Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps scheduled for Ascot this Saturday, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing, and also previews the two headline contests 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 record by targeting the Betfair Sprint Cup (3.40) at Haydock Park on Saturday.
The swift ground and the undulating nature of the Haydock track may have contributed to his lackluster performance at Newmarket, yet my husband Tom Marquand reports that the horse arrives fresh, eager and ready for a race that should suit his strengths. The Shadwell colt matured dramatically 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 ground at Haydock will bring out his best, giving him a genuine shot at the prize.
Clive Cox’s colt Coppull impressed when stepping up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury and comes to Haydock in sound condition. He looks like a Group 1 winner in waiting, but the soft ground could be a wildcard for him, as he has never raced on such a surface before. That uncertainty adds an intriguing element to his chances.
Another seven‑furlong prospect, William Haggas’s THUNDER CALL, returns in the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday. He displayed a strong finishing kick in the Shergar Cup Sprint at the same venue last month and remains healthy after a spell.
Under the guidance of Cieren Fallon, he should be well placed 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 have confidence in Michael Dods’ gelding Northern Express, a horse that loves the Kempton track and is carrying only two pounds more than when he won over seven furlongs at York a couple of starts ago. It would be surprising if he travelled from Darlington without a clear purpose.
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. On the other hand, Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will meet a tough rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in excellent form this year and is eager for the step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since his novice win, Jack Channon’s colt has produced two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood.
He should cope comfortably if the rain arrives, as the softer ground would suit his running style. At longer odds, Andrew Balding’s improving Kameko colt Cape Fear broke away from his rivals at Windsor twelve days ago and could make an impact if the race suits him, provided the timing isn’t premature.
The quicker the pace, the better for the reliable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set to his strengths in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot. Julie Camacho’s gelding, after a string of second‑place finishes, finally turned the tables on the July Course at Newmarket last time out and remains well‑handicapped with a rating of 85.
I’m also willing to give Fast Track Harry a pass for his lackluster effort in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month. He showed a much stronger performance when finishing 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 last year’s slow‑ground form.
West Acre has been disappointing of late, yet his weight continues to drop, so it would be nice 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 earned a compliment when Badri later placed in the Listed Beverley Bullet.
As a daughter of Twilight Son, she performed admirably in Listed company during the summer, and her new rating of 97 should not be a barrier in this ordinary handicap, especially if the ground holds up 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 form.
Owen Burrows’ colt, having taken on opponents such as Ombudsman and Constitution River after a Listed victory 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 keen to sharpen up after a close fourth in top‑class company there.
Likewise, Pride Of Arras poses a genuine threat if he can build on his impressive effort behind Item in the York Stakes. Finally, Constitution Hill will have his fan base out in force for this steep step up in class. This will be a demanding examination of his abilities on the flat against seasoned stakes horses.
I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold, determined performance, proving that he belongs among the elite.