Today on Sky Sports Racing: St Leger runners tackle improving Naqeeb in hot Ascot clash
Chesspiece and Middle Earth ran with credit in the St Leger at Doncaster last month behind Continuous; they take on the intriguing Naqeed, a half-brother to Hukum and Baaeed in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes, live on Sky Sports Racing
Wednesday 4 October 2023 18:23, UK
The Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot on Friday looks well up to scratch with a classy sextet including two runners who featured in last month's St Leger, live on Sky Sports Racing.
3.57 Ascot - Naqeeb takes on St Leger also-rans
Chesspiece and Middle Earth finished sixth and seventh respectively in last month's St Leger and they clash again in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes (3:57) at Ascot.
The former will attempt to shoulder a 3lb penalty after victory at Hamilton, and ought to appreciate this slight drop in class with the highest rating in the race.
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John and Thady Gosden saddle Melrose Handicap winner Middle Earth, although he remains lightly raced having only had just five starts.
The intriguing runner is definitely William Haggas' Naqeed, a half-brother to Hukum and Baaeed, who was an impressive handicap winner last time out with Jim Crowley taking over in the saddle.
5.05 Ascot - Course specialist Rohaan attempts to defy top weight
Later on the card, dual Royal Ascot hero Rohaan takes on 17 rivals in the Ascot Iron Stand Handicap (5:05) over six furlongs.
King's Lynn also carries 9st 12lb for Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding, having previously run in the Royal silks but has struggled this year.
In a wide-open heat, three-year-olds Dark Thirty and Executive Decision will need noting, while Lethal Nymph ran a cracker at a big price at Doncaster last month.
2.55 Fontwell - Unanswered Prayers take drop in class
The jumping action comes from Fontwell with the feature Broadsword Group 25th Anniversary Handicap Chase (2:55) carrying a £25,000 pot that has attracted six runners.
Chris Gordon's Unanswered Prayers was very impressive last season at Cheltenham and, although he disappointed a shade after that, he ought to go well off a mark of 130.
Up The Straight and Copperhead will look to capitalise on a reduced mark, while Dan Skelton runs Sacre Coeur over the larger obstacles for the first time since April 2021.
Sky Bet odds I Today's race cards
Watch every race from Hexham, Fontwell, Ascot and Newcastle on Sky Sports Racing on Friday October 6.
