Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot this Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, and also previews the two headline contests 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 earlier defeat, yet my husband Tom Marquand says the horse arrives fresh, eager and ready for a race that should suit his running style. The Shadwell colt matured in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has shown a genuine affinity for softer going.
I anticipate that the expected yielding ground at Haydock will bring out his best, giving him a genuine shot at the prize. Clive Cox’s colt Coppull impressed when he stepped up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, and he comes to Haydock in excellent health.
He looks like a future Group 1 winner, but he has never encountered soft ground before, which adds a degree of uncertainty to his chances. The seven‑furlong distance also suits another William Haggas runner, THUNDER CALL, who will contest the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday. He finished strongly in the Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot last month and remains fit after a light spell, ready to make the most of a ride from Cieren Fallon. Constitution Hill faces a serious test at Kempton on Saturday, while the dual Gold Cup champion 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 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 solid chance. Heyzoom, now gelded after a respectable fourth place behind St Leger hope‑ful Enceladus in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting, looks well placed 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 tough rival in DECADE OF TIME, a horse that has been in superb form this season and is eager for the step up to a 12‑furlong distance.
Since his novice win, Jack Channon’s colt has produced two solid performances in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood. He should cope well if the day turns wet. At longer odds, Andrew Balding’s improving Kameko colt Cape Fear broke away from his rivals at Windsor twelve days ago and could still make an impact if the race comes together quickly.
The faster the pace, the better for the dependable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set to his strengths in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot. Julie Camacho’s gelding, after a string of second‑place finishes, finally led the field on the July Course at Newmarket last time out and remains well‑handicapped with a rating of 85. I’m also willing to give Fast Track Harry another look despite a lackluster run in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month.
He showed his true ability when he finished second 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 soft‑ground form. West Acre has been disappointing of late, but his weight continues to drop, so it would be pleasing to see him rediscover his old sparkle with a rating of 99 in the closing Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot.
My top pick, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE. Her victory over Badri at Pontefract earned a compliment when Badri later placed in the Listed Beverley Bullet.
The daughter of Twilight Son performed admirably in Listed company over the summer, and her new rating of 97 should not be a barrier in this ordinary handicap, especially if the ground holds up on the fast side of good. The highlight of the Saturday programme at Kempton Park will be the William Hill September Stakes (2.50), offering a solid 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 picking up a Listed win on the Polytrack earlier this year, should find the contest less taxing.
Godolphin’s Tornado Alert, a Group 1 winner in Germany last season, should not be underestimated. He will be keen to sharpen up after a close fourth in top‑class company abroad. Likewise, Pride Of Arras poses a serious threat if he can build on his impressive run behind Item in the York Stakes. Finally, Constitution Hill will have his fan base out in force for this steep step up in class.
The race will be a demanding examination of his abilities on the flat against seasoned stakes horses. I hope he can keep his ambitions alive with a bold and determined performance, proving that he belongs among the elite.