TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

There's nine live races on ITV this Saturday including the Scottish Grand National from Ayr and group race action from Newbury. 13:10 AYR

The Other Mozzie was a tad unfortunate in his run at the Cheltenham Festival when travelling well enough when being hampered three hurdles from home. This looks like a weaker contest than he faced at 'Jumps HQ' and more can be expected here.

Fellow Irish raider Western Diego hails from the powerhouse yard of Willie Mullins and, as such, demands the upmost respect. This race will be one of his toughest races to date but should make the frame.

Of the remainder, former course and distance winner Traprain Law is one for any shortlist.

THE OTHER MOZZIE (E/W)

13:25 NEWBURY

Former Group 1 victors Ancient Wisdom and Sunway look head and shoulders above the rest, and this duo will likely be the ones fighting it out at the finish.

Of the two, it's the Godolphin runner that gets the vote, having won most recently there's questions about Sunway who, despite going close in some big races, has struggled to get his head in front.

ANCIENT WISDOM (WIN)

13:43 AYR

The yard of Alan King hasn't been in the best form, but they aim to turn things around with current market favourite Masaccio. He's a consistent type who produced one of his best efforts when third at the festival when last seen. It'd be a shock if he weren't to claim a top-three spot.

Loughglynn represents trainer Willie Mullins, who's on the hunt to claim the UK trainers' championship and, although his seven-year-old needs to show further improvement, looks a solid each-way alternative.

LOUGHGLYNN (E/W)

14:00 NEWBURY

In a race of this nature, it's always going to be tricky to decipher when it's hard to know if a horse has trained on and improved since their two-year-old campaign.

Despite winning her last two starts in Meydan, there are worries that Mountain Breeze might not be able to convert that form now back in the UK. She won't be far behind, but from a punting perspective, it might be a better option to look for runners at bigger odds.

Former course and distance winner Formal ticks plenty of boxes, and despite finishing fourth in the Rockfell she should relish this better ground and a return to this venue.

The unbeaten Bright Times Ahead was handled with 'kid gloves' in her debut season but went off as the well-supported favourite in her only start. She's held in high regard and was a convincing winner in her sole race. Obviously, she'll need to improve, but there is still plenty of room to progress, and she looks a potential 1,000 Guineas contender.

BRIGHT TIMES AHEAD (E/W)

FORMAL (E/W)

14:15 AYR

A fourth in the County Hurdle looks the best recent form and as such makes Ethical Diamond the obvious choice.

Willie Mullins has a total of four runners in this 12-runner field, and all four have decent claims, but of the quintet, Ethical Diamond is the one to side with.

Of the UK-trained contingent Kabral Du Mathan looks the biggest chance for a UK winner, but at bigger odds, Valgrand and Dysart Enos might outrun their price.

ETHICAL DIAMOND (WIN)

14:35 NEWBURY

Shock 80/1 Coventry Stakes winner Rashabar showed it was no fluke when he went on to place at the highest level. One for any shortlist, but he looks likely to find one or two too good in this sphere.

Of the unbeaten trio, Saracen looks the most likely to throw down a challenge and could be one for later in the season for Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien.

It's difficult to be overly confident about any runner, so a chance is taken with Raphael Freire's Diablo Rojo. A recent win should give him a fitness edge, and this step-up in trip should also be a positive move.

It'd also be foolish to ignore Al Qudra and Jonquil, who should be on any shortlist.

DIABLO ROJO (E/W)

14:55 AYR

Armed And Fabulous finally claimed her first career success when winning a maiden last time out. Now making her handicap debut, she seems a horse on an upward trajectory, and this contest doesn't have the greatest strength in depth and can claim back-to-back victories.

Ruby Island and Ottizzini look the best of the rest.

ARMED AND FABULOUS (E/W)

15:12 NEWBURY

Trainer Jack Channon and previously father Mick had a good record in this race and send two runners into this years renewal. Of the two Metal Merchant looks the one to be on. A former course winner who won this race last year. With a great course record and off a fair mark, he shouldn't be far away.

At a much bigger price, Inishfallen could spring a shock and might relish this one-mile trip. It's easy to forget he's placed at group level, and although he's not at that level, he could pinch some prize money.

James McHenry and Classic also have credible chances.

METAL MERCHANT (E/W)

INISHFALLEN (E/W)

15:35 AYR

From one Grand National last weekend to another in the form of the Scottish equivalent.

Trainer Willie Mullins scooped the big race in Liverpool, and he has a serious chance of grabbing this one too.

Mullins saddles five of the 23 runners, and all have a clear chance.

Of the Mullins five, Spanish Harlem makes the most appeal. An improved effort saw him finish fourth in a national trial at Punchestown back in February, which should stand him in good stead for this. He claimed sixth in this race last year and returns with 5lbs less weight on his back. If he's ridden a bit more prominently and with a smaller burden to carry this time around he has plenty in his favour.

Rock My Way and Sail Away look the strongest of the UK entrants, and at bigger odds, two outsiders to note are Our Power and bottom-weight Brandt.

SPANISH HARLEM (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock