A busy Saturday of racing on Sky Sports Racing features action from Doncaster, Hexham, Uttoxeter and a big card at Churchill Downs.
11.57 Churchill Downs – Kentucky Derby
The 152nd Kentucky Derby looms as Renegade and Commandment head a strong field. Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher, bids for Grade One glory under Irad Ortiz Jr. after a confident Arkansas Derby success and looks to improve further to be in contention. Brad Cox’s Commandment arrives with momentum, unbeaten in his last four and scorer of the Fountain Of Youth and the Grade One Florida Derby; he appears very well suited to this test. At bigger prices keep an eye on Emerging Market and Danon Bourbon. Miscellaneous notes: Daryz has been earmarked for a Royal Ascot target following a Prix Ganay win, and Ka Ying Rising stretches an incredible sequence with a 20th straight victory.
2.35 Uttoxeter – Staffordshire Plate
Calimystic and Joyeux Machin are expected to be popular in a competitive renewal of the feature. Joyeux Machin (Harry Skelton) is trained by Dan Skelton, last year’s winner connections, and bounced back with a convincing Bangor success; a five-pound penalty may not stop him. Calimystic is two from two over fences after wins at Newbury and Sandown, steps up in class under Nico de Boinville and carries a six-pound penalty that might underestimate him. Each-way hopes include last-time scorer Party Vibes, while King’s Threshold runs in first-time cheekpieces for Emma Lavelle.
3.50 Uttoxeter
A staying handicap where 12-year-old Whatsupwithyou tops the weights for Pauling, accompanied by seven-pound claimer Elliott England.
5.10 Doncaster
A decent novice contest featuring Jame Tate’s unbeaten Noelan Star among seven runners.
5.38 Churchill Downs – Grade One Distaff
A top-level Distaff where Splendora, Ways And Means and Usha headline the entries.
6.12 Churchill Downs – Grade Two
My Boy Prince bids for a hat-trick in this Grade Two assignment.
6.15 Hexham
An attractive Class Three Novices’ Handicap chase with Sonigino and Rubber Ball declared.
6.27 Doncaster – Sky Sports Racing Virgin 512 Handicap
Unbeaten Rose Of Honour tops a small field of six in a competitive feature on Town Moor. The Jame Tate-trained four-year-old opened her account at Kempton in September and followed up at Southwell; she makes her handicap debut off a mark of 88 and looks a live contender switching to turf. David O’Meara’s Akkadian Thunder carries top weight under Danny Tudhope and, a four-time winner, should be respected after a solid seasonal return. Territorial Knight, a course-and-distance winner, should be sharper for his reappearance, while Rousing Encore is another to note for Ruth Carr.
6.45 Hexham
Filibustering and Marhaba Prince both look to add to recent wins in a competitive evening card.
7.38 Churchill Downs – Grade Two
Portfolio Duration features for Chad Brown in this listed Grade Two race.
8.23 Churchill Downs – Grade Two (3yo)
A three-year-old Grade Two where Englishman and Crude Velocity catch the eye.
9.06 Churchill Downs – Grade One American Turf
A top-class American Turf with Stark Contrast and Remember Mamba among the leading contenders.
9.50 Churchill Downs – Grade One Churchill Downs Stakes
Knightsbridge heads the market for this fast, competitive Grade One sprint.
10.39 Churchill Downs – Grade One Old Bourbon Turf Classic
Make Me King represents Hamad Al Jehani and Wathnan in this prestigious turf feature.
Additional notes
– 5.50 Doncaster: Newcomer Lion O is of interest for Amo; Note To Self runs for the Gosdens.
– Auteuil: Two listed heats at 12.40 and 1.15 add international intrigue to the day.
Summary
Plenty to follow across codes and continents: the Kentucky Derby headlines at Churchill Downs while strong domestic action from Doncaster, Uttoxeter and Hexham offers several compelling handicaps and novice events for punters and racing fans alike. Tune into Sky Sports Racing for live coverage throughout the afternoon and evening.