BEST OF THE REST (SATURDAY)

While much of the attention this Saturday will be firmly focused on Champions Day at Ascot, there's still plenty of racing elsewhere for punters looking to get involved. Away from the ITV cameras and the high-profile Group 1 contests, Rory Paddock pinpoints his "Best Of The Rest" with selections from Catterick and Southwell.

16:45 CATTERICK

Toca Madera looks potentially a class above handicap company after winning his last two starts in impressive fashion. Despite a rise in the weights, this appears a weaker contest than the one he won earlier in the month. However, with a sizeable field lining up, we're on the hunt for a little more value elsewhere.

Lexington Blitz has never finished outside the first two in any of his previous starts here at Catterick and, at the age of four, may still have further improvement to come. A chance is taken on Robert Cowell's runner to secure a top-four finish, with the enhanced place terms offered by bookmakers providing an appealing betting option.

Elsewhere, I must confess that if Schrodinger's Cat were to come out on top, I'd probably be in tears! Grant Tuer's runner has become something of a 'cliff horse' for me this season, and I'm still convinced he has a big performance in his locker. However, having decided to leave him alone this time around, I'm just hoping today isn't the day he finally delivers!

LEXINGTON BLITZ (E/W)

LEXINGTON BLITZ (TOP 4 FINISH)

19:00 SOUTHWELL

A tricky race to call, but we're hoping Black Missile could be worth a small each-way punt following an encouraging third-place finish under the same jockey last time out.

His performances over five furlongs have been something of a mixed bag, so the step back up to six furlongs looks a sensible move by connections. If he can overcome his slightly wider draw, he's taken to get amongst the prize money, with handicap debutant Persian Gate looking the most obvious danger.

BLACK MISSILE (E/W)

BLACK MISSILE (TOP 5 FINISH)

20:30 SOUTHWELL

Although she's yet to taste success, Thankfully appears to be getting to grips with her racing, as demonstrated by an encouraging third-place finish at Ayr last time out.

She was staying on strongly over that shorter trip, suggesting this step up in distance should play to her strengths. She's also dropping into Class 5 company for the first time, and with several factors seemingly in her favour, she looks to have a decent opportunity to finally shed her maiden tag in what we're hoping will prove to be the 'lucky last' at Southwell.

Multiple winner Emma's Letter and Ralph Beckett's Seacole look the biggest threats in what appears a relatively open contest despite the small field.

THANKFULLY (WIN) written by Rory Paddock