TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

With the Scottish Grand National taking centre stage plus group race action on the flat from Newbury, Rory Paddock previews all the live racing on ITV this Saturday. 13:10 AYR

Connections of Sans Bruit will have been frustrated not to complete a hat-trick at Aintree’s Grand National meeting, having gone close earlier this month. He remains in good form and should be firmly in the mix once again.

Le Nez Creux represents a trainer-jockey combination that enjoyed success at that same meeting and is an interesting contender on his UK debut for Gavin Cromwell. The French recruit will need to adapt to these conditions, but if doing so, he’s capable of making a strong impression.

Moudan has been admirably consistent this season and should once again give a good account, while course-and-distance winner Traprain Law and last-time-out scorer Palacio both merit serious consideration.

At the likely prices, the Cromwell runner is worth siding with.

LE NEZ CREUX (E/W)

13:25 NEWBURY

Touleen, a previous course-and-distance winner for Owen Burrows, brings solid form having finished fifth in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes. While that reads well on paper, this contest looks deeper and she may be worth taking on.

Catching The Moon improved steadily as a two-year-old and rounded off her campaign with a Group 3 success at Ayr, shaping as though this step up in trip would suit. Of the market principals, she makes the most appeal.

At bigger odds, Zaravina is an intriguing each-way option. Though still a maiden, she debuted in a highly competitive French conditions race and is open to plenty of improvement.

Domina Ignis, K Sarra and Zooming also enter calculations in what looks a competitive affair.

CATCHING THE MOON (E/W)

ZARAVINA (E/W)

13:45 AYR

Diamond Dealer is likely to appreciate this step up in trip, but his jumping lacked fluency when scoring last time and he faces a stiffer test here.

Milcree appeals as a solid alternative, coming from a yard in excellent form and boasting three wins from his last five starts. He has been reliable of late and looks poised to go well again.

Gamesters Guy has finished runner-up on his last two outings and should be thereabouts once more, while recent winner Big John Wayne represents local connections and remains open to improvement as a lightly raced type.

With further progress likely and a lenient weight, he looks a compelling option.

BIG JOHN WAYNE (E/W)

14:00 NEWBURY

Albert Einstein disappointed in Ireland last time and, while a return to his own age group could help, that effort leaves him with something to prove.

Zavateri made a big impression during his debut campaign, winning multiple Group races before tasting defeat. He retains strong credentials and looks capable of bouncing back to winning ways.

At bigger prices, Gonna Fly and Needle Match are both worth noting, with the Ralph Beckett runner perhaps the more appealing of the two. Title Role could also step forward with a recent turf outing under his belt.

Alparslan is another to consider if the leading contenders fail to fire, but Zavateri sets the standard.

ZAVATERI (WIN)

14:20 AYR

Tutti Quanti was below par in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but this represents a significant drop in class. A return to his earlier form would see him hard to beat.

Tellherthename and Secret Squirrell both emerge from that same Festival and look the main dangers on paper.

All In You had been progressing nicely prior to pulling up at Newbury and, if able to bounce back from that effort, could also have a say.

However, in calmer waters, Tutti Quanti is expected to make his presence felt.

TUTTI QUANTI (E/W)

14:35 NEWBURY

Convergent ran well below expectations when last seen in Germany, finishing near the rear as a short-priced favourite. That effort is likely too poor to be true, and a return to form would put him firmly in contention.

Al Aasy has an excellent record at Newbury, though advancing age and inconsistency temper confidence.

For each-way players, Phantom Flight and Tenability both need to improve at this level but have shown enough ability to suggest they are not without hope.

If bouncing back, Convergent looks the one to side with.

CONVERGENT (WIN)

14:55 AYR

World Of Fortunes impressed when landing a Listed contest at Kelso and commands respect, though top weight may leave him vulnerable late on.

Twistthenightaway arrives in winning form and looks a major player once again, with conditions likely to suit.

At a bigger price, Azahara Palace is worth a second look. He has run well on several occasions this season and, despite a lesser effort last time, now returns on a more attractive mark.

In an open contest, he could outrun his odds.

AZAHARA PALACE (E/W)

15:10 NEWBURY

Checkandchallenge drops back into handicap company for the first time since 2022, having competed at a higher level in recent seasons. Now on a workable mark and with solid efforts on previous seasonal returns, he commands respect despite top weight.

Linwood and Urban Lion both arrive on the back of wins and look to follow up, while Fifth Column shaped well in major handicaps last year and could improve further with experience.

Rogue Diplomat ran a strong race in the Lincoln and is entitled to come on for that outing, while Shout catches the eye with a notable jockey booking.

Stem is another to consider from a lower weight, but Checkandchallenge looks primed for a bold showing.

CHECKANDCHALLENGE (E/W) 15:35 AYR - SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL

(ALL EACH WAY)