The Saturday card at Ripon, Southwell and Belmont Park will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, featuring a strong lineup of races and contenders. The headline event is the Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap, where the five‑year‑old gelding Eye Of Dubai is looking for a third straight victory. After breaking his winless streak with a decisive triumph in the Ayr Bronze Cup last weekend, the Quinn brothers’ horse returns to a familiar track with a five‑pound weight increase, yet remains a formidable threat.
His recent form suggests he can handle the added burden and continue to dominate at this venue. Another notable runner is Dark Thirty, who impressed with a brilliant third‑place finish at the Curragh. The handicapper has given him a slight advantage by reducing his weight by two pounds, while jockey Jake Dickson will benefit from an additional five‑pound drop.
This makes the star‑spangled banner offspring a genuine contender in the field, offering bettors a compelling option. Trefor, a proven specialist over the course and distance, is paired closely with Indian Run, a horse that matched him in the Windsor 1‑3 race back in August. Both are being touted as each‑way prospects, though Trefor’s recent performances have been inconsistent.
Meanwhile, David O'Meara will ride Yes I’m Mali, who demonstrated his aptitude for the track and the trip in his penultimate start. Conor Whiteley will also receive a useful five‑pound allowance, adding further intrigue to the race. The program also includes a Maiden Stakes at Southwell, where the Juddmonte colt Pyramid and the filly Kashooda will clash. Pyramid caught the eye when he finished second in his debut at Wolverhampton in July.
After a brief lay‑off, he returned strongly and should improve further in this outing. Since then he has placed second in a Listed race, while his stablemate has also shown solid form, making the duo’s recent performances look rock‑solid. Kashooda poses a serious challenge for trainer Andrew Balding and jockey Callum Hutchinson.
She has placed in both of her starts to date, including a close second to a strong opponent at Kempton, and is expected to deliver more in this race. Additional horses to watch include Roxy Power and Pepperazzi, who will debut for Oliver Cole in the Valmont silks. Turning to the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Stakes, the field will feature European imports El Cordobes and Pride Of Arras among seven runners. Charlie Appleby’s El Cordobes finished third behind stablemate Rebel’s Romance in this race last year, then went on to achieve a career‑best performance in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
He has not been seen since a run in the H.H. The Amir Trophy in February, but if he returns fit he could be a serious contender. Ralph Beckett’s Pride Of Arras captured the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton by defeating Gethin, and a similar display would make him a leading candidate as he steps up to Grade 1 competition again. Other notable entries include Far Bridge, who earned a Grade 3 win in his most recent start but finished behind El Cordobes in this race last season, and Fort George, trained by Ed Walker, who has shown promising form and could surprise the field.
The day will also open with Grade 1 action from Australia, where Guest House and St Gotthard will contest the Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill at 7:05 am. Back in the UK, Zarakova will lead a six‑horse field in the Lloyd Landrover Ripon Nursery Handicap at 2:16 pm, facing Palace Legacy, who is stepping up into handicap company for the first time.
At 2:50 pm, the G3 Prix de Maisons‑Laffitte at Auteuil will see Leopard Du Berlais attempt to rediscover his early brilliance. The four‑year‑old won his first three starts by a combined 18 lengths but has struggled to replicate that form since, making his odds a potential value bet.
Caragio, who was unlucky in the Leger Legends contest at Doncaster earlier this month after trainer‑owner Adam Kirby eased him home a fraction too early, will receive a one‑pound reduction for his next start. He is expected to be well‑fancied in Southwell’s 8 pm At The Races App Expert Tips Handicap. Across the Atlantic, the G2 Flower Bowl at Belmont will feature Sunlit Uplands, Esna, Cathedral and Kathynmarissa, while Santa Anita will host the Goodwood Stakes at 12:30 am, rounding out a packed day of international racing action.
Overall, Saturday’s card offers a mix of seasoned campaigners seeking to defend their titles, rising stars looking to make a mark, and a few intriguing outsiders with weight advantages that could tip the scales. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the variety of races and the quality of the fields promise plenty of excitement and betting opportunities throughout the day.