We have a busy day’s racing on Saturday with Flat action from Ascot and Chester, live on Sky Sports Racing…
2.27 Ascot – More Thunder, Zeus Olympios and Docklands clash
An outstanding renewal of the feature Group Two Summer Mile at Ascot sees More Thunder head the market for William Haggas and Cieren Fallon.
The winner of last year’s Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, he has twice filled the runner-up berth in the Lockinge and Queen Anne Stakes. Sure to be a warm order here, he should go close on this drop back in grade as he tackles a turning mile for the first time.
Zeus Olympios finished just over two lengths behind the selection at the Royal meeting and should give a bold bid if in a similar mood under new jockey Sam James.
Docklands was a little disappointing when bidding to retain his Queen Anne crown last month, but can be forgiven that rare poor display and looks an each-way prospect.
Jonquil and No Lunch rate the pick of the remainder.
3.52 Chester – Dual winner Holguin faces Witness Stand
Dual winner Holguin features among a field of nine for the excellent Raymond & Kathleen Corbett Memorial City Plate Stakes at Chester.
The Hamad Al Jehani-trained six-year-old took this contest in 2023 when trained by Andrew Balding and returned to score last season, just collaring Witness Stand in the dying strides. The pair reoppose and look sure to be involved at a course that suit.
Witness Stand ran his best race for a while when second at Epsom last time and he looks an obvious threat especially if able to lead under Jack Doughty.
Haggas’ Tiber Flow makes his seasonal reappearance, while Northern Champion has a great draw and should find this easier than the Commonwealth Cup.
1.55 Ascot – Havana Hurricane and King Of Light headline
An ultra-competitive edition of the opening Club 26 Heritage Handicap.
Havana Hurricane claimed the Windsor Castle Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting and showed a solid level of form after. He is yet to win in three starts this season and caught the eye when short of room at Sandown last week. That was another fair effort and the return to this track may suit.
Behike is a fascinating runner for George Scott as he drops markedly in class on handicap debut, while King Of Light warrants respect. Stuart Williams’ four-year-old ran out an easy winner at Windsor 12 days ago and can go well off an 8lb higher mark.
Dubai Bling was denied a clear run when 10th in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot and could do better with a better trip here.
Best of the rest
3.02 Ascot – Mia Fantasia could be above average. Rising Tiger has Colin Keane in the plate.
4.12 Ascot – Ernst Blofeld should go close for Hamad Al Jehani.
4.45 Ascot – Blingy’s Sister caught the eye at Royal Ascot and should be involved.
1.35 Chester – Dream Vega could be hard to beat under Ashley Lewis.
2.45 Chester – Decent race with unexposed Eagle Bay facing Percy’s Lad.
10.39 Saratoga – Grade Two with Fort George for Ed Walker and Kieran Shoemark.
French action from Clairefontaine.
