Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot this Saturday, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing, and also reviews 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 add a second Group 1 to his tally in the Betfair Sprint Cup (3.40) at Haydock Park on Saturday. The fast, undulating surface at Newmarket may have been a factor in his earlier defeat, yet my husband Tom Marquand says his mount is feeling fresh and eager for a race that should suit his running style.
The Shadwell colt matured in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a genuine affinity for softer ground. I anticipate that the softer going expected at Haydock will allow him to unleash his best effort. Clive Cox’s Coppull looked like a serious contender when he stretched out to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. He arrives at Haydock in excellent condition and appears ready to claim his first Group 1 victory.
The only question is how he will cope with softer ground, a condition he has not yet experienced. Another seven‑furlong prospect, THUNDER CALL, trained by William Haggas, returns 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 after a brief spell.
Under Cieren Fallon he should be able to capitalize on his proven turn of foot. The Kempton meeting also offers a serious test for Constitution Hill on Saturday, while the racing world mourns the passing of dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, who died at the age of ten.
I also give credit to 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 effort at York. It would be hard to imagine him travelling from Darlington without a solid reason to contest the race.
Heyzoom, now gelded after a respectable fourth place behind St Leger hopeful Enceladus in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting, looks primed for the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot. Meanwhile, Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old faces a formidable rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in superb form this season and is eager for a step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since his maiden win, Jack Channon’s colt has produced two consistent runs in ten‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood. He should handle any rain‑affected ground without difficulty.
At longer odds, Andrew Balding’s improving Kameko colt Cape Fear displayed a powerful turn of foot at Windsor twelve days ago and could make a significant impact if the race does not come too early in his campaign. The quicker the pace, the better for the reliable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set to suit his style in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot. Julie Camacho’s gelding earned a string of second‑place finishes and finally broke through on the July Course at Newmarket last time out; he remains well‑handicapped with a rating of 85. I am also willing to give the benefit of the doubt to Fast Track Harry after a lackluster run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month.
He showed a much stronger performance when he finished second to Amazing Journey over the same course and distance in July, and a rainy day would suit the northern‑based Golden Mind, who is well‑handicapped on his previous slow‑ground form. West Acre has been disappointing of late, but his weight continues to drop, so it would be pleasing to see him rediscover his old sparkle with a rating of 99 in the Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot.
My personal pick for the winner, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE. Her victory over Badri at Pontefract was a clear indicator of ability, especially since Badri later contested the Listed Beverley Bullet. The daughter of Twilight Son performed admirably in Listed company over the summer, and her new rating of 97 should not be a barrier in this ordinary handicap, particularly if the ground leans toward the fast side of good.
The highlight of the Saturday card at Kempton Park will be the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), which presents a prime 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 victory 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 looking to sharpen his form after finishing a close fourth in top‑class company abroad. Likewise, Pride Of Arras poses a serious threat if he can build on his impressive effort behind Item in the York Stakes.
Finally, Constitution Hill will have a dedicated fan base cheering him on as he steps up sharply in class. This will be a demanding test of his flat‑racing capabilities against seasoned stakes horses, but I remain hopeful that he can keep his aspirations alive with a bold and determined performance.