TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

A mix of flat and jumps action with live racing from Musselburgh and Haydock shown on ITV this Saturday. 13:25 MUSSELBURGH

Although still winless on turf, Comic Hero arrives here on the back of a determined all-weather success where he showed a willing attitude to get on top late. That effort suggested this step up in trip will suit, and with Oisin Murphy booked, he looks capable of following up under a penalty.

Strength Of Spirit rates the main danger for the in-form Karl Burke yard, having progressed steadily with each outing and shaping as though there’s more to come.

COMIC HERO (WIN)

13:55 MUSSELBURGH

Course form is often key at Musselburgh and both Persuasion and Bellarchi boast excellent records over this track and trip. They return on workable marks and with recent runs under their belts, both should be primed to go well again.

Midnight Gun brings solid form into the race and looks the most obvious threat if building on his latest effort.

PERSUASION (E/W)BELLARCHI (E/W)

14:12 HAYDOCK

Smart Decision ran a solid race when runner-up over course and distance last time and now returns off a slightly reduced mark, which gives him every chance of going one better.

Dance And Glance has been admirably consistent this season, though the current form of the Anthony Honeyball yard raises slight concerns.

We’re Red And Blue is another to consider, arriving fresher than most and potentially well treated.

SMART DECISION (E/W)

14:30 MUSSELBURGH

Al Qareem brings proven class to the table, having competed with distinction in stronger company than this. While not getting any younger, he retains enough ability to take a race of this nature and looks the one to beat if reproducing his best.

Mount Atlas rates a solid alternative, while Lady Vivian could be worth noting at bigger odds.

AL QAREEM (WIN)

14:46 HAYDOCK

This could develop into a match between two progressive types in Blue Carpet and Jakar Du Moulin, both of whom arrive with untapped potential and relatively light campaigns behind them. With further improvement likely from each, it’s difficult to split them.

Super Survivor and Secret Trix look best placed to chase them home.

BLUE CARPET – JAKAR DU MOULIN (REVERSE FORECAST)

15:05 MUSSELBURGH

Wise Eagle has an outstanding record at Musselburgh, boasting four wins and a place from six visits, and clearly thrives under these conditions. A recent outing over jumps should have him spot on fitness-wise and he’s expected to be competitive once again.

Moon Over Miami has the ability but returns from a lengthy absence, which tempers enthusiasm slightly. Gambino is an interesting contender on handicap debut, having shown useful form behind top-class opposition including Constitution Hill.

WISE EAGLE (E/W)

15:20 HAYDOCK

A typically competitive veterans’ handicap with a large field assembled, making it a tricky puzzle for punters. With many holding viable claims, confidence is limited.

Courtland is given a tentative vote for the Mickey Bowen and James Bowen combination. He hasn’t won since March 2024 but has run well in stronger company since and now returns off a workable mark.

Outlaw Peter and Fugitif are others to keep on side.

COURTLAND (E/W)

15:42 MUSSELBURGH

Pilgrim hasn’t been at his best on the all-weather recently, but a return to turf could spark a revival. Those recent runs should have him fully tuned up and he’s not one to dismiss lightly.

Eternal Sunshine is a notable course-and-distance scorer who commands respect, while Jer Batt also has winning form at this venue and enters calculations.

PILGRIM (E/W)

15:55 HAYDOCK

Donald McCain boasts a solid strike-rate at Haydock and Count Adhemar looks well placed to give him another success. Having finished second on his last two starts, he appears poised to strike and could finally open his account over fences.

Top-weight Imperial Bede and Heads Or Harps, trained by Lucinda Russell, are respected as dangers.

COUNT ADHEMAR (WIN) written by Rory Paddock