The horse racing broadcaster offers his best bets from a busy day of racing, including the clash between Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File.
The Grade 1 Challow Hurdle holds centre stage in the domestic action on Saturday and features a clash between the two leading trainers, with Regent’s Stroll for Paul Nicholls and THE NEW LION
6/4
(14:55 Newbury) for Dan Skelton. Regent’s Stroll has attracted plenty of attention because of his lofty price tag but The New Lion has greater experience and could be underestimated. His win at Chepstow has worked out well and he followed up with a solid win over course and distance from a useful prospect in Califet En Voi.
Leopardstown also stages Grade 1 action with a fascinating return clash between Fact To File and GALOPIN DES CHAMPS
5/4
(14:35 Leopardstown) in the Savills Chase. The key difference from their last meeting at Punchestown is the increase in trip from 2m 4f to 3m, which will favour the dual Gold Cup winner, as will returning to Leopardstown where he has such a great record.
ITV coverage also includes two races from Leicester, where LATENIGHTRUMBLE
/
(13:25 Leicester) appeals. A multiple point to point winner, he benefitted from his handicap mark being based on his hurdles form and it was no surprise to see him leave that behind at Wetherby, where he travelled up as if he was going to win easily before then making rather hard work of it. The benefit of that is he has only been raised 6lb and he can put his previous pointing experience to good use here.
The second of the Leicester races is the Leicestershire Silver Fox Handicap Chase, where HUNTER LEGEND
5/2
(15:10 Leicester) was unlucky to bump into a well treated horse in No No Tango, having his first start for Harry Derham, at Wincanton last time. The handicapper has chosen to only raise him a single pound and Ned Fox reduces that by another three. The more give in the ground the better for his chances.
STABLE TRACKER UPDATE
One runner so far this week in Ostend (PU 8-1), who seems to have had issues since being added to the tracker over a year ago.
There is a runner on Friday in MADAKET (14:10 Chepstow) who looks to have decent chance if he comes on for his reappearance and can reverse form with Woodie Flash and it is no surprise that he has come in for decent market support.
There are no additions as I won’t be continuing the tracker in 2025 but a full list of those currently on the tracker can be found here.
JOCKEYS FOR COURSES
Riders in action at tracks where they have a good career record in terms of races won compared to market expectations.
LEICESTER – Adam Wedge (13/67, A/E 1.66). Not a regular visitor but has won on three of his last five rides at the track spread over nearly two years. Four rides today.
NEWCASTLE – Tommie Jakes (16/75, A/E 1.82). Four rides include the in-form Starliner in the 17:30.
SOUTHWELL – Callum Hutchinson (10/59 A/E, 1.82). Two rides include Sun Dancer Girl (16:15), who he has ridden to victory on four occasions from six rides.
COLUMN PERFORMANCE 2024
Actual Winners vs Expected Winners A/E Ratio (Par 1.00)
Selections: 65/64.10, A/E 1/01
Jockeys For Courses: 64/65.73, A/E 0.97
Stable Tracker: 30/32.19, A/E 0.93
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