Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot this Saturday, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing, and also highlights the two headline races at Haydock and Kempton. ALMERAQ is on a redemption mission after a disappointing run in the July Cup, but he still has a chance to claim his second Group 1 victory of the year in the Betfair Sprint Cup (3.40) at Haydock Park on Saturday.
The fast ground and undulating nature of the Newmarket track may have contributed to his previous setback, yet my husband Tom Marquand says his mount feels fresh and eager for a race that should suit his style perfectly. The Shadwell colt matured in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a clear affinity for softer going. I anticipate that the expected softer surface at Haydock will allow him to display his best form.
Clive Cox’s colt Coppull, who stepped up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, arrives at Haydock in excellent condition. He appears to be a Group 1 winner in waiting, but the soft ground could be a factor he has not yet encountered, leaving a question mark over his chances if the going holds. Another William Haggas runner, THUNDER CALL, is set for a step up to seven furlongs in the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday. He finished strongly in the Shergar Cup Sprint at the same venue last month and is now fully fit, offering a solid opportunity for Cieren Fallon to capitalize on his form.
Constitution Hill faces a serious test at Kempton on Saturday, while the dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs has sadly passed away at the age of ten. I also see merit in Michael Dods’ gelding Northern Express, a horse that loves the Haydock track and carries only a two‑pound penalty compared with his recent seven‑furlong win at York. I doubt he would travel from Darlington without a good reason, and the conditions could suit him well.
Heyzoom, now a gelding after finishing a respectable fourth to St Leger hope Enceladus in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting, looks poised to perform in the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot. On the other hand, Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will be up against a strong rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in superb form this season and is eager for the step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since his novice win, Jack Channon’s colt has logged two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood. He should be comfortable even if rain makes the ground softer.
At longer odds, Andrew Balding’s improving Kameko colt Cape Fear broke away from his rivals at Windsor twelve days ago and could still make an impact if the race comes together quickly. A quick pace would benefit the reliable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should be able to dictate terms in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot.
Julie Camacho’s gelding, after a string of second‑place finishes, finally got a front‑running effort on the July Course at Newmarket and remains well‑handicapped with a rating of 85. I am also willing to give Fast Track Harry a pass for his lackluster run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month.
He showed better form when finishing second to Amazing Journey over the same course and distance in July, and a rainy day would suit northern raider Golden Mind, who is well‑handicapped on last year’s slow‑ground form. West Acre has been underwhelming lately, dropping in the weights, but a mark of 99 in the Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot could spark a revival and let him show his old sparkle.
My top pick, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE. Her victory over Badri at Pontefract earned a compliment when Badri later placed in the Listed Beverley Bullet. As a daughter of Twilight Son, she performed well in Listed company over the summer, and her new rating of 97 should not be a barrier in this ordinary handicap, especially if the ground holds on the faster side of good. The highlight of the Kempton Park card on Saturday will be the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), a promising opportunity for the classy GETHIN to return to winning ways.
Owen Burrows’ colt, who has taken on rivals such as Ombudsman and Constitution River after a Listed win on the Polytrack earlier this year, should find this race less taxing. Godolphin’s Tornado Alert, a Group 1 winner in Germany last season, should not be underestimated. He will be keen to sharpen up after a close fourth in top‑class company abroad, while Pride Of Arras poses a threat if he can build on his impressive effort behind Item in the York Stakes. Finally, Constitution Hill will have a strong fan base cheering him on for this steep step up in class.
This race will be a true test of his ability on the flat against hardened stakes horses. I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold performance, proving that he belongs among the elite. Overall, the Saturday card offers a mix of redemption stories, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners looking to add another accolade to their records. Whether you are backing a proven Group‑level performer or taking a chance on a promising outsider, the variety of distances, ground conditions, and race types should provide plenty of excitement for punters and racing fans alike.