Professor to continue his fine Ascot record in valuable Challenge Cup

The most high profile racing action this weekend is undoubtedly in Paris, but there are still some intriguing contests on these shores.

 

Ascot’s Challenge Cup (3.45pm) is a hugely valuable affair with £112,000 going to the winner.

 

The field size is limited to 18 to protect the ground for QIPCO British Champions Day and I’m lucky as my main fancy has snuck in right at the bottom of the weights.

 

Professor used to be trained by Richard Hannon and finished second in last year’s Wokingham.

 

The five-year-old is now in the care of Michael Attwater and ran a promising race to finish second at Haydock back in April.

 

He then ran better than his finishing position suggested in the Ayr Gold Cup and he’s down to a winnable mark.

 

The step back up to seven furlongs on a track that suits is just what Professor needs and he looks a decent each-way bet at 16/1 with Betway.

 

Andre Fabre can win his first Sun Chariot Stakes (3.30pm) with Esoterique. She has really improved this season and her form is top class.

 

Last year’s winner Integral is back for more, but she might just be regressing slightly.

 

Finally, Richard Fahey can bag another big Saturday pot in Redcar’s Two-Year-Old Trophy with Mayfair Lady.

 

The filly dotted up in the Betway Stakes at York in August and didn’t like the soft ground at Salisbury last time.