It’s been a busy week on ITV Racing with the Chester May fixture and there is no let up Saturday with eight races being shown, including four at Ascot, three from Lingfield and one from Haydock.
I will be at Ascot, so let’s get straight to it, and the 2.15pm is a handicap over 1m 4f. SEXTANT might not be the easiest rides, but I have a feeling he will do a lot better this season for Sir Michael Stoute. Louis Steward gets the big chance for the master trainer and he had a nice winner for the yard at Windsor last week. Each-way claims at the vest least.
Next at Ascot is the 2.50pm, the Listed Buckhounds Stakes over 1m 4f. This gives SALOUEN a big chance of a nice prize in what looks a match with Barsanti. Remember my hope made Cracksman pull out all the stops in the Coronation Cup for Sylvester Kirk.
The 3.25pm at Ascot is a fillies handicap over 1m. RED STARLIGHT was far from disgraced in the Spring Cup at Newbury and should run a big one for Richard Hannon. Conditions are ideal.
And finally at Ascot the 4.00pm, which will be a big betting heat, as it’s the Victoria Cup over 7f where Paddy’s paying 6 places.
I have to have a few quid each-way here on last year’s winner RIPP ORF. He loves these type of event and has been dropped a few pounds recently and is only 2lb higher than when winning 12 months ago. If draw 16 proves okay, he has great place claims once again.
Meanwhile, over at Lingfield the 1.55pm is a Listed Oaks trial over nearly 1m 4f. FRANKELLINA looked really useful for William Haggas when scoring at Yarmouth last season and might be able to beat this lot. She’s promising.
Next at Lingfield is the 2.30pm, a Listed Derby trial over an extended 1m3f. I think ANTHONY VAN DYCK has been crying out for this trip and he has quality form, including a third to Too Darn Hot in the Dewhurst. Should be another for Aidan O’Brien.
And finally at Lingfield the 3.40pm is a Group 3 fillies’ event over 7f. Dancing Star blasted back to form last time and has a fitness edge, but she has to give 3lb to the Haggas runner PRETTY BABY and the Oak Tree winner might well be too strong.
The one race shown at Haydock is the 3.10pm, the Swinton Hurdle over nearly 2m. NIETZSCHE is fit off the Flat and might still be well handicapped over hurdles for Brian Ellison. He’s worth a few quid each-way at a nice double-digit price.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
*Prices correct at time of posting
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