Matt Chapman’s tips: My 6 in the mix at Ascot and Haydock on Saturday

Matt has made his pick in the battle between Altior and Cyrname!

Cracking racing at both Ascot and Haydock today with a host of some of the biggest names in the sport on show on ITV.

So let’s get straight to it, and the 13:15 at Haydock is a graduation chase over an extended 2m5f. The one to get excited by here is Jarveys Plate, who is held in high regard by jockey Paddy Brennan. My hope won well at Chepstow last time and can improve again for the in-form Fergal O’Brien. He will relish the conditions.

Next at Haydock is the 14:25, a handicap hurdle over an extended 3m. I will take a chance here with strong stayer Ask Ben for the QC Graeme McPherson. Ask Ben is making his seasonal debut, so I can only hope he is fit. But, if he is, there may be more to come and he will keep plodding away when others have had enough. Have a few quid on each-way.

Get over to PaddyPower.com for all the latest racing odds

The 15:00 at Haydock is the feature Grade 1 chase over an extended 3m1f. No doubt for me Bristol De Mai is the one to beat for Nigel Twiston–Davies and Daryl Jacob. The defending champion just loves this track and the ground will be perfect. He should get an uncontested lead and can see off young pretender Lostintranslation.

And finally at Haydock, the 15:40 is a handicap chase which will be a bit of a slog over an extended 3m4f. This will be a slog. Kings Monarch gets the trip and might strike for Kerry Lee who had a big winner had Cheltenham the other day. Richard Patrick takes off a valuable 3lb and he did not run too badly when fourth at Worcester last time, which was his first run since June.

Meanwhile, over at Ascot the 14:05 is a Grade 2 Chase over 2m5f. Obviously Altior will be hard to beat, but if it is ever going to happen Saturday is the day. Cyrname loves the course and distance, while Altior might jump a bit left handed.

That could give the Paul Nicholls runner the chance to gain valuable ground. What a match between the pair. It’s Cyrname for me.

Lastly at Ascot, the 15:20 is a handicap chase over 2m1f. Diego Du Charmil is up in the weights for an incredible win at this track last time.

Despite the chaos at the final fence that day I believe he would have scored anyway, and I take him to come out on top again. He carries 11st 12lb, but Lorcan Williams takes off 3lb and he’s built to carry a big weight.

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

Matt Chapman’s Tips Summary:

13:15 Haydock: Jarveys Plate – 5/2
14:25 Haydock: Ask Ben – 11/1
15:00 Haydock: Bristol De Mai – 6/5
15:40 Haydock: Kings Monarch – 10/1
14:05 Ascot: Cyrname – 5/4
15:20 Ascot: Diego Du Charmil – 7/2

Find a full range of betting on all these races over on paddypower.com

* All odds correct at time of posting.