Saturday promises a packed schedule of flat racing, with the day’s highlights coming from Ascot and Newcastle, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of a beautiful Ascot card will be the tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap, where the well‑known Heyzoom is expected to attract strong support for the Owen Burrows stable. Heyzoom, a gelding who last ran fourth in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, is coming back after a brief spell away from the track. He returns with an impressive résumé and will be partnered by the talented jockey Saffie Osborne.
His most recent effort has been quoted at generous odds on several occasions, reflecting the confidence many have in his ability. With a weight assignment of 90 pounds, he should be well‑placed to contest the race from the outset. Also featuring in the field is Marco Botti’s Archers Bay.
Archers Bay secured a course‑and‑distance handicap victory in his previous outing, demonstrating stamina by staying the extended trip. Carrying a seven‑pound penalty, he will be a serious threat and should not be underestimated. Two additional runners, Ancestor and Into The Light, present solid each‑way possibilities for punters looking for value bets. Their form suggests they could finish in the placings and offer a good return on an each‑way ticket.
Turning to the opening Schweppes Handicap at 1:40 pm, the race will be led by Addison Grey and Thunder Call, both of which bring class to the contest. Addison Grey, trained by Clive Cox, rebounded strongly last month by winning a Newbury handicap and has yet to be tested over the seven‑furlong distance at Ascot. His recent performance indicates he is primed to make an impact.
Thunder Call, meanwhile, has shown steady improvement with each start this season. He was a runner‑up at the Shergar Cup meeting, albeit over six furlongs, and the step up to seven furlongs should suit his developing stamina. The horse’s progression suggests he could be a dark horse in this race.
Also worth mentioning are Moet & Chandon International runner‑up Two Tribes, who remains in the shortlist for the win, and Ghost Mode, who makes a quick return after finishing fifth at Goodwood. Both horses add depth to an already competitive field.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers a constant stream of racing news, interviews, and feature stories, all accessible via mobile devices. At Newcastle, the Mini Golf At High Gosforth Park Fillies' Handicap will see Dark Angel Light as a standout contender. The three‑year‑old, a former Doncaster novice winner for trainer Jack Channon, is now under the guidance of Julie Camacho and will debut for her at a weight of 75 pounds. His change of trainer could provide a fresh impetus for further success.
Topweight Lady Kodiac has demonstrated her best form on all‑weather surfaces and will be a key figure to watch, especially if she can replicate the strong second‑place finish she recorded at Newmarket in May. Her ability to handle the synthetic track could give her an edge over the competition. Anaisa, who has slipped to a more favorable weight after a recent dip in form, also presents a potential threat.
The horse’s recent performances suggest she may be improving and could prove a dangerous opponent if underestimated. Additional race cards for the day include: - 2:45 pm Ascot – Godolphin’s Dannahue, a close relative of Lazuli, is expected to perform well. - 4:00 pm Ascot – Orion’s Belt and Tryst will headline this slot, offering a clash of seasoned talent.
- 4:35 pm Ascot – A Class Two race featuring Ferrous and American Gulf among a total of fifteen runners. - 5:20 pm Newcastle – A promising novice race with Reformation among nine entrants. - 5:47 pm Newcastle – Another novice contest starring Geometry and Crystal Dark, both declared.
- 9:56 pm Kentucky Downs – The Kentucky Turf Cup will see Ethical Diamond and Tiffany square off for a valuable purse. - 10:36 pm Kentucky Downs – The Nashville Derby will feature Glacius and Causeway headlining a lucrative pot.
- 10:45 pm Saratoga – Grade One Spinaway Stakes, a high‑quality two‑year‑old heat, promises exciting juvenile action. - 2:00 am Del Mar – Grade One Del Mar Debutante Stakes, a premier event for emerging fillies. Overall, the day offers a rich tapestry of racing across several venues, with a blend of established stars and rising prospects. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the variety of races ensures there is something for everyone.
Keep an eye on the odds, watch the form, and enjoy the thrill of the sport as these horses compete for glory on some of the world’s most prestigious tracks.