On Saturday, Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing, and also highlights 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 claim his second Group 1 victory of the season 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 loss, yet my husband Tom Marquand says the horse is fresh, fit, and eager for a race that suits his style.
The Shadwell colt matured dramatically in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has demonstrated a clear affinity for softer ground. I anticipate that a yielding surface will bring out the best in him, giving him a genuine opportunity to clinch 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 robust health and appears ready to add a Group 1 triumph to his resume.
However, he has never faced soft ground before, which introduces a degree of uncertainty about how he will handle a testing surface. The seven‑furlong distance also suits another William Haggas horse, THUNDER CALL, who will reappear in the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday. He showed a strong finishing kick in the Shergar Cup Sprint at the same venue last month and, after a successful treatment regimen, should be well‑placed to capitalize under the guidance of Cieren Fallon. Turning to Kempton, Constitution Hill faces 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 confidence in Michael Dods’ gelding Northern Express, a horse that relishes the Kempton track. He carries only a two‑pound penalty compared with his impressive seven‑furlong effort at York two starts ago, and I doubt he is making the long journey from Darlington without a solid reason. 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 to perform well in the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot.
Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will be matched against a formidable rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in superb form this year and is eager for the step up to a 12‑furlong trip. Since winning his novice, Jack Channon’s colt has produced two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood, and he should cope comfortably even if the rain arrives. 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 comes together at the right moment. Speed is the name of the game for 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 series of second‑place finishes, finally broke his duck on the July Course at Newmarket and remains well‑handicapped with a rating of 85. I’m also willing to give Fast Track Harry another look after a lackluster run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month. He proved his worth with a second place 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 pleasing to see him rediscover his old sparkle with a rating 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 earned a compliment 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 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 Saturday card is the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), which presents a solid opportunity for the classy GETHIN to return to winning ways.
Owen Burrows’ colt, having taken on the likes of 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, cannot be overlooked. He should sharpen up after 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 his loyal fan base out in full force for this steep step up in class.
This race will be a rigorous examination of his abilities on the flat against seasoned stakes performers, but I remain hopeful that he can keep his dream alive with a bold, determined performance.