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Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘His 5lb rise looks very fair' – Templegate's 7-2 NAP can strike for champion jockey
TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday's epic jumps season finale confident of banging in a few winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up CLASSIC ANTHEM (1.50 Sandown, nap) He can take this nice prize under Sean Bowen. He was good here last time and a 5lb walk up the weights looks pretty fair. He is fine on the ground and can take another step forward. HIGH CLASS HERO (4.10 Sandown, nb) He can get Willie Mullins over the line in the trainer's race by winning this. He has lots of potential and a very fair weight after going close in a Thurles Grade 3 last time. Novices have a decent record in this and Paul Townend in the saddle is a plus. KITZBUHEL (3.00 Sandown, treble) He was slightly outclassed in the Liverpool Hurdle last time and this should be more his grade. He was impressive at Gowran two starts back and has few miles on the clock. Templegate's TV verdicts SANDOWN 1.20 KIENTZHEIM hasn't looked a lot like her half-sister Epatante since moving to Nicky Henderson but she can improve a bundle now going into handicaps from a low mark. This trip is fine and James Bowen can get a tune out of her. Nardaran looked a nice prospect when scooting in by 11 lengths at Taunton earlier this month. Despite that, his opening handicap mark is fair and Sean Bowen's ride will be thereabouts. Paul Nicholls also has Fasol who needs to bounce back from a poor run, while Harry Cobden rides the yard's Sorceleur who was just five lengths away in the Imperial Cup here last month. 1.50 CLASSIC ANTHEM can take this nice prize under Sean Bowen. He was good here last time and a 5lb walk up the weights looks pretty fair. He is fine on the ground and can take another step forward. Riskintheground looks dangerous for Dan Skelton. He comes here in the form of his life having won at Ayr earlier this month before a quick follow up at Cheltenham 10 days ago. This trip is ideal and a 2lb rise gives him every chance if this isn't coming too soon. Insurrection found the Golden Miller at Cheltenham a bit much last time but he went into that race after a 16-length win at Musselburgh and could easily bounce back. 2.25 GAELIC WARRIOR bounced back from his modest Dublin Chase effort with an impressive success at Aintree last time. He relished the longer trip there and there should be no stamina worries here. He goes on any ground and looks a cut above these. Pic D'Orhy would love this race to be run at Ascot where he's won four hot races in a row. He has yet to fully prove his stamina but he comes here fresh having not run since February and that could make the difference. Gentleman De Mee will enjoy this jumping test after winning the Topham over the National fences at Aintree. He finished strongly there and should enjoy this trip. 3.00 Willie Mullins won this last year and can follow up thanks to KITZBUHEL. He was slightly outclassed in the Liverpool Hurdle last time and this should be more his grade. He was impressive at Gowran two starts back and has few miles on the clock. Take No Chances was no match for Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle but that's no disgrace. She chased that superstar home in the Cheltenham Mares' race too and her weight allowance enhances her chances. Blueking D'Oroux got stuck in the mud at Fontwell last time and has had a little break since. He ran well in the Long Walk Hurdle at Christmas and a repeat of that would put him in the picture. 3.35 JONBON bounced back from his Cheltenham Festival mishap with a convincing defence of his Melling Chase title at Aintree. He's had a busy season but should have enough quality to land another nice prize. Il Etait Temps is coming back from a year off since his win at last year's Punchestown Festival. He has run well when fresh before. The slight worry is his liking for softer ground and his jumping will be tested by this track. Saying that, he has plenty of quality. Paul Townend sticks with Energumene who was pulled up in the Champion Chase and was no match for Jonbon at Ascot in January. He's knocking on a bit now at 11 but is still a threat. The game Edwardstone is past his best but likes it here and is in the each-way picture. 4.10 HIGH CLASS HERO can get Willie Mullins over the line in the trainer's race by winning this. He has lots of potential and a very fair weight after going close in a Thurles Grade 3 last time. Novices have a decent record in this and Paul Townend in the saddle is a plus. Defending champ and stablemate Minella Cocooner was a little unlucky in the Grand National and should be thereabouts again. Another Mullins hope Grangeclare West has a touch of class and is feared. Away from the Closutton batallion, Victorrino looks a fair each-way price under Charlie Deutsch. 4.45 IKE SPORT won this race 12 months ago and showed positive times when fifth in a big field at Aintree last time. He has come nicely down the weights and we know this trip and track are ideal. Willie Mullins has two good chances with Dr Eggman going close at Cheltenham last time. Stablemate Bunting wasn't disgraced at Ayr's Grand National meeting and is dangerous under Paul Townend. The Skeltons have a chance too with Mostly Sunny who is back just five days after a smooth success at Plumpton. He'll be right there if this isn't coming too soon. LEICESTER 2.05 COMPLETELY RANDOM clocked a big personal best when scooting in at Southwell last time. He finished the race strongly over 5f so this extra furlong should be fine and he could be the type who improves plenty as a four-year-old. Trilby got the job done nicely at Beverley and another 4lb rise in the weights may not put the brakes on. He would prefer some rain as his best has come with a bit of cut. Similar comments apply to Sergeant Wilko who ended last season with an excellent fifth at York in a big field. He has winning form over this trip and track and will be dangerous if handling the quicker ground. HAYDOCK 2.40 MYAL went for home a bit too soon on comeback at Doncaster last time and was nabbed near the line. He should be fitter for that good third and has winning form over this trip and track. He handles any ground and could have more to come. Skukuza hasn't run since his mighty second in the Britannia Stakes last June. He is entitled to need this but anything like that form would take him close. Watch the betting for clues about his fitness. Cerulean Bay is solid over this trip and is only 3lb higher than his last win. He has scored here before and should be in the mix, while English Oak's last win was the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and he's still 9lb higher than that. He likes this trip but may need this run. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘His 5lb rise looks very fair' – Templegate's 7-2 NAP can strike for champion jockey
TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday's epic jumps season finale confident of banging in a few winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. CLASSIC ANTHEM (1.50 Sandown, nap) He can take this nice prize under Sean Bowen. He was good here last time and a 5lb walk up the weights looks pretty fair. He is fine on the ground and can take another step forward. HIGH CLASS HERO (4.10 Sandown, nb) He can get Willie Mullins over the line in the trainer's race by winning this. He has lots of potential and a very fair weight after going close in a Thurles Grade 3 last time. Novices have a decent record in this and Paul Townend in the saddle is a plus. KITZBUHEL (3.00 Sandown, treble) He was slightly outclassed in the Liverpool Hurdle last time and this should be more his grade. He was impressive at Gowran two starts back and has few miles on the clock. Templegate's TV verdicts SANDOWN Most read in Horse Racing 1.20 KIENTZHEIM hasn't looked a lot like her half-sister Epatante since moving to Nicky Henderson but she can improve a bundle now going into handicaps from a low mark. This trip is fine and James Bowen can get a tune out of her. Nardaran looked a nice prospect when scooting in by 11 lengths at Taunton earlier this month. Despite that, his opening handicap mark is fair and Sean Bowen's ride will be thereabouts. Paul Nicholls also has Fasol who needs to bounce back from a poor run, while Harry Cobden rides the yard's Sorceleur who was just five lengths away in the Imperial Cup here last month. 1.50 CLASSIC ANTHEM can take this nice prize under Sean Bowen. He was good here last time and a 5lb walk up the weights looks pretty fair. He is fine on the ground and can take another step forward. Riskintheground looks dangerous for Dan Skelton. He comes here in the form of his life having won at Ayr earlier this month before a quick follow up at Cheltenham 10 days ago. This trip is ideal and a 2lb rise gives him every chance if this isn't coming too soon. Insurrection found the Golden Miller at Cheltenham a bit much last time but he went into that race after a 16-length win at Musselburgh and could easily bounce back. 2.25 GAELIC WARRIOR bounced back from his modest Dublin Chase effort with an impressive success at Aintree last time. He relished the longer trip there and there should be no stamina worries here. He goes on any ground and looks a cut above these. Pic D'Orhy would love this race to be run at Ascot where he's won four hot races in a row. He has yet to fully prove his stamina but he comes here fresh having not run since February and that could make the difference. Gentleman De Mee will enjoy this jumping test after winning the Topham over the National fences at Aintree. He finished strongly there and should enjoy this trip. 3.00 Willie Mullins won this last year and can follow up thanks to KITZBUHEL. He was slightly outclassed in the Liverpool Hurdle last time and this should be more his grade. He was impressive at Gowran two starts back and has few miles on the clock. Take No Chances was no match for Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle but that's no disgrace. She chased that superstar home in the Cheltenham Mares' race too and her weight allowance enhances her chances. Blueking D'Oroux got stuck in the mud at Fontwell last time and has had a little break since. He ran well in the Long Walk Hurdle at Christmas and a repeat of that would put him in the picture. 3.35 JONBON bounced back from his Cheltenham Festival mishap with a convincing defence of his Melling Chase title at Aintree. He's had a busy season but should have enough quality to land another nice prize. Il Etait Temps is coming back from a year off since his win at last year's Punchestown Festival. He has run well when fresh before. The slight worry is his liking for softer ground and his jumping will be tested by this track. Saying that, he has plenty of quality. Paul Townend sticks with Energumene who was pulled up in the Champion Chase and was no match for Jonbon at Ascot in January. He's knocking on a bit now at 11 but is still a threat. The game Edwardstone is past his best but likes it here and is in the each-way picture. 4.10 HIGH CLASS HERO can get Willie Mullins over the line in the trainer's race by winning this. He has lots of potential and a very fair weight after going close in a Thurles Grade 3 last time. Novices have a decent record in this and Paul Townend in the saddle is a plus. Defending champ and stablemate Minella Cocooner was a little unlucky in the Grand National and should be thereabouts again. Another Mullins hope Grangeclare West has a touch of class and is feared. Away from the Closutton batallion, Victorrino looks a fair each-way price under Charlie Deutsch. 4.45 IKE SPORT won this race 12 months ago and showed positive times when fifth in a big field at Aintree last time. He has come nicely down the weights and we know this trip and track are ideal. Willie Mullins has two good chances with Dr Eggman going close at Cheltenham last time. Stablemate Bunting wasn't disgraced at Ayr's Grand National meeting and is dangerous under Paul Townend. The Skeltons have a chance too with Mostly Sunny who is back just five days after a smooth success at Plumpton. He'll be right there if this isn't coming too soon. LEICESTER 2.05 COMPLETELY RANDOM clocked a big personal best when scooting in at Southwell last time. He finished the race strongly over 5f so this extra furlong should be fine and he could be the type who improves plenty as a four-year-old. Trilby got the job done nicely at Beverley and another 4lb rise in the weights may not put the brakes on. He would prefer some rain as his best has come with a bit of cut. Similar comments apply to Sergeant Wilko who ended last season with an excellent fifth at York in a big field. He has winning form over this trip and track and will be dangerous if handling the quicker ground. HAYDOCK 2.40 MYAL went for home a bit too soon on comeback at Doncaster last time and was nabbed near the line. He should be fitter for that good third and has winning form over this trip and track. He handles any ground and could have more to come. Skukuza hasn't run since his mighty second in the Britannia Stakes last June. He is entitled to need this but anything like that form would take him close. Watch the betting for clues about his fitness. Cerulean Bay is solid over this trip and is only 3lb higher than his last win. He has scored here before and should be in the mix, while English Oak's last win was the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and he's still 9lb higher than that. He likes this trip but may need this run. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘His 5lb rise looks very fair' – Templegate's 7-2 NAP can strike for champion jockey
TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday's epic jumps season finale confident of banging in a few winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. CLASSIC ANTHEM (1.50 Sandown, nap) He can take this nice prize under Sean Bowen. He was good here last time and a 5lb walk up the weights looks pretty fair. He is fine on the ground and can take another step forward. HIGH CLASS HERO (4.10 Sandown, nb) He can get Willie Mullins over the line in the trainer's race by winning this. He has lots of potential and a very fair weight after going close in a Thurles Grade 3 last time. Novices have a decent record in this and Paul Townend in the saddle is a plus. He was slightly outclassed in the Liverpool Hurdle last time and this should be more his grade. He was impressive at Gowran two starts back and has few miles on the clock. SANDOWN 1.20 KIENTZHEIM hasn't looked a lot like her half-sister Epatante since moving to Nicky Henderson but she can improve a bundle now going into handicaps from a low mark. This trip is fine and James Bowen can get a tune out of her. Nardaran looked a nice prospect when scooting in by 11 lengths at Taunton earlier this month. Despite that, his opening handicap mark is fair and Sean Bowen's ride will be thereabouts. Paul Nicholls also has Fasol who needs to bounce back from a poor run, while Harry Cobden rides the yard's Sorceleur who was just five lengths away in the Imperial Cup here last month. 1.50 CLASSIC ANTHEM can take this nice prize under Sean Bowen. He was good here last time and a 5lb walk up the weights looks pretty fair. He is fine on the ground and can take another step forward. Riskintheground looks dangerous for Dan Skelton. He comes here in the form of his life having won at Ayr earlier this month before a quick follow up at Cheltenham 10 days ago. This trip is ideal and a 2lb rise gives him every chance if this isn't coming too soon. Insurrection found the Golden Miller at Cheltenham a bit much last time but he went into that race after a 16-length win at Musselburgh and could easily bounce back. 2.25 GAELIC WARRIOR bounced back from his modest Dublin Chase effort with an impressive success at Aintree last time. He relished the longer trip there and there should be no stamina worries here. He goes on any ground and looks a cut above these. Pic D'Orhy would love this race to be run at Ascot where he's won four hot races in a row. He has yet to fully prove his stamina but he comes here fresh having not run since February and that could make the difference. Gentleman De Mee will enjoy this jumping test after winning the Topham over the National fences at Aintree. He finished strongly there and should enjoy this trip. 3.00 Willie Mullins won this last year and can follow up thanks to KITZBUHEL. He was slightly outclassed in the Liverpool Hurdle last time and this should be more his grade. He was impressive at Gowran two starts back and has few miles on the clock. Take No Chances was no match for Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle but that's no disgrace. She chased that superstar home in the Cheltenham Mares' race too and her weight allowance enhances her chances. Blueking D'Oroux got stuck in the mud at Fontwell last time and has had a little break since. He ran well in the Long Walk Hurdle at Christmas and a repeat of that would put him in the picture. 3.35 JONBON bounced back from his Cheltenham Festival mishap with a convincing defence of his Melling Chase title at Aintree. He's had a busy season but should have enough quality to land another nice prize. Il Etait Temps is coming back from a year off since his win at last year's Punchestown Festival. He has run well when fresh before. The slight worry is his liking for softer ground and his jumping will be tested by this track. Saying that, he has plenty of quality. Paul Townend sticks with Energumene who was pulled up in the Champion Chase and was no match for Jonbon at Ascot in January. He's knocking on a bit now at 11 but is still a threat. The game Edwardstone is past his best but likes it here and is in the each-way picture. 4.10 HIGH CLASS HERO can get Willie Mullins over the line in the trainer's race by winning this. He has lots of potential and a very fair weight after going close in a Thurles Grade 3 last time. Novices have a decent record in this and Paul Townend in the saddle is a plus. Defending champ and stablemate Minella Cocooner was a little unlucky in the Grand National and should be thereabouts again. Another Mullins hope Grangeclare West has a touch of class and is feared. Away from the Closutton batallion, Victorrino looks a fair each-way price under Charlie Deutsch. 4.45 IKE SPORT won this race 12 months ago and showed positive times when fifth in a big field at Aintree last time. He has come nicely down the weights and we know this trip and track are ideal. Willie Mullins has two good chances with Dr Eggman going close at Cheltenham last time. Stablemate Bunting wasn't disgraced at Ayr's Grand National meeting and is dangerous under Paul Townend. The Skeltons have a chance too with Mostly Sunny who is back just five days after a smooth success at Plumpton. He'll be right there if this isn't coming too soon. LEICESTER 2.05 COMPLETELY RANDOM clocked a big personal best when scooting in at Southwell last time. He finished the race strongly over 5f so this extra furlong should be fine and he could be the type who improves plenty as a four-year-old. Trilby got the job done nicely at Beverley and another 4lb rise in the weights may not put the brakes on. He would prefer some rain as his best has come with a bit of cut. Similar comments apply to Sergeant Wilko who ended last season with an excellent fifth at York in a big field. He has winning form over this trip and track and will be dangerous if handling the quicker ground. HAYDOCK 2.40 MYAL went for home a bit too soon on comeback at Doncaster last time and was nabbed near the line. He should be fitter for that good third and has winning form over this trip and track. He handles any ground and could have more to come. Skukuza hasn't run since his mighty second in the Britannia Stakes last June. He is entitled to need this but anything like that form would take him close. Watch the betting for clues about his fitness. Cerulean Bay is solid over this trip and is only 3lb higher than his last win. He has scored here before and should be in the mix, while English Oak's last win was the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and he's still 9lb higher than that. He likes this trip but may need this run. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Grand National tips: Experts' best bets and 12 horses to watch today at Aintree
The Grand National meeting reaches a thrilling climax on Saturday with the feature race due off at 4pm and last year's hero I Am Maximus bidding to defend his crown for trainer Willie Mullins. Last year's winner is among the main contenders, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts. I Am Maximus is also attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time champion Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. A maximum field of 34 horses will tackle 30 fences over four-and-a-quarter miles, with each contender looking to write themselves into racing folklore. Day 3: Saturday 5 April 1.20pm - William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Bo Zenith – 1/2pt ew Double Powerful – 1/2pt ew It takes a leap of faith to back Bo Zenith after his seemingly modest effort in the Imperial Cup, but he was placed in a Grade 1 here at last year's meeting and a marked step up in trip and first time cheekpieces could be the catalyst to an improved display. Double Powerful continues to thrive and improve and looks the type to find further progression tackling three miles for the first time. 1.55pm - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Lulamba – 2pt win Fingle Bridge – 1/2pt ew Lulamba has looked a talented horse in his two UK hurdle events to date and was perhaps a little unlucky to be picked off late on by an unconsidered hurdling debutant in the Triumph Hurdle. The step up to two-and-a-half miles should be ideal and he can stamp his class on this race. There is a chance the betting markets may underestimate the ability of Fingle Bridge who has been plying his trade in minor races to date. He copes well with spring ground and could outrun his odds. 2.30pm - William Hill Handicap Chase Imperial Saint – 1/2pt ew This trip represents a step into the unknown for Imperial Saint, but his racing style suggests the step up is within his compass and he should appreciate the return to his favoured venue. The selection is 3-3 at Aintree and was an impressive winner when scoring here on Boxing Day by six lengths. He also boasts good ground form on his CV, courtesy of a brace of victories on Merseyside before Christmas. 3.05pm - Ivy Liverpool Hurdle Kitzbuhel – 1pt win Given the way the Willie Mullins team have performed, it seems fruitless to try and oppose Kitzbuhel who must have a huge chance here if seeing out the three miles. His handler has a glut of quality hurdlers at his disposal, so it seems significant that the Closutton think tank deems he is worth stepping up in trip here. 4.00pm - Randox Grand National Handicap Chase Perceval Legallois – 1/2pt ew Minella Cocooner – 1/2pt ew Senior Chief – 1/2pt ew Perceval Legallois is improving at the right time, and we may not have seen the best of him yet. He is fancied to complete the hat-trick and emerge best of Gavin Cromwell's strong contingent. Minella Cocooner should be on the scene granted a clear passage with the booking of Jonathan Burke a major plus, while the lightly raced Senior Chief should enjoy the ground and demands of this race. Three Card Brag boasts the considerable presence of Sean Bowen in the saddle and could play his hand late. 5.00pm - Rosconn Group Maghull Novices' Chase Kalif Du Berlais – 1pt win L'Eau Du Sud sports the first-time cheekpieces after looking to curl up a little on the run in and, with him sure to be favourite on betting sites in this field, he could be worth taking on with Kalif Du Berlais who hated the heavy ground and two-and-a-half mile trip of the G1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase last time. He will be fresher than most of this field and the Paul Nicholls team have struck on each of the first two days of the meeting. 5.35pm - Weatherbys Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race Le Labo – 1pt win Storming George – 1/2pt ew Joseph O'Brien rarely sends bumper horses to the UK so it seems significant that Le Labo makes the trip, especially as he looked in need of the education at Thurles on his debut. He has already proved he likes good ground and is related to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular so boasts a classy pedigree. Storming George sprung a big surprise at Doncaster on debut and is largely unconsidered by the market on horse racing betting sites at the time of writing. It might not be wise to underestimate him though. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Telegraph
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
ITV Racing tips – Saturday March 8: Sandown, Hereford and Wolverhampton
ITV Racing presents action from Sandown, Hereford and Wolverhampton on Saturday. Seven races, covering both codes, will whet the appetite nicely for next week's Cheltenham Festival and the start of the spring Flat season later this month. Our betting expert has selections from the first four of the televised races, including a 25/1 shot in the big one – the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2.25). Catch all the action on ITV4 from 1.30 to 4pm. Today's best bets 1.50 Sandown – George's Lad @ 11/2 with Betfair 2.05 Hereford – Western General @ 6/4 with Betfair 2.25 Sandown – Ooh Betty each-way @ 9/1 with Betfair / King William Rufus each-way @ 25/1 with Betfair 2.45 Wolverhampton – Farasi Lane each-way @ 14/1 with Betfair Odds provided by Betfair and correct at the time of writing. If you already have a Betfair account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out our list of Cheltenham free bets that can be used throughout next week's racing. 1.50 Sandown – Betfair EBF Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f) GEORGE'S LAD has produced some impressive collateral form in every race this season, most recently over 2m 3½f at Doncaster in January, when he beat a very well-bred Nicky Henderson horse, Calimystic, who won impressively next time out. That effort is also the reason why Ben Pauling's Meetmebythesea was last to be scratched off the shortlist. He steps up in trip after three wins over two miles, but the previous 12 winners of this race had all had at least one run over 2m 3f or further under rules, with seven of them having won. Liam Harrison takes over the reins for today's selection, with Harry Cobden obliged to ride the well-fancied Paul Nicholls-trained Belliano, but that is no cause for concern and 11/2 is a fair price. 2.05 Hereford – Dragonbet Handicap Chase (2m) WESTERN GENERAL has a clear form claim over the rest of the field as the only horse to win one his previous two races, whereas none of his competitors have even managed a place in that time. That win, achieved despite a mistake at the last, has resulted in a 10lb rise in the weights, but it was done in such impressive style you wouldn't want to bet against him following up here. Trainer Joe Tizzard's horses have been in fair form this season, including last Saturday, when Rivers Corner captured a three-mile handicap chase at Newbury. 2.25 Sandown – Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m) This valuable handicap usually attracts a varied field because of its proximity to the Cheltenham Festival. Promising handicappers often turn up here with theoretically weaker opposition than the Festival handicaps, along with others who have no hope of qualifying off their current marks. OOH BETTY is our first selection, having finished third last time out at Ascot behind the high-class Kagrese and Take No Chances, who have solid chances in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham. The form of that race has also been boosted with the fourth winning since, albeit on their chasing debut. The second selection is KING WILLIAM RUFUS who, if you had enough extra places, would have returned a healthy profit when tipped at 40/1 four weeks ago at Newbury, where he led the field for a long way. His Chepstow run in December has provided multiple winners since and this Chris Gordon runner can add to that, having been dropped 1lb for a valiant effort behind some graded horses. Last off the list was Knickerbockerglory who could conceivably give Harry and Dan Skelton another big weekend handicap winner. However, the stats suggest he is up against it, despite beating the talented Nemean Lion here in December, since only two of the previous 11 winners had run at Sandown before, none of them having won. 2.45 Wolverhampton – BetMGM Lincoln Trial Handicap (1m) FARASI LANE rounds off today's selections and can come out on top in this trial for the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, the traditional first big race of the spring Flat racing season. The gelding showed promise when running on to finish fourth last time out over 7f at Southwell under today's jockey Hollie Doyle, who struggled to get a clear run. The vet also reported bleeding from the horse's nose after the race, again suggesting you can mark up that performance. In the last two seasons, Farasi Lane has won around this time of year, and a victory will be needed to qualify for the Lincoln as he is currently 55th on the list. With at least four places on offer, 14/1 offers good value in this field. Expert's Saturday tipping record
