BEST OF THE REST (SATURDAY)

Away from the ITV cameras, Saturday's cards at Ripon, Doncaster and Nottingham provide several interesting betting opportunities. This article highlights three standout selections from the late-afternoon and evening action, utilising in-depth race analysis to uncover horses that could easily go under the radar.

16:25 RIPON

Cadarn finally broke through for his first victory since joining Kevin Ryan when springing a 28/1 surprise in a competitive handicap at York. Despite the emphatic nature of that success, the handicapper has raised him just 3lb and he now drops back in class, making this look a more straightforward assignment. If reproducing his latest effort, he looks capable of following up.

Former course and distance winner Garden Oasis commands respect back at a venue he clearly enjoys, while the Silvestre De Sousa-ridden Jimmy Speaking also rates a major contender and is likely to be finishing strongly.

CADARN (WIN)

18:45 DONCASTER

Former course and distance winner Akkadian Thunder may not have visited the winner's enclosure for some time, but he has been knocking firmly on the door throughout 2026. His standout recent effort came when finishing third over this course and distance and, returning from a lower mark, conditions look in place for a bold bid.

Bottom-weight First Time shaped with plenty of promise when finishing third in a competitive three-year-old handicap last time out. Now taking on older opposition, further improvement cannot be ruled out and he rates the chief threat.

AKKADIAN THUNDER (E/W)

19:00 NOTTINGHAM

Harry Davies has firmly established himself as one of the country's most accomplished young jockeys and takes the ride aboard Starsong, who appeals from an attractive mark. Although the seven-year-old has not won since September last year, he has slipped back to his last winning rating and has produced several encouraging efforts in defeat. A return to the winner's enclosure may not be far away.

Top-weight Marajito commands obvious respect, while the ever-consistent Control Room should once again be thereabouts and rates the biggest danger to the selection.

STARSONG (WIN) written by Rory Paddock