ITV Racing Tips Today – Ascot, Newmarket and Redcar Picks for Saturday 4 October

Saturday’s ITV Racing coverage is set to thrill, with Group-race action from Ascot and Newmarket plus the Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar adding spice to a top-class line-up. Billy Grimshaw has dived deep into the form book to single out two confident selections that stand above the rest. Both bring proven class, suitability to conditions, and the right profile to deliver when it matters most on a big afternoon of racing.

14:25 Ascot - Cumberland Lodge Stakes

The Cumberland Lodge Stakes as always been a race where durability and proven stamina rise to the top, and this year looks no different. Among a solid line-up, HAMISH stands tall as the horse with a proven record at this level and the one best equipped to dominate proceedings. A multiple Group-race winner who thrives in the autumn, he has the perfect mix of class and consistency that gives him a major edge over this field.

His campaign has been managed expertly by trainer William Haggas, ensuring he peaks at this stage of the season when conditions usually play to his strengths. Ascot has been a happy hunting ground in the past, and over a mile and a half Hamish boasts the sort of profile punters can hang their hats on. He travels with fluency, finds generously off the bridle, and, crucially, relishes a test that asks for both grit and ability in equal measure.

His biggest rival looks to be Al Qareem who is stepping back up to twelve furlongs after some solid efforts in staying company, but he lacks the cutting edge of Hamish when the race gets serious. Military Academy is a proven stayer and brings class from longer trips, yet dropping back could blunt his stamina rather than highlight his best asset. Against these, Hamish’s proven record of delivering in precisely this sort of test makes him the one to beat.

14:40 Newmarket - Sun Chariot Stakes

This race has drawn a competitive field, but the standout pick is FALLEN ANGEL, last season’s top juvenile who has carried her class through into her three-year-old campaign. A mile on the Rowley Mile plays perfectly to her strengths, and she arrives with the strongest form in the book. She travels powerfully, finds generously, and has the tactical speed to put this race to bed when it matters most.

There are dangers, with Cinderella’s Dream continuing her rise through the ranks and shaping as the type to go well at this level, while Lady Of Spain has been admirably consistent and cannot be underestimated. Sparks Fly adds toughness to the mix but may lack the change of gear needed here, and others such as Spiritual and Saqqara Sands must find significant improvement to trouble the principals. It looks a race that revolves around proven top-class form.

That is precisely what Fallen Angel brings to the table. She has already demonstrated she can mix it with the very best, and her proven ability to produce in testing situations makes her the class act of the line-up. With conditions set fair and the Rowley Mile offering a perfect stage for her qualities, she stands out above her rivals.

15:20 Redcar - Two Year Old Trophy

In the Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar, the favourite looks opposable to me given the prices, so instead I’ll side with second favourite ISLE OF FERNANDEZ, a colt who arrives at a juicy price but with serious upside. He’s shown glimpses of speed in earlier runs, and the step into this stakes company could bring out the best in him. He handles fast ground and the extra furlong gives him a chance to get into stride when others tire.

The dangers come from established names like Song Of The Clyde and Hollywood Treasure, who have solid form and strong support, while Cotai Belle has shown consistency but lacks a standout performance at this level. Others such as Ardisia and Storm Esme add depth, but they still have to bridge a gap to the leading contenders. Meanwhile Isle Of Fernandez has been improving steadily and looks undervalued on the odds board.

If this race turns into a test of stamina and finish, Isle Of Fernandez could benefit most. His pedigree suggests he’ll stay the trip, and his progression suggests he hasn’t yet hit his ceiling. At the odds, he offers value and brings enough class to trouble the favourites.