TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

The Tingke Creek takes centre stage this Saturday but ITV serve up 8 top-class races to get stuck into.

13:20 SANDOWN

Absolutely Doyen is aiming to claim their fourth victory in a row and the five-year-old looks to have a very strong claim after another dominant victory, however since publishing this article the horse has been withdrawn.

Kikijo looked the only alternative after winning a quality race at Cheltenham when last seen. An increase in weight is potentially offset somewhat by the young riders weight allowance but looks the one to beat.

Lavender Hill Mob and Ikarak won their most recent outings but one has question marks over this extended trip and the latter might not be able to overcome this additional weight.

KIKIJO (WIN)

13:50 SANDOWN

Just the four runners are set to go to post and after a demolition like, ten length victory last time out Lulamba deserves their spot at the head of the market. Unfortunately with just the four runners there isn’t any opportunity to hunt for an each-way alternative and it’s hard to see past the market leader.

Of the remaining trio Alnilam might be the rank outsider but could spring somewhat of a surprise and finish best of the rest.

LULAMBA (WIN)

14:05 AINTREE

Although perhaps unkind on the other five runners it looks to be a race fought out by just the pair of Edelak and Treasure Planet.

Edelak is a recent recruit who’s making their National Hunt debut after winning a flat handicap in Ireland for former trainer Johnny Murtagh.

Treasure Planet took home their first hurdling success by a mammoth distance and looks to make it back to back victories.

Of the two the slight preference is for the more experienced Nicholls runner but we couldn’t put punters off doing the reverse forecast either.

TREASURE PLANET (WIN)

EDELAK - TREASURE PLANET (REV FC)

14:25 SANDOWN

Hailing from the in form yard of Dan Skelton Knickerbockerglory has attracted plenty of market support but in a race of this nature and after a huge stint on the sidelines to overcome he doesn’t represent much in the way of value.

Course specialist Go Dante is a multiple course and distance victor who relishes Sandown’s unique test. Off a fair mark he looks a strong each-way contender.

Of the remainder, fellow course winner Glynn Brae also holds a solid claim.

GO DANTE (E/W)

14:40 AINTREE

The unique test of Aintree’s National fences awaits the field in this years renewal of the Beecher Chase. A race where experience around this course and a fair weight are two major components when hunting down the winner.

Gaboriot filled the runners up spot when racing over these fences on their seasonal debut. With a race under their belt and a fair weight he can go one better this time around.

Multiple victor Mr Vango has plenty of appeal but there’s a worry that the horse may need the run.

Gali’s Des Liteaux is another contender, as is Bioluminescence who I’ve thought for a while should be aimed at the National and if he takes well to these fences should be taken very seriously if lining up at Aintree in April.

GABORIOT (E/W)

15:00 SANDOWN

Previous race winner Jobon aims to retain his crown but a slightly disappointing performance on his seasonal reappearance has given punters enough doubt to see him currently marked as the third favourite.

The younger and more well fancied runners are L’Eau Du Sud and Irish raider and Cheltenham Festival winner Il Etait Temps. The preference of for the Mullins charge who’s partnered by top jockey Paul Townend who’s looking to tick the Tingle Creek off his list as the only Grade 1 contest across the U.K. and Ireland he’s yet to ride the winner of. Today should be Townend’s day.

IL ETAIT TEMPS (WIN)

15:15 AINTREE

If multiple Grade 2 winner Brewin’upastorm was anything near his best he’d win this race with ease but at the ripe old age of 12 and with over 500-days on the sidelines it’s unlikely he’s the horse he once was.

Fellow Olly Murphy trained runners Rambo T and Act Of Authority seem much likelier than their stable companion and the pair should be on any punters shortlist.

Former course and distance winner Wellington Arch was last seen putting in a bold display in a hot handicap over in Ireland and in what looks a weaker affair can go even closer.

At larger odds bottom-weight Sunray Shadow is another contender who has a course and distance win in the book and with a lot less miles on the clock could be a likely improver.

In what could arguably the toughest race to call from every one shown live on ITV this Saturday we’re taking the bold and unique option to hope to land the Tricast from four runners.

RAMBO T - ACT OF AUTHORITY - WELLINGTON ARCH - SUNRAY SHADOW (COMBI TCAST)

15:35 SANDOWN

Tanganyika was well fancied by punters when last seen in a hot contest at Cheltenham but didn’t indicate they approved of this longer trip and the distance, plus carrying top-weight, might be too much of an ask.

O’Connell finished a credible third when making their seasonal debut and should strip much fitter for that performance. Hasn’t been crippled by the handicapper and another close finish looks to be on the cards.

Ask Brewster has put together a string of victories and connections hope he can continue to add success to his tally however this looks a much tougher test and he may find a few too good.

O’CONNELL (WIN)

written by Rory Paddock