Today on Sky Sports Racing: Red-hot Howden Challenge Cup, Ascot feature
It’s Howden Challenge Cup day at Ascot with some excellent flat action alongside Wolverhampton and Jump at Fontwell, live on Sky Sports Racing.
3:35 p.m. Ascot – Will Baradar continue his winning streak?
Baradar had a great summer with wins at Ascot and Doncaster for the Amo Racing team and it was again the case for George Boughey in the lucrative Howden Challenge Cup (3:35).
Success in the International Stakes in July at this venue bodes well here, although it is a full field of 30 that he will have to overcome now down to 9lb, with Hector Crouch leading the pack.
Master of Pop has been ultra consistent for Ed Walker and Tom Marquand takes over, while Quinault won again last month and should run well for the Stuart Williams team.
Amongst others, Costs rarely has a bad race for the team James Fanshawe, Hickory can go well for the same site and Escobar could return to form for David O’Meara.
2:25 Ascot – Will Shadwell team dominate Cumberland Lodge?
Duo Shadwell Al Aasy And Israel could dominate an eight runner Group Three Jim Barry Cumberland Lodge Stakes (2:25).
Jim Crowley chose to ride Al Aasy despite being knocked down at this level last time out in Ireland, but he had two straight wins before that.
Israr was well beaten behind Bay Bridge last time out but took the scalp of Adayar in July and will need respect for the John & Thady Gosden team.
Amongst others, Al-Qareem to note after the success of Listed at Chester, while Claymore can improve and won at Royal Ascot last year.
3:00 p.m. Ascot – Dods aims to win Group 3 prize
THE John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (3h00) It looks like a wide open heat but it’s the Michael Dods trained Commanche Falls who looks likely to be favorite after his victories at this level earlier this season.
The six-year-old won at Group 3 level in July and continued his success at York under penalty last time out.
Mick Appleby’s Annaf won the Portland Handicap last time and is a danger for sure, while Garrus can compete at this level and Dark Trooper is looking to win a quintuple for Ed Walker’s team.
Watch every race from Ascot, Fontwell and Wolverhampton on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday October 7.