Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at 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 horse struggled on the fast, undulating surface at Newmarket, yet according to my husband Tom Marquand, the gelding arrives fresh, eager and perfectly suited to the conditions he will face at Haydock. The colt, owned by Shadwell, matured dramatically in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a clear preference for softer ground.
If the turf at Haydock holds a bit of give, it could bring out the very best in him. Clive Cox’s colt Coppull displayed genuine class when stepping up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
He comes to Haydock in excellent health and appears ready to add a Group 1 to his résumé. The only caveat is that Coppull has never contested a race on soft ground, so the state of the going will be a key factor in determining whether he can capitalize on his current form. Another seven‑furlong prospect, THUNDER CALL, trained by William Haggas, will make his re‑appearance 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 brief spell, is now fit and eager to take advantage of the 93‑pound assignment under the guidance of Cieren Fallon. The programme at Kempton on Saturday also promises a serious test for Constitution Hill, while the racing world mourns the passing of dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, who died at the age of ten. I also see a solid chance for Michael Dods’ gelding Northern Express, a horse that loves Kempton’s track. He is carrying only two pounds more than when he won over seven furlongs at York a couple of starts ago, and I doubt he would travel from Darlington without a good reason.
Heyzoom, now gelded after a respectable fourth place to St Leger hope‑ful Enceladus in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting, looks well‑placed to perform in the Tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap (2.10) at Ascot. In contrast, Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old will face a formidable rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in outstanding form this season and is eager for a step up to the 12‑furlong distance.
Since his novice win, Jack Channon’s colt has posted two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood, and the rain‑softened ground should suit him nicely. At longer odds, Andrew Balding’s improving Kameko colt Cape Fear displayed a blistering turn of foot at Windsor twelve days ago and could make a significant impact if the race does not come too early in his campaign. Speedy sprinter HAVANA BLUE will benefit from a quick pace and should be well‑served by the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot, where a fast tempo typically plays to his strengths.
Julie Camacho’s gelding earned a string of second‑place finishes before finally taking the lead on the July Course at Newmarket, and he remains well‑handicapped off a mark of 85, making him a contender in his upcoming start. I am also inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to Fast Track Harry, who disappointed 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 rainy 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, and a mark of 99 in the Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot could allow him to rediscover the sparkle he once showed.
My top pick, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE. She beat Badri at Pontefract, and that victory was vindicated when Badri later contested the Listed Beverley Bullet. As a daughter of Twilight Son, she 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 faster side of good. The highlight of Saturday’s Kempton card will be the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), which presents a prime opportunity for the classy GETHIN to return to winning ways.
Owen Burrows’ colt, who has faced opponents such as Ombudsman and Constitution River since his Listed win on the Polytrack earlier this year, should find this race less taxing and a chance to showcase his ability. Godolphin’s Tornado Alert, a Group 1 winner in Germany last season, cannot be overlooked.
He will be looking to sharpen up after a close fourth in top‑class company abroad, while Pride Of Arras poses a serious threat if he can replicate his impressive effort behind Item in the York Stakes. Finally, Constitution Hill will have a legion of supporters cheering him on for this steep step up in class.
The race will be a true test of his flat‑racing capabilities against seasoned stakes horses, and I hope he can keep his dream alive with a bold, determined performance. Overall, the weekend offers a blend of redemption stories, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners seeking to add another accolade to their résumés. Whether you are backing a proven Group 1 winner, a rising star, or a well‑handicapped outsider, there will be plenty of excitement to enjoy across Ascot, Haydock and Kempton.