Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot on Saturday, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing, and also reviews the two headline events 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, undulating surface at Newmarket may have been the reason for his earlier 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 dramatically in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a clear preference for softer ground, which I anticipate will bring out his best form on the Haydock track. Clive Cox's Coppull demonstrated real class when he stretched out to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, and he arrives at Haydock in excellent health.
He is a Group 1 winner in waiting, but the soft ground he has never encountered could prove a stumbling block if he gets a chance. The step up to seven furlongs also suits another William Haggas runner, THUNDER CALL, who 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 remains fit after a light spell, ready to capitalize under the guidance of Cieren Fallon.
Constitution Hill faces a serious test at Kempton on Saturday, while the dual Gold Cup victor 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 two starts ago. I doubt he would make the trip from Darlington without a solid reason. Heyzoom, gelded after a respectable fourth place behind St Leger hope Enceladus in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting, looks set to perform well in the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot.
However, Owen Burrows' three‑year‑old will have to contend with 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 delivered two solid performances in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood, and the rain, should it arrive, will not trouble him. At longer odds, Andrew Balding's improving Kameko colt Cape Fear burst away from his rivals at Windsor twelve days ago and could still make an impact if the race does not arrive too early in his development. The faster the pace, the better for the dependable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set to his liking in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot.
Julie Camacho's gelding finally earned a reward after a string of second‑place finishes when he led on the July Course at Newmarket last time out and remains well‑handicapped with a mark of 85. I am also willing to overlook Fast Track Harry's lackluster effort in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month. He proved his quality with a second place to Amazing Journey over the same course and distance in July, and a wet day would suit the northern raider Golden Mind, who is well‑handicapped on last year’s 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 mark of 99 in the closing 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 strong indicator of ability, especially when Badri later made the frame in the Listed Beverley Bullet. The daughter of Twilight Son performed admirably in Listed company during the summer, and her new mark of 97 should not be a barrier in this ordinary handicap, particularly if the ground holds on the fast 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 demanding. Godolphin's Tornado Alert, a Group 1 winner in Germany last season, should not be underestimated.
He will be looking to sharpen up after a close fourth in top‑class company there, while 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 his fan base out in full force for this steep step up in class.
The race will be a demanding test of his abilities on the flat against seasoned stakes horses, but I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold and convincing performance.