TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

With six live races across three different meetings this Saturday we round off the jumps season as we preview all the action. 13:45 SANDOWN

A typically competitive contest gets Saturday’s ITV action underway, and with a field of 18 declared it makes sense to focus on each-way value.

Last Round shed his maiden tag in good style at Fontwell and, while this represents a clear rise in class, further improvement looks likely from an unexposed profile.

That said, it’s difficult to overlook Minella Yoga, who was an emphatic 10-length winner last time out. Representing a powerful yard, the four-year-old remains open to progress and appears favourably treated, making him the one they all have to beat.

Wilstar and the Chris Gordon-trained duo Cosmic Connection and Kocktail Bleu are others to consider in a wide-open affair.

MINELLA YOGA (WIN) LAST ROUND (E/W)

14:05 LEICESTER

Strike Red finished second in this race last year from a mark 12lb higher and returns with solid claims once again. With the yard in decent form and a lighter burden to carry, the eight-year-old looks well positioned to go close, especially following a respectable all-weather effort last time.

Several rivals arrive here off encouraging recent runs on artificial surfaces, including Berkshire Whisper, Zoulu Chief and Fivethousandtoone, all of whom look the main dangers.

However, given his course form and current mark, Strike Red makes plenty of appeal.

STRIKE RED (E/W)

14:20 SANDOWN

Blow Your Wad and Doyen Quest are expected to dominate the betting, but the race may not be as straightforward as the market suggests.

Despite being the senior runners in the field, Etalan and Mahons Glory both have the profile to outrun their odds. With only seven runners limiting each-way options, it may still pay to take a chance on Mahons Glory, who ran a respectable race when sixth in the Topham at Aintree.

If building on that effort, he could easily get involved.

MAHONS GLORY (E/W)

14:35 LEICESTER

Great Acclaim failed to fire in the Lincoln at Doncaster but is expected to be much more at home under these conditions. A strong record over this shorter trip, combined with a likely fitness edge, suggests the Eve Johnson Houghton runner can bounce back.

Caburn, who finished third in a Listed race when last seen, drops back into handicap company and looks set to be competitive.

Cosi Bello remains lightly raced and, although returning from a lengthy absence, has shown enough to suggest he could progress further if ready to go.

Great Acclaim is taken to fare much better here.

GREAT ACCLAIM (E/W)

14:55 SANDOWN

Jonbon and Thistle Ask renew their rivalry from the Clarence House Chase, with the latter potentially arriving fresher after skipping Cheltenham.

Solness produced a strong effort when chasing home Grey Dawning at Aintree, though this drop back in trip may not play to his strengths.

At bigger odds, JPR One is not without ability, but in a small field he offers limited appeal from a betting perspective.

All things considered, Jonbon sets the standard and is difficult to oppose if running to his usual level.

JONBON (WIN)

15:30 SANDOWN

Several runners arrive here having bypassed last week’s Scottish Grand National, including Montregard, who heads the betting among that group. However, preference is for Road To Home and Our Power.

Sam Thomas continues in fine form, and although Our Power is now a veteran, he remains capable in high-quality handicaps and should handle this test.

Road To Home, trained by Willie Mullins, has been knocking on the door this season without getting his head in front, but this could provide an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.

Henry’s Friend has struggled for form recently but looks overpriced and could be worth a small interest for those seeking value.

ROAD TO HOME (E/W) OUR POWER (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock