Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps slated for Ascot this Saturday, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing, and also highlights 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 contributed to his previous stumble, yet my husband Tom Marquand reports that the horse is feeling fresh and eager for a race that suits his strengths. 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 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 title to his résumé. However, he has never encountered soft ground before, so there is a lingering question about how he will cope if the going turns in his favour.
The move up to seven furlongs also suits another William Haggas horse, THUNDER CALL, who returns 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 sound after a light treatment regimen, giving him a solid platform to capitalize under the guidance of Cieren Fallon.
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 Haydock track and is carrying only two pounds more than when he triumphed over seven furlongs at York two starts ago. It would be hard to believe he traveled from Darlington without a good reason.
Heyzoom, 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 formidable rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in excellent form this season and is eager for the step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since winning his novice, Jack Channon's colt has posted two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood. He should not be troubled by rain either, as his pedigree handles softer ground admirably.
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 campaign. The faster the tempo, the better for the reliable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set up to suit his cruising speed in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot. Julie Camacho's gelding earned a string of second‑place finishes before finally taking the lead on the July Course at Newmarket last time out, and he remains well‑handicapped with a mark of 85. I am 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 quality with a second place to Amazing Journey over the same course and distance in July, and a wet 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 but continues to drop in weight, so it would be encouraging 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 genuine compliment, especially after Badri later placed 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 leans toward the fast side of good.
Turning to Kempton, the highlight of Saturday’s programme is the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), which presents a strong opportunity for the classy GETHIN to return to winning ways. Owen Burrows' colt, who has taken on the likes of Ombudsman and Constitution River since securing a Listed victory 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, while Pride Of Arras poses a real threat 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 race will be a rigorous test of his abilities on the flat against seasoned stakes horses, but I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold and determined performance. Overall, the Saturday card across Ascot, Haydock, and Kempton offers a rich tapestry of storylines: redemption arcs, emerging talent, seasoned campaigners seeking a final flourish, and the ever‑present possibility of an upset.
Whether you are backing a proven Group 1 contender, a soft‑ground specialist, or a dark horse with a rising profile, the day promises plenty of excitement for punters and racing fans alike. The key will be to watch the ground conditions, note each horse’s recent form, and trust the insights of seasoned jockeys like my husband Tom Marquand, whose intimate knowledge of his mounts often provides the edge needed to clinch a title.