Matt Chapman: Benatar is my number one tip over this trip at Ascot

THE ITV4 Saturday roadshow heads to Ascot and Haydock this weekend, although Haydock is subject to an inspection so keep a look out for the all clear for that fixture – or not!

Let’s get straight into it, and the first ITV race is the 1.50pm at Ascot, a Grade Two mares hurdle over nearly 3m.

MAGIC OF LIGHT has the highest rating, stays strong and is in great form., On that basis she will take all the beating for Jessica Harrington and travelling over from Ireland has already proven no problem for her. Admittedly improvement has come in chases, but this should not take much winning.

Next at Ascot is the 2.25pm, a Grade 3 handicap hurdle over an extended 2m 3f.

Another Irish raider THOSEDAYSAREGONE landed short odds for Charles Byrnes last time at Wetherby and I’ll be surprised if the rise in the weights will stop him.

Looks like a double for Robbie Power.

There’s a handicap chase at Ascot at 3pm, with the distance just a few yards further than 2m 5f. BENATAR has nothing in hand of the handicapper as he has been beaten off 149 in his four starts and runs off that again here. However, he’s slightly down in trip after a fine third at the track last time and looks a good each-way bet at least.

And finally at Ascot, the 3.35pm is the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase over an extended 2m. As you will be aware, Champion Chase favourite Altior faces only two rivals and is long-odds on. Impossible to oppose and for what it is worth I think Fox Norton will finish second, as the betting suggests.

If Haydock goes ahead, ITV4 show the 2.05pm, a Grade 2 Supreme Trial novices’ hurdle over 2m.

MISTER FISHER is one of Nicky Henderson’s most exciting novices and if he is to be a Supreme Novice contender he has to land this. His win at Kempton last time was impressive.

Next at Haydock is the 2.40pm, a Grade 2 hurdle over 2m that has fallen to the now retired The New One in recent years. SILVER STREAK has been in such good form this season for Evan Williams that he is hard to oppose. His second at Cheltenham last time was a fine effort. And Global Citizen should set the strong pace he needs.

And finally, the 3.15pm at Haydock is the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase over an extended 3m 1f. This race has a great each-way look to it and I’m happy to have a few quid on CAPTAIN REDBEARD who loves this track and is in decent form.

Admittedly he doesn’t win often, but he should still be good enough to run a huge one for Stuart Coltherd.

So best of luck everyone and hope for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?