BEST OF THE REST (SATURDAY)

While much of the attention will naturally fall on the races covered by the terrestrial TV cameras this Saturday, there’s still plenty of action elsewhere for punters to get stuck into.

Racing Daily’s Rory Paddock turns his attention away from the main televised contests and searches for value across the rest of Saturday’s cards, with six races from Navan, Kempton, Haydock, Ascot and Newcastle making the shortlist.

14:35 NAVAN

Despite this looking a wide-open contest with such a large field, there are a pair I'm particularly strong on.

First up is Asdana, who may not have won here before but has gone close over this course and distance on several occasions and now finds himself on a very attractive mark.

Another runner who looks nicely treated is Step Back In Time, who often comes good at this time of year. He finished third in this very contest in 2025 and, now returning 12 months later, a similar effort could well be on the cards.

ASDANA (E/W) STEP BACK IN TIME (E/W)

15:10 NAVAN

Thunderbear may not be the force he once was and could prove vulnerable to rivals with younger legs, but if a change of yard can spark a return to form, he'd have every chance of demolishing a field of this nature on his best form.

He's dropped in class for this assignment and, returning to a course where he's enjoyed plenty of success in the past, a chance is taken on him producing a much better showing.

At his likely price, he looks worth siding with each-way.

THUNDERBEAR (E/W)

16:30 KEMPTON

Despite slowly rising up the weights without getting her head in front, Incensed demands plenty of respect, especially now returning to Kempton's all-weather surface.

Her course form reads an impressive 31112 and that record alone makes her difficult to ignore back at this venue.

She remains competitive from her current mark and looks capable of producing another bold showing at a track where she clearly thrives.

INCENSED (E/W)

16:50 HAYDOCK

A return to turf looks a wise move from the connections of Sergeant Wilko following a string of disappointing performances on the all-weather this year.

His sole previous visit to Haydock saw him run an encouraging race to finish fourth of 16 and, now racing from an attractive mark, there are reasons to believe a return to this venue could bring about an improved performance.

Kevin Ryan's runner looks capable of getting involved and makes each-way appeal.

SERGEANT WILKO (E/W)

17:10 ASCOT

This might prove foolish, but I felt strongly that Fluorescence would outrun her odds at Beverley last weekend before she was withdrawn.

If she was primed for a big performance that day, connections will be hoping she can make up for missing that engagement here. She arrives following an ultra-impressive victory when last seen and, although this demands more, she's clearly in good heart.

At the likely prices, she looks capable of making the frame.

FLUORESCENCE (E/W)

20:30 NEWCASTLE

Second Fiddle hasn't competed at this level on the all-weather since October last year and her record at Newcastle in Class 6 company makes for particularly impressive reading, with four wins from four starts.

Although she returns with more weight to carry, she's been knocking on the door throughout her 2026 campaign and a return to an artificial surface could prove just what she needs.

With conditions seemingly back in her favour, she might be primed to finally return to winning ways.

SECOND FIDDLE (E/W) written by Rory Paddock