Today on Sky Sports Racing: St Leger runners tackle improving Naqeeb in hot Ascot clash
The listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot on Friday looks good with a stylish sextet, including two runners who featured at St Leger last month, live on Sky Sports Racing.
3.57 Ascot – Naqeeb takes on also-rans St Leger
Chess piece And Middle Earth finished sixth and seventh respectively in St Leger last month and they clash again in the Listed Noel Murless Bets (3:57) at Ascot.
The former will look to take a 3lb penalty after the win over Hamilton, and should appreciate this slight drop in the highest rated class in the race.
John and Thady Gosden saddle Melrose Handicap winner Middle Earth, although he is still lightly raced and has had just five starts.
The intriguing runner is undoubtedly William Haggas’ Naqeeda half-brother of Hukum and Baaeed, who was an impressive handicap winner last time when Jim Crowley took over the saddle.
5.05 Ascot – Course specialist Rohaan tries to challenge top weight
Later on the card, double Royal Ascot hero Rohaan takes on 17 rivals in the Ascot Iron Stand Handicap (5:05) over six furlongs.
King Lynn also has 9st 12lb for Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding, who have run in the Royal Silks before but have struggled this year.
In wide open heat, three year olds Dark thirties And Executive decision will be worth mentioning, while Lethal Nymph ran a cracker at a high price at Doncaster last month.
2.55 Fontwell – Unanswered prayers are administered in class
The jumping action comes from Fontwell with the feature Broadsword Group 25th Anniversary Handicap Pursuit (2:55) with a pot of £25,000 attracting six runners.
that of Chris Gordon Unanswered prayers was very impressive at Cheltenham last season and although he disappointed a little afterwards, he should be well above 130.
On to the straight And Copperhead will look to take advantage of a lowered grade as Dan Skelton runs Sacred Heart over the bigger obstacles for the first time since April 2021.
Sky Bet odds I Today’s race cards
Watch every race from Hexham, Fontwell, Ascot and Newcastle on Sky Sports Racing on Friday 6 October.