We have a busy day’s racing on Saturday with action from Doncaster, Hexham, Uttoxeter and Churchill Downs, live on Sky Sports Racing…
11.57 Churchill Downs – Renegade and Commandment clash in the Derby
The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby sees Renegade and Commandment headline a fantastic field at Churchill Downs.
Todd Pletcher last won this race back in 2017 and he looks to have a serious challenger this year as Renegade bids for another Grade One success under Irad Ortiz Jr. The son of Into Mischief ran out a ready winner of the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park 35 days ago and granted further improvement he should be in the mix.
Brad Cox saddles two runners with Commandment holding the most obvious credentials. Winner of his last four starts, he narrowly took the Fountain Of Youth at Gulfstream in February before following up in gritty fashion when claiming the Grade One Florida Derby and looks tailor-made for this test.
Emerging Market and Danon Bourbon look the pick of the bigger prices.
2.35 Uttoxeter – Calimystic and Joyeux Machin fancied for Plate success
Calimystic and Joyeaux Machin will be popular in a deep renewal of this feature Staffordshire Plate at Uttoxeter.
Dan Skelton claimed this race last year with Coco Mademoiselle and Joyeux Machin looks primed to run a big race under Harry Skelton. A shade disappointing in better grades, he returned to form with an emphatic success at Bangor in March and a five-pound penalty might not stop him going in again.
Calimystic, is a perfect two from two over fences after wins at Newbury and Sandown and this seven-year-old looks to have the scope to step forward again under Nico de Boinville. A six-pound penalty may underestimate him and he merits plenty of respect as he heads up in class.
Several have each-way claims including last-time winner Party Vibes, while King’s Threshold has first-time cheekpieces for Emma Lavelle.
6.27 Doncaster – Unbeaten Rose Of Honour seeks the hat-trick
Unbeaten Rose Of Honour headlines a field of six for a competitive feature Sky Sports Racing Virgin 512 Handicap on Town Moor.
The Jame Tate-trained four-year-old comfortably got off the mark on debut at Kempton back in September before justifying cramped odds at Southwell. He makes his handicap debut off a mark of 88 and may prove hard to beat as he switches to the grass.
David O’Meara saddles Akkadian Thunder who will top the weights under Danny Tudhope. A four-time winner, he ran a fine race when runner-up on his first outing of the season and rates a live contender at a track that suits.
Course and distance winner Territorial Knight has a bit to find with Akkadian Thunder but should strip fitter for his reappearance, while Rousing Encore is another to note for Ruth Carr.
Best of the rest
5.38 Churchill Downs – Grade One Distaff where Splendora, Ways And Means and Usha headline.
6.12 Churchill Downs – Grade Two My Boy Prince seeks a hat-trick.
7.38 Churchill Downs – Grade Two where Portfolio Duration features for Chad Brown.
8.23 Churchill Downs – Grade Two for three-year-olds. Englishman and Crude Velocity catch the eye.
9.06 Churchill Downs – Grade One American Turf where Stark Contrast and Remember Mamba clash.
9.50 Churchill Downs – Grade One Churchill Downs Stakes where Knightsbridge heads the market.
10.39 Churchill Downs – Grade One Old Bourbon Turf Classic with Make Me King representing Hamad Al Jehani and Wathnan.
5.10 Doncaster – Decent novice with Ed Bethell’s unbeaten Noelan Star among seven runners.
5.50 Doncaster – Lion O is a notable newcomer for Amo. Note To Self for the Gosdens too.
6.15 Hexham – Excellent Class Three Novices’ Handicap chase with Sonigino and Rubber Ball declared.
6.45 Hexham – Filibustering and Marhaba Prince bid to win again.
3.50 Uttoxeter – 12yo Whatsupwithyou tops the weights for Pauling and seven-pound claimer Elliott England.
12.40 Auteuil – Listed heat.
1.15 Auteuil – Listed heat.
