Weekend Preview / Timeform / 25 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Fans of jumps racing will no doubt be eagerly awaiting what looks a fascinating and competitive meeting at Market Rasen on Saturday, whilst Chester and Haydock also provide some good quality handicaps. It goes without saying, however, that all eyes will be on the Ascot Festival over the weekend, writes Timeform.

The season's best juveniles are now beginning to come to hand and Ascot provides two pattern races for that age group on Saturday and Godolphin appear to hold a strong hand in both.

Frankie Dettori has chosen to ride Frozen Power in the Royal Lodge Stakes but it must have been a tough decision between him and the promising Vale of York. Both come into the race off the back of a listed success and are sure to relish the step up to a mile. Shortly after that, Sweet Solero winner Long Lashes will be attempting to make up for a heavy-ground blip in the Moyglare Stud Stakes by landing the Fillies Mile. She's sure to face plenty of opposition from the likes of Mudaarah, Sent From Heaven and You'll Be Mine.

Rip Van Winkle confirmed himself a top-class performer by winning the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on his latest outing and an equally impressive performance is expected in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The absence of a ballydoyle pacemaker suggests the son of Galileo will be adopting front-running tactics once more but the presence of proven Group 1 performers Delegator, Mastercrafstmen and Aqlaam mean that a second success at the highest level for Aiden O'Brien's colt is no forgone conclusion.

Two more pattern races are provided on Sunday with the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge and the Group 2 Diadem Stakes, in which High Standing will bid to add to what has already been a most prolific season.

Tags: Ascot races, Horseracing betting, Horseracing tips, Rip Van Winkle, Timeform