Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle breaks down four major handicaps at Ascot this Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, and also highlights 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 Haydock may have been a factor in his lackluster performance at Newmarket, yet my husband Tom Marquand reports that the horse is fresh, fit 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 genuine affinity for softer ground. I anticipate that a yielding surface will draw the best out of him, giving him a solid platform to challenge for the sprint title. Clive Cox’s colt Coppull demonstrated real class when stepping up to seven furlongs to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
He arrives at Haydock in excellent health and appears ready to add a Group 1 to his résumé. The only uncertainty is his inexperience on soft ground; if the track turns in that direction, it could test his adaptability. Another seven‑furlong prospect, William Haggas’s THUNDER CALL, will reappear in the Schweppes Handicap (1.40) at Ascot on Saturday. He finished strongly in the Shergar Cup Sprint at the same venue last month and, after a brief spell, is now fit and eager to make the most of a ride from Cieren Fallon.
The Kempton programme also features a serious test for Constitution Hill 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 only carrying two pounds more than when he won over seven furlongs at York a couple of starts ago. It would be hard to imagine him traveling from Darlington without a clear purpose. Heyzoom, who was gelded after a commendable fourth place to 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 superb form this season and is eager for a step up to the 12‑furlong distance. Since breaking his maiden, Jack Channon’s colt has posted two solid runs in 10‑furlong handicaps at Newmarket and Goodwood.
He should handle the rain‑softened ground without difficulty. 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 isn’t too far ahead of his optimum distance. The quicker the pace, the better for the dependable sprinter HAVANA BLUE, who should benefit from a race set up to suit his speed in the Club 26 Handicap (4.35) at Ascot.
Julie Camacho’s gelding, after a string of second‑place finishes, finally got his head in front 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 after a lackluster effort in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month. He showed his true ability when finishing second to Amazing Journey over the same course and distance in July, and a rainy day could favour the northern raider Golden Mind, who is well‑handicapped on last year’s slow‑ground form. West Acre has been a disappointment lately, dropping in the weights, but a mark of 99 in the Tote.co.uk For Racing & Sports Betting Handicap (5.10) at Ascot could spark a return of his old brilliance.
My top pick, however, is Ed Bethell’s filly FLUORESCENCE. Her victory over Badri at Pontefract was a clear indicator of quality 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 Kempton meeting on Saturday will be 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 picking up a Listed win on the Polytrack earlier this year, so the step up in class should be manageable. 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 genuine threat if he can build on his impressive run behind Item in the York Stakes. Finally, Constitution Hill will have his loyal fan base out in full force for what promises to be a steep step up in grade. This will be a true test of his flat‑racing capabilities against seasoned stakes horses.
I hope he can keep his dreams alive with a bold, determined performance that showcases his potential on the flat. Overall, the Saturday card offers a blend of redemption stories, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners looking to add another accolade to their records. Whether you are rooting for a comeback, a rising star, or a seasoned veteran, the races promise excitement, tactical intrigue, and the ever‑present possibility of an upset. Keep an eye on the ground conditions, the jockey‑horse partnerships, and the weight assignments – they will all play pivotal roles in determining who crosses the finish line first on this action‑packed day of British racing.