Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Ascot and Haydock Park on Saturday. View selections below.
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SANTINI (4.05) looks another exciting prospect in the care of Nicky Henderson and he is strongly fancied to extend his unbeaten record by landing the finale at Ascot.
After winning his sole point, Santini made his racecourse debut at Newbury on the first day of December and readily pulled four lengths clear of Chef Des Obeaux. That win came over 2m 4f so this extra furlong will present no problem.
Henderson saddles an interesting second string in JP McManus’s Champ and it will be interesting to see how the betting market unfolds.
CROSSED MY MIND (2.25) also carries the McManus colours with a clear chance in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle.
Arthur Moore sent him across from Ireland to contest a similar event at Sandown in early December but Crossed my Mind couldn’t justify favouritism, staying on a one paced third behind A Hare Breath and Caid Du Lin. If young Jonjo O’Neill is able to claim his full allowance off this low weight, Crossed My Mind is 9lb better off with Caid Du Lain for four lengths.
At shorter odds, LA BAGUE AU ROI (1.50) is capable of conceding 4lb all round in the Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle over three miles.
She gave 4lb and a beating to talented Jer’s Girl at Kempton in November, with four lengths back to Midnight Tour.
There will be no hiding place at Haydock if the track survives a morning inspection and FIRST FLOW (2.05) was very quick and nimble over his hurdles when making all and winning hard held by 20 lengths at Newbury.
That came on the back of a Bangor success when David Bass rode him with a bit more restraint and he can take the measure of course and distance scorer Waterlord, another to handle deep ground.
ROCK THE KASBAH (3.15) has had a 98-day break since digging deep to win at Chepstow and Philip Hobbs points him north to contest the 3m 1f Peter Marsh Chase.
The gelding ran well in the mud at Uttoxeter last March when chasing home talented American in a hot novices chase and looks a dour stayer.
Captain Redbeard is up 9lb for an emphatic course success in last month’s Tommy Whittle Chase and was always travelling comfortably.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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