Saturday promises a packed schedule of flat racing, with the day’s highlights coming from the historic courses of Ascot and Newcastle, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the Ascot meeting is the tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap, a race that is expected to attract considerable attention, especially from the camp of trainer Owen Burrows, who has placed a strong bet on Heyzoom.
Heyzoom, a gelding who last appeared in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot where he finished fourth, is returning after a brief spell away from the track. He now carries the experienced jockey Saffie Osborne, and his recent form has been marked by several promising runs that have earned him a respectable rating of 90.
This rating suggests he will be competitive and likely to feature prominently in the finishing order. Another notable contender is Archers Bay, who will be ridden by Marco Botti. Archers Bay demonstrated his stamina in his most recent outing, taking a course and distance handicap and handling the extended trip with confidence. Botti will be looking to capitalize on the horse’s proven ability to stay the distance, especially given the seven‑pound penalty that Archers Bay will carry, which could make him a formidable opponent.
Two other horses that merit consideration as each‑way possibilities are Ancestor and Into The Light. Both have shown flashes of ability in recent starts and could prove to be valuable bets for punters seeking a return on both win and place markets. The opening Schweppes Handicap at 1:40 p.m.
will feature a high‑quality field led by Addison Grey and Thunder Call. Addison Grey, trained by Clive Cox, has recently returned to winning ways after a decisive victory in a Newbury handicap last month. The horse has yet to be tested over the seven‑furlong distance at Ascot, but his recent performance suggests he possesses the speed and determination needed to succeed.
Thunder Call, meanwhile, has shown steady improvement with each start this season. He was the runner‑up at the Shergar Cup meeting in a six‑furlong contest, and the step up to a longer distance should suit his developing stamina. Both Addison Grey and Thunder Call are expected to be among the leading contenders in this race.
Other horses to watch include Two Tribes, the runner‑up in the Moët & Chandon International, and Ghost Mode, who is making a swift return after finishing fifth at Goodwood. These entrants add depth to the field and could influence the outcome in unpredictable ways. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app provides instant access to all the action, ensuring you never miss a beat. Turning to Newcastle, the Mini Golf At High Gosforth Park Fillies’ Handicap offers a compelling story for Dark Angel Light.
This three‑year‑old mare, who secured a novice win at Doncaster under trainer Jack Channon, is now making her debut for new trainer Julie Camacho. Starting at an opening mark of 75, she will be looking to continue her upward trajectory in the handicap ranks. Topweight Lady Kodiac has demonstrated her best form on all‑weather surfaces and could be a serious contender if she can replicate the form that saw her finish second at Newmarket in May. Her ability to handle the synthetic surface could give her an edge over the field.
Anaisa, who has slipped to a more favorable handicap mark after a recent dip in form, should not be overlooked. The horse’s recent struggles may have resulted in a lower rating, but the underlying class remains, making her a potential surprise factor in the race.
Additional race cards for the day include: - 2:45 p.m. at Ascot: Godolphin’s Dannahue, a close relative of the well‑known Lazuli, is expected to perform well. - 4:00 p.m.
at Ascot: The race will be headlined by Orion’s Belt and Tryst, both of whom have shown strong form in recent outings. - 4:35 p.m. at Ascot: A Class Two contest featuring fifteen runners, including Ferrous and American Gulf, promises a competitive finish.
- 5:20 p.m. at Newcastle: A promising novice race with Reformation among nine entries. - 5:47 p.m.
at Newcastle: Another novice event highlighting Geometry and Crystal Dark, both declared runners. - 9:56 p.m. at Kentucky Downs: The Kentucky Turf Cup will see Ethical Diamond and Tiffany clash for a valuable purse. - 10:36 p.m.
at Kentucky Downs: The Nashville Derby will feature Glacius and Causeway as the leading contenders. - 10:45 p.m. at Saratoga: The Grade One Spinaway Stakes will showcase a strong two‑year‑old heat. - 2:00 a.m.
at Del Mar: The Grade One Del Mar Debutante Stakes will round out the international schedule. These races span a range of distances, surfaces, and class levels, offering a full day of thrilling competition for racing enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you are tracking the progress of Heyzoom’s comeback at Ascot, evaluating the prospects of Dark Angel Light at Newcastle, or following the high‑stakes action in the United States, there is plenty to discuss and analyze.
Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live commentary, expert insights, and all the latest updates from the world of horse racing.