Saturday Horse Racing Tips

It’s a massive day for the Paul Nicholls yard as he sends a number of his big guns out in search of the meaty prizes on offer at Haydock and Ascot this afternoon.

Betfair Chase     

There’s none bigger than the Betfair Chase, which has the look of a mini Gold Cup about it.

It features the first two home in last season’s blue riband event at Cheltenham and MIGHT BITE is a confident selection to overturn that form with Native River. It was only the ground and the punishing climb to the hill that beat Nicky Henderson’s star on that occasion and the flatter track and better ground will surely suit him more than the reigning champion.

If there is to be a surprise then it could be the Nicholls runner, CLAN DES OBEAUX, who provides it as he is the least exposed runner. He could be the best bet for the forecast and might also be worth backing for this year’s Gold Cup in anticipation of a big run here.

Betfair Best Odds On ITV Races Handicap Hurdle     

The televised action at the Merseyside track starts at 1.50pm with a valuable handicap hurdle, where it will be interesting to see how the massively talented Cyrus Darius fares on his first start for the Tizzard yard.

He has plenty of weight, though, so instead take a chance on MR ANTOLINI, who ran really well on his comeback at Cheltenham recently.

Admiral Barratry is a big danger if his tendency to hang left can be straightened out.

Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle     

Next up is a staying hurdle, which sees First Assignment re-appear quickly after his win for us last weekend. He is trying to beat the handicapper here by running again before his mark gets re-assessed, but he may not have had long enough to recover, so Nicholls’ CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK looks the better value. He should relish the three mile trip.

If eight go to post, THEO’S CHARM is also worth backing each way as he loves it here.

Christy 1965 Chase

The action at Ascot kicks off with a graded race in the Christy 1965 Chase, where another Nicholls star, Politologue, makes his comeback.

He looks to have a massive chance at the weights, but the potential improver is BENATAR, who loves it here and who could land a second big chase in the space of seven days for trainer Gary Moore.

Gerard Bertrand Hurst Park Handicap Chase     

The big betting heat of the day is the Hurst Park Handicap Chase at 3.15pm, where we like Nicholls’ CYRNAME. He has been running over further than two miles recently, but his front running tactics should be well suited by this drop in trip.

Stablemate Modus is an obvious danger, but at a bigger price we can’t resist a few quid each way on old favourite, SPEREDEK, who ran his best race to date here when chasing home Un de Sceaux last season. He can improve again after a wind operation over the summer.

GARDEFORT, is also interesting if Venetia Williams can get him back to his form of two seasons ago. Williams has a fine record in chases at the royal track.