It’s a big afternoon of jumps action on Saturday with plenty of top-quality action at Ascot and Haydock.
You can watch all the action via live streaming when logged into MansionBet and our tipster will be previewing both cards, starting with Ascot’s seven-race card (12.20pm-3.50pm).
12.20 – Coral ‘Fail To Finish’ Free Bet Novices’ Hurdle (2m5½f)
Southfield Harvest will bid to get Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden off to a flyer but his recent success came over 3m and perhaps slow ground here will see EXOD’ELA back to winning ways. He ran well in a 19-runner Cheltenham contest on good ground last month and should harbour decent claims in this scenario. Irish point winner Greenock Abbey debuts for Alan King and would be noted should the market speak in his favour.
Selection: Exod’ela – 5/1
12.55 – Play The Coral ‘Racing Super Series’ Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (3m)
Demachine had Young Bull behind in third when winning at Uttoxeter last month. That was an impressive chasing bow for Kerry Lee’s charge but the handicapper has lumped on 10lb now and that makes things tougher, while also bringing Harry Whittington’s charge right into things.
Both may struggle to down HOLD THAT TAUGHT, however. Venetia Williams’ runner travelled well on chasing bow at Lingfield over a similar trip last month before looking a shade unlucky to only finish second. The winner franked the form this week when scoring at Fakenham and this lightly-raced five-year-old may go one better today.
Selection: Hold That Taught – 10/3
1.30 – Veolia Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (3m)
Coillte Eile won this last year from 5lb higher for Richard Newland before losing her way. Her new yard are in excellent form and a big push could be forthcoming on first start for Fergal O’Brien. Robin Gold was denied the hat-trick at Lingfield recently but should again go well here. SAME CIRCUS was fifth in this last year (rated 5lb higher), having won on return at Aintree and he’s back for another crack having run into a thriving Dell ‘Arca in the same Aintree race on comeback last month. With her mark left alone, Donald McCain’s charge has sound claims if in the same mood.
Selection: Same Circus – 7/2
2.05 – Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (Grade 2, 2m5f)
Doubts linger on the jumping of Itchy Feet, while it’s been a long time between drinks for Black Corton. This, therefore, may rest between Imperial Aura and REAL STEEL. The former has seen the form of his Cheltenham Festival win work out impressively and he scored nicely on return at Carlisle. He’s got fitness on his side but Real Steel – one of the team to switch from Willie Mullins to Paul Nicholls this summer – ended last season finishing sixth in the Gold Cup, goes well fresh and has no concerns dropping in distance. He was a dual winner in this grade last season in Ireland and can make a bright start under his new trainer in a race the yard won last year.
Selection: Real Steel @ 2/1
2.40 – Coral Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m3f)
There are just three runners in this and all have claims. Song For Someone won the Kingwell at Wincanton when last out and remains progressive, while Call Me Lord will be sharper for his Aintree comeback and was only inched out by a strong stayer in If The Cap Fits in this contest last year.
The mare LAURINA gets 13lb from the pair, however, and that’s some task if she retains the ability that carried her to fourth in the 2019 Champion Hurdle. She had her problems last season for Willie Mullins but, following wind surgery, is now with Paul Nicholls and the vibes around her have been good. She also has an excellent first-time-out record.
Selection: Laurina @ 6/4
3.17 – Coral Hurst Park Handicap Chase (2m1f)
Magic Saint has to be a danger despite a rise in the ratings for his win at Cheltenham last week, while both Amoola Gold and First Flow are seriously considered too. ABBEY MAGIC, however, is 4-5 over fences in Ireland and a very interesting challenger here for Henry De Bromhead – his only runner on the card. He’s booked Bryony Frost to ride and this mare may have further progress still to come.
Selection: Abbey Magic @ 11/2
3.50 – Coral Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Standard Open NH Flat Race (2m)
The newcomers look best-placed to be winning this and plenty make appeal on paper. Kandoo Kid, Wonderwall and No Hubs No Hoobs are all worth noting, but Nicky Henderson’s record in bumpers remains exceedingly good and he’s doubly represented here with WRAYSFORD and Hamilton’s Fantasy. Nico de Boinville partners the former, a brother to Cheltenham Festival winner Call The Cops, and he should be going close.
Selection: Wraysford @ 4/1
*All odds correct at time of writing