Today on Sky Sports Racing: Lazy Griff bids to bounce back at Chester

Saturday’s racing calendar delivers a compelling triple-header as Sky Sports Racing turns the spotlight on Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot. The feature race at Chester’s Roodee course pits two Listed-level performers against each other in a rematch that could define the season’s staying division, while Newton Abbot stages a competitive handicap hurdle where a hat-trick-seeking favourite faces renewed pressure. Lingfield’s card, sandwiched between the two, arrives with its own narrative of improving handicappers chasing elusive victories.

A clash of proven form at Chester’s Listed stage

The Listed Chester Stakes at 2.40pm is the day’s headline attraction, a rematch between Lazy Griff and By The Book that doubles as a test of stamina and tactical nous. Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, arrives with a three-pound penalty after his Sandown victory this summer—a success that followed a credible seventh in the Goodwood Cup, where he was never in contention after the final furlong. His preparation has been steady rather than spectacular, so a return to peak fitness will be essential if he is to overturn the form. By The Book, handled by Charlie Appleby and Billy Loughnane, carries less baggage; a runner-up at Beverley in early July, he remains lightly raced for a five-year-old and could exploit any late wobble from his rival. The field of eight offers no obvious pacemakers, so the race is likely to evolve into a tactical duel where position at the final turn counts for everything. Among the chasing pack, the John & Thady Gosden-trained Relko stands out for his experience at this level, while the David Simcock-trained Regal Encore arrives with a course-and-distance record that demands respect.

Newton Abbot’s handicap hurdle: Handlethekettle hunts a third straight win

Over at Newton Abbot, Handlethekettle bids to become the first horse in this season’s Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle to complete a hat-trick. The Jamie Snowden-trained gelding has flourished since switching to handicap company, and jockey Isabelle Ryder rides out a five-pound claim that keeps his rating competitive. Supreme Yeats, a six-time winner, attempts to replicate his Bangor success over the extra distance, having won last time out by a length and a half, while Daisy Hitchen’s consistent hurdler Kitty Foyle arrives fresh from a recent flat outing at Musselburgh. The race is run over two miles and five-and-a-half furlongs, a trip where stamina and jumping accuracy decide between glory and also-ran status. The ground is reported as good to soft, which could further test the stamina of the field.

Chester’s unbeaten streak and Lingfield’s improving ranks

Earlier at Chester, George Boughey’s Asuka attempts to stretch his turf-winning streak to four at the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap. The yard’s momentum is undeniable after Libertango’s Lowther triumph at York, and Asuka’s credentials are underlined by a single defeat at Wolverhampton in July, where he was beaten just over two lengths. Lingfield’s card, broadcast from 1.55pm, features a competitive handicap where improving runners chase their first career win; the absence of headline names only sharpens the focus on those fighting for recognition. Among the contenders, the Jessica Harrington-trained Alounak has shown progressive form in his last three starts, while the Mark Johnston-trained Global Citizen arrives with a course-and-distance record that has seen him finish in the top three on each of his three previous visits.

The day’s racing offers no grand narratives of redemption or destiny—just three courses, three sets of ambitions, and the quiet pressure of Listed and handicap class. Lazy Griff and By The Book will trade punches over staying ground, Handlethekettle will chase history at Newton Abbot, and Asuka will try to keep his unbeaten record intact. For trainers, owners and riders, Saturday is less about headlines and more about the next step—whether that’s a bounce-back, a hat-trick or simply proving they belong.