Our resident tipster Man On The Spot previews the races that will be shown live on ITV Racing on Saturday.
1:50 WINCANTON - Z Hotels Mares' Handicap Hurdle
On Demand is a three-times course winner and the likely pace angle in this but TARA VIEW beat Colin Tizzard's mare on similar terms at Ludlow back in February having got the better of Wizard's Sliabh at the same track earlier. Fergal O'Brien's charge has a chance of revenge on these terms but we'll take the King mare to continue her upward curve as she holds Lamanver Odyssey on the form book and should reverse Newbury running in March with Copper Kay. The Organist was more like her old self at Cheltenham in April but Secret Door was no match for No Hassle Hoff off this mark at Uttoxeter and will likely find a couple too good again.
2:05 DONCASTER - Betfred Mobile Wentworth Stakes
Perfect Pasture can include a defeat of Flying Pursuit over course and distance in a recent double. He’d earlier finished behind the in-form Teruntum Star at York while Danzeno has a shout at the weights as he drops back down in class. Dream Of Dreams won a conditions race over 7f in September but was beaten by SIR DANCEALOT in Listed company last year and the latter makes most appeal in this having beaten the useful Jallota over 7f at the track a fortnight ago. Sainted has plenty to find on these terms while the Irish duo Maarek and Gordon Lord Byron may not be the forces of old but are still capable at this level.
2:25 WINCANTON - John Romans Park Homes "Rising Stars" Novices' Chase
Another race on the card which has been dominated by the Nicholls stable in recent years. MODUS was rated 9lb higher over hurdles than Kalondra and 18lb higher than Valhalla. Though taking a while to warm to his task, he made a winning start over fences at Bangor and will have learned from the experience. Kalondra jumped well when scoring at Sedgefield and should have more to offer but the Tizzard runner has already raced three times over fences and is more exposed than his rivals.
2:40 DONCASTER - Betfred TV EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Gillies Fillies' Stakes
VINTAGE FOLLY remains unexposed having finished runner-up in Listed company in soft ground at Yarmouth last time. Hugo Palmer’s filly can confirm running with fourth-placed Indulged and go one better here. Time Chaser was a well beaten third in testing going at Haydock in September but it’s too soon to write her off while Gracious Diana has struggled in Pattern races so far and hasn’t raced since June. Empress Ali, Brief Visit and Star Rock have all been competing in handicaps and step up in class and Melesina has something to prove on last week’s modest effort at Lingfield.
3:00 WINCANTON - Unibet Elite Hurdle
Charbel developed into a smart chaser last season and this is likely a pipe-opener. Zubayr bids to give his yard a fifth win in 11 years but he's become hard to place. Lough Derg Spirit doesn't look overburdened on his handicap debut, however, while London Prize was in excellent form on the Flat over the summer, though probably has something to find on the best of his hurdles form. FLYING TIGER appeared to run very well in a Group 3 on the Flat last month and won the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March. On a line through last season's top juvenile Defi Du Seuil, he probably has the beating of Coeur de Lion on these terms so gets the nod. Melodic Rendezvous won this back in 2013 but is not the force of old.
3:15 DONCASTER - Betfred November Handicap
Dance The Dream beat Top Tug comfortably enough at Leicester recently and should confirm running despite a 3lb rise. Wild Hacked ran well in this grade at Newbury last time without threatening the winner while Saunter was clear of the rest but three lengths behind the winner when second at Newmarket in September. Towerlands Park should be sharper for a belated reappearance at Newbury and attempts this longer trip for the first time while Royal Line lost his unbeaten record when last of three in a conditions race at the latter track but John Gosden’s charge has plenty of scope and could go close today. SYPHAX was acquired by Godolphin after winning last year’s Acomb but had struggled this season until finishing second at York last month having slid 12lb down the weights. A chance is taken this longer distance suits Kevin Ryan’s colt and he gets a speculative vote to come out best.
3:35 WINCANTON - Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase
Paul Nicholls has three runners in this Listed handicap this year as he bids for a first winner in the race since 2011. Though likely to be the outsider of the trio, it would be no surprise if Mr Mix proved the pick given he won nicely over a longer trip here last month. THEATRE GUIDE is probably a few pounds too high but runs well fresh and has a touch of class. He can give supporters a run for their money at decent odds given he only went down in a blanket finish in a Grade 3 at Sandown when last seen and is better off at the weights with winner Henllan Harri. This is possibly a shade too far for Double Shuffle and Fox Appeal but the returning Yala Enki is worth a second look as is stablemate and Carlisle winner Vic De Touzaine. Fletchers Flyer is a tough stayer but hasn't raced since pulled up in the Irish Grand National in April.
