It’s another buzzing Saturday on the UK and Irish horse racing scene, with fans and punters alike treated to a feast of action across seven different meetings. On October 4, 2025, the spotlight shines brightest on the hallowed turf of Ascot and Newmarket, where a blend of seasoned champions and up-and-coming stars are set to battle for Group glory and a slice of racing history. With the air tinged with anticipation, the day is primed for drama, surprises, and perhaps another Cinderella story in the making.
Let’s kick off at Ascot, where the 14:25 Group 3 contest features a fascinating clash of experience and promise. The race, run over 1 mile and 4 furlongs, has attracted a select field of five. Among them, William Haggas fields two: the progressive three-year-old Tenability, a 7/1 outsider riding a four-race winning streak, and the much more seasoned Hamish, who stands as the joint-favourite at 2/1. While Tenability’s recent exploits have caught the eye, there’s no denying the sense of occasion that Hamish brings to the table.
Hamish, a nine-year-old campaigner by Motivator, is a name that resonates with racegoers. He’s no stranger to this very contest—having lifted the trophy three years ago. Since then, Hamish has continued to add to his impressive resume, notching up a string of Group 3 victories at distances from 1m4f to 1m6f. He enters today’s race in sparkling form, boasting three consecutive Listed wins over this exact trip. The question on everyone’s lips: can Hamish repeat his past heroics and etch his name further into the annals of Ascot’s storied history?
As one racing analyst put it, "He’s back at Group 3 with leading claims based on form and I believe we may see him repeat history at Ascot." The weight of experience is firmly in Hamish’s favor, but the field is anything but a walkover. Tenability, despite being the outsider from the Haggas yard, can’t be dismissed out of hand. After all, four wins on the bounce speak volumes about a horse’s tenacity and upward trajectory, even if this is a significant step up in class.
While Ascot’s Group 3 is a headline act, Newmarket’s 14:40 Group 1 Stakes race over a mile is equally compelling. Here, the narrative centers on Cinderella’s Dream, a four-year-old filly with a penchant for making headlines at this very course. She’s not just a hopeful—she’s a proven winner at Newmarket, having captured the imagination of fans with a commanding four-and-a-half length victory over Elmalka in May over 1m1f. But that wasn’t a one-off; she doubled down on success with another win on the July course in July, cementing her love affair with the Rowley Mile.
Trainer Charlie Appleby must be quietly confident. Cinderella’s Dream, who lines up at 2/1, has shown she’s a force to be reckoned with when conditions suit. Her last Group 1 outing in France didn’t go as planned, with the filly finishing as a beaten favourite, but that experience may have only sharpened her edge. The fact that Will Buick, a jockey with a knack for delivering in the big moments, is back in the saddle only adds to her allure. Buick has partnered Cinderella’s Dream to both of her previous Newmarket victories, and their partnership could be the key to unlocking yet another triumph.
"She may have been a beaten favourite on her last Group 1 appearance in France but she is a strong player on her day," one tipster noted. The consensus among the racing press is clear: Cinderella’s Dream has every chance of adding another Group 1 to her CV, especially given her affinity for the course and her current form.
It’s not just the big names drawing attention. Across the country, tipsters and punters are scouring the cards for value and hidden gems. The NAPs Table, a barometer of the best bets from leading racing writers, highlights Cinderella’s Dream as a popular choice for the day at Newmarket, with multiple tipsters putting their faith in her. Over at Ascot, Hamish is also attracting support, with several experts marking him as their best bet. The buzz around these two horses is palpable, and their performances will be watched closely by fans and bettors alike.
Elsewhere, the racing calendar is packed. Ascot’s undercard features the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at 16:05, where Arabian Force—trained by William Haggas—looks to bounce back after an eye-catching third in the Great Voltigeur at York. The Godolphin operation is also well represented, with Race To The Stars, a half-brother to Group 1 winner Yibir, heading the field in the 15:30 Class 3 Novice Stakes. Over in Ireland, Willie Mullins fields a trio of contenders in the Listed Mares Flat Race at Gowran Park, while Dundalk’s all-weather card offers a double helping of Listed action.
For those who enjoy their racing with a side of unpredictability, Saturday’s action at Fontwell and Hexham provides a jumps racing fix, with up-and-coming hurdlers and seasoned chasers alike vying for autumn glory. Meanwhile, Southwell and Newcastle keep the all-weather scene ticking along, ensuring there’s something for every racing enthusiast.
Looking back at Friday’s results, the Victoria Racing Club Classified Stakes at Ascot saw Angel Hunter, a three-year-old trained by R Hannon and ridden by S M Levey, land the spoils at 13/2. The soft ground didn’t deter Angel Hunter, who held off Mythical Guest and Grizedale to scoop the £10,800 winner’s prize. It’s a reminder that on days like these, surprises can spring up where least expected—and every race has the potential to produce a new star.
As the afternoon unfolds, all eyes will be on Hamish and Cinderella’s Dream. Will the old warrior roll back the years at Ascot? Can the filly conjure another magical moment at Newmarket? With so many storylines in play and so much at stake, racing fans are in for a treat. The only certainty is that, come the final furlong, there’ll be plenty to talk about—and perhaps another fairytale to recount when the dust settles on another memorable Saturday at the races.
