There's £50,000 on offer in this weekend's free-to-play ITV7 and Dave Smith has the guide you need for the crucial races.
A return to racing against her own sex should see ROKSANA sparkle again and she's taken to land what registers as an easier assignment. She's a smooth traveller and although Magic Of Light will be a worthy rival, she won't be good enough to beat the Skelton runner.
13:35 Taunton - Foresters Garden Buildings Handicap Hurdle - 2m 104y
Hat-trick seeking CHINWAG has been given a significant hike in the weights for his last two victories. That shouldn't be enough to stop Neil Mulholland's charge who won't be burdened by the deep ground. He can get the better of Pyramid Place who was just caught out by a stiff gallop last time out and State Crown who has been knocking on the door.
JANIKA appears back over hurdles for the first time in a year, off what looks like an attractive mark. Highly tried in some stronger races than this, he'll have to shoulder top weight but will certainly get the trip and is a strong traveller. Kateson was given another 5lb for his latest win and Danny Kirwan is a course and distance winner who shouldn't be ruled out of the reckoning.
14:10 Taunton - Weatherbys Portman Cup Chase (GBB Race) - 3m 4f 85y
Support will be forthcoming for Yala Enki but ready preference is to take him on with IF THE CAP FITS who looked like a step up in trip would be ideal after finishing a staying on third in The Kauto Star on Boxing Day. He's penalised for Group 1 success but can overcome that and Rock The Kasbah who is still an admirable performer.
14:45 Taunton - Invest Southwest Seniors' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) - 2m 3f 1y
Although his last three runs have been nothing to write home about, they were in Grade 1 company so this drop in class should be more suitable for BREWIN'UPASTORM. Thibault looks to have been given some leeway stepping back into hurdling handicaps whilst Amour de Nuit is helped by a 7lb claimer.
15:00 Ascot - bet365 Handicap Chase (GBB Race) - 2m 5f 8y
An attempt to up ESPOIR DE GUEYE in trip didn't work at Ascot last time out and he returns to a much more suitable distance here. The introduction of a tongue strap should help further. Acting Lass goes well around here and Benny's King should be well found in the market.
15:35 Ascot - Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) - 2m 167y
A fascinating renewal with Politologue rightly at the head of the market on all he's achieved to date. However, he's now without Harry Skelton and may just be affected by his run in the Tingle Creek. Although he has something to prove, DEFI DU SEUIL is still a high class performer and can bounce back with connections making promising noises that he's back to his best. Waiting Patiently is another compelling runner at this trip.
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