Ascot, Newmarket and Redcar take centre stage on this flat this Saturday.

Let’s start at Ascot and the opening 5f Listed race at 2.05, in which the William Haggas-trained Muthmir will be a warm order after his success in the Portland at Doncaster last time out. Don’t discount Geoff Oldroyd’s Ladies Are Forever, though note an alternative entry in the Group 3 race over 6f at 3.15.

In another Group 3 contest over 1m 4f at 2.40, Richard Hannon’s Pethers Moon comes into the reckoning, despite being set to lump top weight. Kevin Ryan’s Blaine, a running-on third in the Ayr Gold Cup last time out, should relish the extra furlong in the 3.50 heritage handicap in the hand of the trainer’s daughter Amy.

At Newmarket, away from the big end of term races for two-year-olds, I’m tempted to give Sky Lantern one last chance in the £200,000 Group 1 highlight for top-class fillies and mares over 1m at 3.30, though one of the French raiders may well prove too good and I’ll side with Andre Fabre’s chosen runner.

The undoubted highlight at Redcar is the £150,000 Two-Year-Old Trophy over 6f at 3.05. A middle to high draw is preferred, with any number apparently in with chances. Henry Candy’s unbeaten Limato, the mount of Graham Lee, and David Brown’s top weight, Mind Of Madness, could be interesting.

In the 7f Listed race at 3.45, David O’Meara’s impressive Ayr Gold Cup winner Louis The Pious could well prove up to the task, though note a number of other potential engagements. In the Straight Mile Championship final at 4.20, I’d be interested if James Fanshawe’s Knight Owl honours the entry.

The big guns will be in action in France at Longchamp over Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend, with 20 horses remaining in the mix for Sunday's €5m showpiece after Tuesday’s first forfeit stage.

John Gosden’s Taghrooda remains favourite with most firms at around 4/1 and is one of three remaining British-trained entries, alongside St Leger winner Kingston Hill, 10/1, and Al Kazeem, 40/1. The home team is set to be led by title holder Treve, 10/1, though doubts remain, and two other French hopes, Ectot, 5/1, and the unbeaten Avenir Certain, 7/1, hold more appeal. I take Taghrooda to redeem her reputation.

Looking ahead to local racing next week, Pontefract’s penultimate meeting of the season on Monday is due for the off at 2.10, while action on the flat continues at Catterick the following day from 2.30.