Saturday’s ITV races previewed
Emotional scenes are in prospect at Haydock, where Cue Card (3.00) can emulate the great Kauto Star by winning the Betfair Chase for a fourth time. His Wetherby tumble last time means he is not even favourite but this excellent animal is the best in the race and may still have another top-class performance in him.
At 11 he is the same age as Kauto Star was when he won this for the last time six years ago. There have been some signs of decline and his five best performances, judged by Racing Post Ratings, all came more than a year ago. Still he was twice able to win Grade Ones by 15 lengths last season.
It is worth remembering the improvement (almost a stone’s worth) that he found last year from the Charlie Hall, in which he was third, to this race, which he won easily. He was right in the argument when he came down at a late stage at Wetherby three weeks ago and another big run is surely on the cards.
Heavy going here suits Bristol De Mai, who won the Charlie Hall, but he has something to prove at this level and is an untempting favourite, with a record of two wins from his last nine. He has been beaten at odds-on three times during that sequence.
Outlander merits respect but his Down Royal success was not entirely convincing and jumping out of this ground might not be much fun for a horse who had back surgery in the off-season. Tea For Two, at 12-1, is the one who looks overpriced and his defeat of Cue Card in April will make us all feel silly if he wins at those odds now. He should be much sharper for his reappearance in a handicap over too short a trip.
1.50 Haydock The form of Limited Reserve’s Ascot second looks really strong, the winner and the fifth having both won decent pots in the last week. Soft ground is fine for him and he can give an early boost to the training career of Christian Williams.
2.05 Ascot It may be worth forgiving Sizing Granite’s reappearance flop. His Punchestown success in April shows he is good enough for this.
2.25 Haydock This sort of distance on soft ground was a help to Three Musketeers when he was running over fences. He has not proved as much in the hurdling sphere but has slipped to an attractive handicap mark and there was enough promise in his latest outing to suggest he could get involved at a big price here.
2.40 Ascot This is a test for Defi Du Seuil and the value may lie in opposing him with the streetwise L’Ami Serge, who was in the form of his life when last seen in the summer.
3.15 Ascot This is a good chance for the progressive San Benedeto, so game in defeat in the Haldon Gold Cup last time.
3.35 Haydock It is interesting to see the tongue tie going on Robinsfirth, who has twice let down his backers since moving into handicap chases. He can be given another chance.
Tips for all Saturday races
Lingfield
11.45 Carp Kid 12.15 Gulliver 12.50 Hit The Beat 1.25 Yogiyogiyogi 2.00 Labhay 2.35 Mr Andros 3.10 Prince Jai 3.40 Come On Dave
Huntingdon
12.00 Clondaw Native 12.30 Theatre Territory 1.05 Navajo War Dance 1.40 Baby Jake 2.15 Fort Smith 2.50 Let’s Tango 3.25 French Crusader
Haydock
12.10 Whatmore 12.40 Emperor’s Choice 1.15 Big River 1.50 Limited Reserve (nap) 2.25 Three Musketeers 3.00 Cue Card 3.35 Robinsfirth
Ascot
12.20 Palmers Hill 12.55 Lough Derg Farmer 1.30 Whatsthatallabout 2.05 Sizing Granite (nb) 2.40 L’Ami Serge 3.15 San Benedeto 3.50 Portrush Ted
Wolverhampton
5.45 Shakour 6.15 Hipster Boy 6.45 Berryessa 7.15 Vegas Boy 7.45 Lake Shore Drive 8.15 General Hazard 8.45 Critical Thinking 9.15 Perfect Symphony
