Timeform / Timeform / 09 October 2009 / Leave a comment

The last Flat fixture of the season at Ascot provides some good quality racing, the most prestigious race being theGroup 3 Autumn stakes, and the most valuable being the Ladbrokes.com Heritage Handicap.

The Autumn Stakes has produced some smart horses in previous years, the most notable being Nayef in 2000.

In this year's renewal Azizi looks to have a favourite's chance and, although he does have his quirks, the manner of his victory over a mile at Doncaster last time suggests he also has copious amounts of ability, and can take this step from handicap to Group company in his stride. Frozen Power was hampered when below form in the Royal Lodge on his last start but could make the frame here now dropped in grade.

Mark Johnston has a good record in the Ladbrokes.com Heritage Handicap winning three of the last ten renewals. He has a good chance to improve that record with Record Breaker who won with something to spare over course and distance last time. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Class is Class also looks a likely contender and the son of Montjeu has of late shaped as though a second career win could well be in the offing.

Richard Fahey has made a habit of winning at York this year and has three runners in the Coral Sprint Trophy on Saturday. Stable Jockey Paul Hanagan opts for Quest for Success who is in great form. Kevin Ryan also sends out three, of which Green Manalishi looks the best. He returned to winning form at Haydock last time and judged on his listed successes last year, still looks fairly treated.

The National Hunt season steps up a gear with Chepstow staging a £50,000 Handicap Hurdle, where Paul Nicholls, Alan King and Philip Hobbs are all represented.

They also race at Hexham, Bangor, and Fairyhouse on Saturday with Wolverhampton staging the evening card. Sunday's flat action comes from Goodwood, the Curragh, and on the all-weather at Lingfield, with National Hunt action from Ffos Las and Limerick.

Tags: Ascot, Azizi, Richard Fahey, York