TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

Rory Paddock previews all 9 races shown live on ITV this Saturday with action from Newbury, Kelso and Bangor-On-Dee.

13:00 KELSO

Listed scorer and top-rated Hollygrove Cha Cha underlined her class with a smooth success in a similar contest last time. This is a slightly bigger field, but arguably lacks the same depth as that recent assignment. Despite shouldering top weight, she sets the clear standard and looks the one they all have to beat.

Of the others, Star Walking appears to be improving with each run and arrives on the back of a couple of solid efforts. She looks capable of progressing further and could reward each-way support.

HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA (WIN)

13:15 NEWBURY

Flat recruit Gambino made a bright start to his career on the level, winning once and placing twice from just three outings. If he adapts well to hurdling, he brings plenty of potential to the table and could make a winning start over obstacles.

Cecilia Star, a course-and-distance winner last time, has proven credentials and offers some each-way appeal. Meanwhile, Kocktail Bleu and Lisbane Park bring consistency and experience, but the vote goes to the unexposed newcomer.

GAMBINO (WIN)

13:30 KELSO

This looks a tricky contest with few solid betting angles. Judicial Deference arrives seeking a four-timer but continues to climb the handicap, making life tougher with each success.

Brookside La should be competitive again but doesn’t make much appeal from a value perspective. Instead, preference is for Jericoacoara, who has been lightly campaigned and may still have improvement to come. His latest third was encouraging and a repeat or better would put him firmly in the mix.

JERICOACOARA (E/W)

13:50 NEWBURY

Grand Vendetta, from the Paul Nicholls yard, showed plenty of grit to land a novice event last time and looks well suited by conditions here. On handicap debut, he could have more to offer and sets the benchmark.

Glancing Jack is another last-time-out winner who appears to be going the right way, while Thewoodcorner, representing Nicky Henderson, has been consistent and could get involved from the foot of the weights.

GRAND VENDETTA (WIN)

14:10 KELSO

Khrisma caught the eye with an effortless victory in novice company last time. The winning margin may not have been huge, but the manner of the success suggested there’s plenty more to come. She could be well ahead of the assessor and looks a strong contender despite top weight.

For those seeking alternatives, Crystal Days has been running consistently and could take advantage of a workable mark.

KHRISMA (WIN)

14:25 NEWBURY

A competitive handicap where several arrive near their career-high marks. Heltenham and Prairie Wolf both have strong claims, though their hefty burdens are a concern.

Scarface is also higher in the weights than for his last win, but his profile is appealing and he has run well in this race previously. At the likely prices, he could represent better value than his main rivals.

SCARFACE (E/W)

14:40 KELSO

Course winner Glen Road shaped well when last successful, staying on strongly at the finish. A stronger pace here should suit and he can be expected to finish off his race well once again.

Moon Phases and My Noble Lord are respected, while Diamond Dealer, from the Dan Skelton yard, is another to consider in an open-looking affair.

GLEN ROAD (E/W)

15:00 NEWBURY

On known form, Charisma Cat and Strong Run command plenty of respect, but there could be value elsewhere.

Shotgun Shirley wasn’t at her best last time but had previously shaped well in a large-field contest and also boasts a solid second in Listed company at Cheltenham. She looks capable of bouncing back.

Queenofthejukebox, partnered by in-form rider Sean Bowen, improved to finish second last time and could take another step forward.

SHOTGUN SHIRLEY (E/W)

QUEENOFTHEJUKEBOX (E/W)

15:20 BANGOR-ON-DEE

Knickerbockerglory has been aimed at stronger races this season without success, but this represents a significant drop in class. He could be worth another chance in calmer waters.

Last-time-out winners Aurigny Mill and Static both arrive in form and should be capable of making their presence felt as they bid to follow up.

KNICKERBOCKERGLORY (E/W)

15:35 NEWBURY

A wide-open bumper with plenty of unknowns, particularly with a large number of debutants in the field.

Recent winners such as Way Maker, Diamond Street, Keltype, Irish Goodbye, and Lover Desbois all bring solid credentials, with Diamond Street perhaps the pick of that group. However, newcomer Lady Hope is interesting at a price. Trainer Hughie Morrison has a respectable strike rate in these races at the track, and the mares’ allowance is an added positive.

Madam Speaker, from the Nicky Henderson yard, also looks likely to be involved.

LADY HOPE (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock