1:25 Haydock
The opener on ITV comes up at 1:25 and it is a Grade 2 contest for the 2m novice hurdlers. The race is often used as a trial for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. I’d expect JONBON (4/9 – no bet) to win this and win it with ease. People having been crabbing his performances due to the fact there has been no pace but that’s not his fault. He’s jumped like a natural and shown a useful turn of foot to win going away against solid yardsticks. He will arguably be better when getting a stronger gallop to aim at.1:45 Ascot
The 1:45 from Ascot is a handicap hurdle over 2m4f and its a decent little contest. I like UNEXPECTED PARTY (4/1) here. He was the best horse in the race last time out at Wetherby where a last flight blunder cost him the victory. Up 6lb for that effort but I still think there is improvement to come and I expect a bold bid.2:00 Haydock
The 2:00 race is possibly one of the worst Champion Hurdle trials you’ll ever see which shows how weak the division currently is. Hopefully, some of the novice hurdlers stay hurdling next season. However, TOMMYS OSCAR (8/13) should win this pretty easily I’d have thought. A horse that falls under the would be shorter if trained by someone else. He has looked better than ever this season and Navajo Pass should set it up nicely for him.2:20 Ascot
The 2:20 race from Ascot is a 3m mares hurdle in which 6 runners are scheduled to go to post. The one for me is MOLLY OLLYS WISHES (2/1). A good winner on seasonal return in a race that has worked out extremely well she disappointed last time out behind Buzz. However, the ground was far too quick and the trip was on the short side. I expect her to bounce back in a race the stable won last year so they know exactly what it takes.2:35 Haydock
The 2:35 race is the competitive Peter Marsh Handicap Chase over 3m1f. My selection here is EMPIRE STEEL NAP (4/1). He was travelling well when falling four out at Wetherby and compensation awaits off the same mark today. He has a lovely racing weight of 10’4 and Brian Hughes is a positive jockey booking. There will be no stamina concerns and the ground will suit well.2:55 Ascot
The 2:55 race is another decent Handicap Chase, this time over 2m5f. I like PHOENIX WAY NB (13/2) here. His jumping improved a lot last time out here at Ascot in what was a decent competitive race. He’s effectively carrying 10’4 here with Kevin Brogan’s 3lb allowance and if he can kick on from that effort last time out I expect him to go very close. This 2m5f trip should be spot on.3:15 Taunton
The 3:15 race from Taunton gets an ITV appearance and it is the Portman Group Chase over the extreme 3m4f distance. The one for me is YALI ENKI (4/5) who bids to win this race for the third straight year. He’ll get his own way in front you’d suspect here and jockey Bryony Frost is good at setting the fractions from that front position. Weight should prove no object for this classy sort and I think he’ll win well.3:35 Ascot
The 3:35 race ends proceedings on ITV and it is an absolute belter if a clash in the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase over 2m with Shishkin going up against Energumene. My selection is SHISHKIN (8/11). I think Energumene will set it up for him. Shishkin is likely to sit just off the market rival and I think his turbo will kick in as they turn into the straight and he’ll go past Energumene. I actually think he’ll win by several lengths.How to get the SBK £50 Sign-up Offer
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