Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot this Saturday 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 that may have hindered him at Newmarket could suit his style, and according to my husband Tom Marquand his mount arrives fresh and eager for a race that should suit his strengths. The Shadwell colt matured in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has demonstrated a clear affinity for softer ground. I expect the softer going at Haydock to bring out the best in him, giving him a genuine shot at the prize. Clive Cox’s colt Coppull looked the part when he stepped up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
He comes to Haydock in excellent health and appears ready to claim a Group 1 victory, though he has never faced soft ground before. That lack of experience could be a factor if he is asked to perform on a yielding surface. Another William Haggas trainee, THUNDER CALL, benefits from the step up to seven furlongs. He will reappear in the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday after a strong finish in the Shergar Cup Sprint at the same venue last month.
He remains in good condition and, under Cieren Fallon, should be well‑placed to capitalize on the opportunity. 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 won over seven furlongs at York two starts ago.
It would be odd for him to travel from Darlington without a realistic chance. Heyzoom, now gelded after a respectable fourth place behind St Leger contender 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. Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will be matched against the formidable DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has shown excellent form this season and is eager for a step up to a 12‑furlong distance. Since breaking his maiden, Jack Channon’s colt has produced two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood, and the rain‑softened ground should suit him.
At longer odds, Andrew Balding’s improving Kameko colt Cape Fear, who broke away from his rivals at Windsor twelve days ago, could make an impact if the race isn’t too soon for him. The quicker they go, the better for reliable 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, after a series of second‑place finishes, finally got the lead on the July Course at Newmarket last time out and remains well‑handicapped with a mark of 85. I’m also willing to give Fast Track Harry another look after a disappointing run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month.
He performed better when placed second to Amazing Journey over the same course and distance in July, and a rainy day would suit northern raider Golden Mind, who is well‑handicapped on last year’s slow‑ground form. West Acre has been underwhelming of late, but his dropping weight could allow him to rediscover his old sparkle with a mark of 99 in the 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 earned a compliment when Badri later made the frame in the Listed Beverley Bullet. The daughter of Twilight Son performed admirably 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 leans toward the fast side of good. The highlight of the Saturday afternoon at Kempton Park will be the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), a promising 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 taxing. 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 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 supporters out in force for this steep step up in class. The race will be a rigorous test of his flat‑racing capabilities against seasoned stakes horses, but I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold performance. Overall, the Saturday card offers a blend of redemption stories, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners.
Whether it’s ALMERAQ’s quest for a second Group 1, Northern Express’s home‑track advantage, or FLUORESCENCE’s potential upset, there are plenty of narratives to follow. Keep an eye on the ground conditions, as they will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes across the sprint and middle‑distance events.
Tom Marquand’s insights, combined with the expertise of the Sky Sports Racing team, should make for an exciting and unpredictable day of racing.