Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot on Saturday for Sky Sports Racing, and also looks ahead to 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 Haydock may have been a factor in his lackluster performance at Newmarket, yet my husband Tom Marquand says the horse is feeling fresh and eager for a race that should suit his running style. The Shadwell colt matured dramatically in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a clear preference for softer ground. If the going at Haydock turns out to be on the softer side, it could bring out the best in ALMERAQ and give him the platform he needs to clinch the title.
Clive Cox’s Coppull looked like a serious contender when he stretched out to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. He arrives at Haydock in sound condition and appears to be a Group 1 winner in waiting. The only unknown is how he will cope with softer ground, something he has never faced before, so that factor adds a note of uncertainty to his chances.
The step up to seven furlongs 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 finish in the Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot last month and, after a brief spell, is now fit and ready to make an impact under Cieren Fallon.
Turning to Kempton, Constitution Hill is set for 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 loves the Kempton track and is only carrying two pounds more than when he won over seven furlongs at York a few starts ago. It would be hard to believe he is making the trip 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 set to perform well in the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot.
However, Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will face a formidable rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in excellent form this year and is eager for a step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since his maiden win, Jack Channon’s colt has produced two consistent runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood, and he should be comfortable if the rain returns.
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 comes together quickly. Speed is the name of the game for reliable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set to suit his style in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot. Julie Camacho’s gelding earned a string of second‑place finishes and finally got a front‑running look on the July Course at Newmarket last time out; he remains well‑handicapped off a mark of 85. I’m also willing to give Fast Track Harry a second chance after a disappointing run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month.
He showed better form when he finished second 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 underwhelming lately, but his weight continues to drop, so a return to his old sparkle at a mark of 99 in the Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot would be welcome. My personal pick for the winner, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE. She beat Badri at Pontefract, a horse that later placed in the Listed Beverley Bullet, and her performance earned her a well‑deserved compliment.
The daughter of Twilight Son ran well in Listed company over the summer, and her new mark 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 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 has taken on rivals such as Ombudsman and Constitution River since winning a Listed race on the Polytrack earlier this year, so this step down in class should suit him. 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.
Pride Of Arras also poses a danger 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 grade. The race will be a true test of his flat‑racing capabilities against hardened stakes horses, but I hope he can keep the dream alive with a bold performance.