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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GETAWAY TRUMP (3.20) can take the measure of chief market rival Al Dancer in the re-arranged Betfair Hurdle at Ascot. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding was still on the bridle two out in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury at the end of December but found Champ too strong close home. Getaway Trump should appreciate this return to two miles and the form looks rock-solid, with Champ favourite to land the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
Al Dancer is on a four-timer but a 12lb rise for his latest Cheltenham success over Not That Fuisse makes life a good bit harder. With some bookmakers offering generous each-way terms, top weight Lisp should be on the premises at bigger odds. Alan King has been in good form this week and Lisp ran second to Mohaayed over course and distance before Christmas.
WAITING PATIENTLY (3.55) wins a narrow vote in an intriguing Betfair Ascot Chase. He was defending an unbeaten seven-race sequence when badly hampered and unseating in the King George at Kempton and should be able to resume winning ways if Ruth Jefferson has him sufficiently wound up. A strong gallop will suit his hold-up style.
Cyrname’s handicap career was effectively ended following his destruction of Doitforthevillage over course and distance, a performance deemed worthy of a 15lb hike by the official handicapper. Politologue holds a course and distance verdict over Charbel but managed only fourth in the King George, which was disappointing. He is surely better than that.
BLACK CORTON (2.10) made all to demolish his rivals in the Reynoldstown Chase at this meeting 12 months ago and similar aggressive tactics can have a few of his fancied rivals in trouble in the Limited Handicap Chase. Last year’s winner Regal Encore turns up again but is 8lb higher.
MISTER MALARKY (1.35) probably has northern raider Top Ville Ben to beat in the Sodexo Reynoldstown Chase but such was the authority of his Newbury victory in mid-January that he is worth backing to follow up. Colin Tizzard’s six-year-old took it up three out and readily pulled clear.
IMPULSIVE STAR (3.35) can make a bold show at an each-way price in the William Hill Grand National Trial at Haydock. He is up 6lb for a game success in the 3m 5f Warwick Classic and the drying surface is in his favour. Ramses De Teillee chased home Elegant Escape in the Welsh Grand National and is progressive. However, his best form is at Chepstow on heavy ground so it remains to be seen how the likeable grey adapts. Top weight Yala Enki thrashed Blaklion 54 lengths in this event last year when the track was riding very testing. He has to carry top weight but his excellent Haydock record entitles him to plenty of respect.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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