager to see if he can rediscover his former form. The Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot features Handlethekettle, who is targeting a rare hat‑trick.
Trained by Jamie Snowden, the horse has progressed steadily since his novice days, thriving in handicap company. Backed by jockey Isabelle Ryder, who carries a modest five‑pound concession, Handlethekettle hopes to add a third win to his record. Supreme Yeats, fresh from a sixth career victory at Bangor, is expected to stay close to the pace over the extended distance.
The horse’s positive attitude and recent success suggest he will be a key player in the race’s closing stages. Kitty Foyle, campaigned by Daisy Hitchen, is a reliable hurdler who recently enjoyed a spin on the flat. Her consistency over hurdles makes her a solid contender, especially after a successful flat outing that should have kept her fit and sharp. Across the programme, George Boughey’s Asuka looks to extend an unbeaten turf record in the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap.
The yard has been in stellar form, highlighted by Libertango’s Lowther win at York. Asuka, after a defeat at Wolverhampton in July, bounced back with a dominant performance at Lingfield at odds of 1‑50, followed by a winning debut in a handicap at Thirsk. A modest three‑pound increase is unlikely to deter the horse from seeking another victory. Whip Cracker, another solid handicap performer, demonstrated his resilience by finishing second over a longer distance in May.
His proven form suggests he cannot be dismissed as the race unfolds. Collecting Coin, who secured a course‑and‑distance triumph just 28 days ago, adds depth to the field, while Yanifer and Two Tempting, the winners of the previous two editions of this race, are expected to be formidable opponents. The broadcast also includes a series of international fixtures. At 7.30 am, Randwick hosts the Group One Winx Stakes, where Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a highly anticipated showdown.
Later, at 3.15 pm, Chester’s Nicely and Kentucky Rain line up for the Amo, with Bated Benevolence also looking competitive. Newton Abbot offers two key races: at 3.05 pm Gore Point aims for a fourth victory, while at 1.55 pm Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar leads a six‑runner novices’ hurdle. Lingfield’s 5.10 pm Class Four features Epictetus among nine entrants, promising a lively contest. Overseas, the schedule continues with a Listed race at Deauville (1.31 pm) where Majnoun and Big Money Man could prove above average, followed by Grade Two Sunlit Uplands at Saratoga (11.07 pm) representing Stuart Williams and Johnny Velazquez, and the Grade One Alabama Stakes at 11.42 pm.
In California, the Grade One Oaks at Del Mar (2 am) showcases Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner, while the Pacific Classic (2.30 am) features Knightsbridge and Hit Show in a non‑live broadcast. Finally, back at Chester at 3.50 pm, the 700,000 gns yearling Ivory Moon makes a debut for Boughey, rounding out a day of diverse and exciting racing action.
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