This Saturday’s ITV racing tips come from Ascot and Haydock , with all six live contests featured in our selections.
The Grade One Long Walk Hurdle headlines the action from Berkshire and a strong supporting card includes some ultra-competitive handicaps.
ITV Racing Tips Saturday
Ascot 13:50
Ascot 13:50: Howden Handicap Chase, 2m 2f 181y
A big-money buy after landing a couple of bumpers, this Paul Nicholls -trained gelding had a mixed campaign over hurdles last term but did prevail at this course and Wincanton before going close in Grade One company at Aintree .
The strapping six-year-old has always been regarded as a future star over fences, though, and is taken to start justifying that faith on his debut over the bigger obstacles in the Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase .
Tip: Issam to win 13:50 Ascot
Haydock 14:05
Haydock 14:05: Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase, 3m 1f 125y
Nicholls and Harry Cobden have another strong contender in the subsequent handicap chase, as this eight-year-old returned from a lengthy lay-off to make all in fine style at Fontwell last month.
That was a seventh win in 16 races under rules and Twinjets really does know how to get the job done.
Tip: Grand Geste to win 14:05 Haydock
Ascot 14:25
Ascot 14:25: Howden Long Walk Hurdle, 3m 102y
King George runner-up Il Est Francais will attract plenty of interest in the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase but Pic d’Orhy has a phenomenal record at Ascot and is rated the percentage pick.
Paul Nicholls ’ admirable 10-year-old was a narrow second in the Charlie Hall earlier this month and that should put him spot on as he attempts to claim this prize for the third straight year, while he has also won February’s Ascot Chase for the past couple of seasons.
Tip: Honesty Policy to win 14:25 Ascot
Haydock 14:40
Haydock 14:40: The Abram Hurdle, 2m 2f 191y
Ben Pauling ’s top prospect looked to have the world at his feet when landing the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day but then had his season cruelly curtailed by injury.
As such, The Jukebox Man has a 331-day absence to defy in the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase but the Harry Redknapp -owned gelding has the class to overcome any rustiness.
Tip: Jackie Hobbs to win 14:40 Haydock
Ascot 15:00
Ascot 15:00: Howden Silver Cup Hanicap Chase, 2m 7f 185y
Jonjo and AJ O’Neill ’s eight-year-old only went down by a neck when second of 23 in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and then wasn’t disgraced when fifth of 30 in the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National .
Johnnywho looks sure to strip fitter for a respectable fifth in Aintree ’s Grand Sefton over the National fences on his return to action last month and the feeling is that there is a big win in him this term.
Tip: Johnnywho to win 15:00 Ascot
Ascot 15:35
Ascot 15:35: Ascot Roray Club Festive Handicap Hurdle, 1m 7f 157y
Joe Tizzard ’s charge has come on in leaps and bounds this season and can continue the stable’s good recent run in the Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle .
Second in a hot Welsh Champion Hurdle to Celtic Dino , he won a valuable race over this course and distance in November and followed up off 7lb higher in the Greatwood at Cheltenham .
The handicapper has hit Alexei hard with an additional 13lb uplift and he has to carry 12st here, but there has been talk of a Champion Hurdle tilt if proving up to the task.
Tip: Alexei to win 15:35 Ascot
Saturday's ITV Racing Tips
Saturday’s ITV Racing Betting Tips
Grand Geste to win 14:05 Haydock
Honesty Policy to win 14:25 Ascot
Jackie Hobbs to win 14:40 Haydock
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