On Saturday, Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle broke down four major handicaps at Ascot during a live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing, and also highlighted 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 capture his second Group 1 of the year 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 previous defeat, yet my husband Tom Marquand says the horse is feeling fresh and eager for a race that should suit his style. The Shadwell colt matured dramatically in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a clear preference for softer ground.
I anticipate that the expected yielding conditions at Haydock will bring out the best in him, giving him a genuine shot at the title. Clive Cox’s Coppull looked like a serious contender when he stepped up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
He arrives at Haydock in excellent health and appears ready to add a Group 1 triumph to his résumé. The only uncertainty is that he has never contested a race on soft ground, so his performance could hinge on how well he adapts to the change in footing. Another seven‑furlong prospect, William Haggas’s THUNDER CALL, will reappear in the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday. He finished strongly in the closing stages of the Shergar Cup Sprint at the same venue last month, and after a spell off the track he is now fit and eager to capitalize under the guidance of Cieren Fallon.
Turning to Kempton, Constitution Hill is set for a serious test on Saturday, while the dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs has sadly passed away at the age of ten. I also have a strong feeling about Michael Dods’ gelding Northern Express, a horse that loves Kempton’s layout and is carrying only two pounds more than when he won over seven furlongs at York two starts ago.
It would be hard to believe he traveled 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 poised to perform well in the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot. However, Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will face a formidable rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in outstanding form this season and is eager for the step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since breaking his maiden, Jack Channon’s colt has posted two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood.
Rain would not trouble him, and the softer ground could actually enhance his chances. 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 does not come too early in his campaign.
Speed is the name of the game for the reliable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a pace‑setting race 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 look on the July Course at Newmarket last time out and remains well‑handicapped with a mark of 85. I am also willing to give Fast Track Harry a second chance after a lackluster run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month. He proved his quality with a runner‑up finish 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 last year’s slow‑ground form.
West Acre has been a disappointment of late, but his weight continues to drop, so it would be nice to see him rediscover his old sparkle from a mark of 99 in the closing Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot. My top pick, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE.
Her victory over Badri at Pontefract was a strong indicator of ability when Badri later placed in the Listed Beverley Bullet. As a daughter of Twilight Son, she performed admirably in Listed company over the summer, and her new mark 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), which presents a solid opportunity for the classy GETHIN to return to winning ways.
Owen Burrows’ colt, who has taken on rivals such as Ombudsman and Constitution River since securing a Listed win on the Polytrack earlier this year, should find this contest 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 a close fourth in top‑class company abroad. Meanwhile, Pride Of Arras remains a danger to all if he can build on his impressive effort behind Item in the York Stakes.
Finally, Constitution Hill will have his fan club out in force for this steep step up in class. This will be a true test of his abilities on the flat against hardened stakes horses, but I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold, determined performance.