Oli Bell best bets for Saturday's TV action


Oli Bell heads to Ascot, Haydock, Lingfield and Chelmsford for his best four Saturday bets.

Another weekend packed full of quality racing awaits, with meetings both over Jumps and on the Flat catching my eye.

Cards at Ascot and Haydock Park are brimming with talent, as big names battle for honours in the prestigious Peter Marsh Handicap Steeple Chase in the north before The Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Steeple Chase brings Grade 1 action to Berkshire.

The Peter Marsh has a track record of conjuring up Gold Cup winners and hopefuls, with the likes of Jodami and Earth Summit landing both and this March’s 16/1 shot Bristol De Mai first past the post at the Merseyside course 12 months ago.

Un De Sceaux is the early favourite for the Ryanair Chase – can he prepare to defend his crown by fending off the well-backed Brain Power and scoop a third Clarence House trophy?

The Opening Show will discuss all these major points and more from 9.30am on ITV4 before the live coverage starts on the same channel at 1.30pm.

However, the top racing doesn’t stop there. There is a host of fascinating racing away from the headline grabbers, with an impressive day at Taunton and compelling All Weather action providing something of interest for every racing fan.

That’s where I see the value to be this week and from where I’ll be picking my Yankee:

1415 Taunton, Bathwick Tyres Seniors’ Handicap Hurdle, 2m 3f 1y

Irving switches to handicap company where I am confident he will take a lot of beating while also benefiting from a longer trip. He was second to the mighty Buveur D’Air on his last appearance at Newcastle in December, coming over the line just three-and-a half lengths behind the odds-on Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite. Paul Nicholls’ Grade One winner may now be ten, but still oozes class and with rising star Bryony Frost taking off a further 5lbs I can see Irving returning to the winners’ enclosure yet again.

1425 Ascot, Ascot Spring Garden Show Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle 2m 3f58y

The form of Le Breuil's defeat at Aintree last time out has actually worked out well, with Malcolm Jefferson’s Black Ivory building on success in that handicap hurdle by backing it up with victory at Warwick last week The six-year-old was a clear second on that December outing, but given the progressive nature of the winner I’m backing Le Breuil to shine this weekend.

Ben Pauling has always spoken very highly of this horse and I firmly believe he’s worth another chance, my confidence has been further boosted by Daryl Jacob sounding very bullish on his Sporting life column this week.

1435 Lingfield, Betway Handicap, 1m 4f

On what should be an entertaining day of winter Flat racing at the Surrey course, I’m backing Fire Fighting to set temperatures soaring. He takes on the field off a competitive mark of 104 and although his 252-day absence after a brief Spring campaign could be a concern, he’s a talented horse on his day.

Trainer Mark Johnston knows how to get his horses fit and this seven-year-old, who certainly knows how to win races, is a particularly interesting entry.

1815 Chelmsford, Bet toteplacepot At Betfred.com Apprentice Handicap, 5f

Awesome Allan has been disappointing of late but will benefit from an encouraging draw and the addition of a visor. It was just October and November last year when connections were celebrating back-to-back wins at Redcar only for the four-year-old to not kick on as hoped since.

However, David Evans’ horse heads to the evening meeting boosted by the prospect of racing off a competitive mark further enhanced by jockey Katherine Glenister’s 5lbs claim.

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