TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

All eyes turn to Ascot this Saturday for Champions Day, one of the standout fixtures of the Flat racing calendar, with some of the sport's biggest names set to battle it out on a star-studded card. With Group 1 glory up for grabs, established stars looking to cement their reputations and progressive contenders hoping to make their mark, there's plenty to get excited about, with all the action live on ITV.

Rory Paddock goes through the entire card he takes a close look at all seven races, assessing the leading contenders, potential dangers and those who could outrun their odds as he aims to uncover a few winners on what promises to be a thrilling final day of the season.

12:55 ASCOT

The youngsters kick off proceedings at Ascot this Saturday, where the quartet of Arapaho Gold, Inner City Blues, Night In Vegas and Satellite Of Love look the most likely to fight out the finish.

Night In Vegas and Satellite Of Love met previously when filling the first two places at Doncaster, with the pair pulling clear of the remainder of the field. Clive Cox's charge was conceding a fair amount of weight that day, and with the pair renewing their rivalry on level terms this time around, that form could well be reversed.

Arapaho Gold finally tasted defeat after four consecutive victories, but his performance in the Mill Reef Stakes was far from disappointing, finishing just half a length behind the eventual winner. It would be no surprise to see him return to winning ways.

Inner City Blues also tasted defeat for the first time when last seen, but excuses can be made as he hung badly in the closing stages and didn't enjoy the smoothest of passages. More can be expected this time around, although he'll need to have learned from his mistakes.

Of the remainder, the lightly raced Oakford is an interesting contender after shedding his maiden tag last month. Although further improvement is required, he looks to be on an upward trajectory.

A tough race to call, so perhaps one for punters to approach with caution.

ARAPAHO GOLD (WIN)

SATELLITE OF LOVE (E/W)

ARAPAHO GOLD – SATELLITE OF LOVE (REV FCAST)

13:30 ASCOT

St Leger victor Highwayman bids to secure back-to-back Group 1 successes and extend his winning sequence to four. He's certainly a worthy contender, although stepping up against older horses will demand further improvement. That said, a 7lb weight-for-age allowance should aid his chances.

Another runner chasing consecutive Group 1 victories is Caballo De Mar. Following his emphatic success at Longchamp, he arrives in excellent form and commands plenty of respect. However, the drop back to two miles might not play to his strengths.

Former Ascot Gold Cup winner Gregory hasn't quite been the force of old, but following two Listed victories, he's beginning to show signs of returning to his best and should be there or thereabouts.

With a fairly sizeable field, a chance is taken on an each-way option in the shape of Queenstown, who finished just two places behind Caballo De Mar when last seen in France. Unlike the winner that day, this shorter trip should be more to Queenstown's liking, and hopefully the Ballydoyle runner can finish closer this time around, if not reverse the placings altogether.

QUEENSTOWN (E/W)

14:05 ASCOT

Almeraq has done little wrong this season and thoroughly deserves his position as the clear market principal. We appreciate he's perhaps a 'boring' selection, but there aren't many others who tick as many boxes. Sometimes you simply have to acknowledge that a favourite is favourite for a reason, and on this occasion, it's difficult to look elsewhere.

Paborus wasn't far behind Almeraq at Haydock last time out and could claim another placed finish. Fellow Wathnan runners Kind Of Blue and Division also command plenty of respect, with both capable of going close. A chance is taken on the latter to secure a place in the frame.

Course-and-distance winner Coppull should play a part if on a going day and certainly can't be dismissed entirely. Meanwhile, at a decent price, Poatan is worth monitoring closely in the market, with any significant betting support worth taking seriously.

ALMERAQ (WIN)

DIVISION (E/W)

14:40 ASCOT

Kalpana was well fancied to go close in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and wasn't beaten far when finishing fifth. This represents a considerably easier assignment, and back against her own sex, she should have less to worry about. She looks the one to beat.

Former Group 1 winner Minni Hauk would pose a serious threat if anywhere near her best, but she's had a tough campaign, and others make greater appeal on this occasion.

Johanna Walsh has enjoyed a solid season, while the lightly raced Lilt also looks a viable option. Both appear to hold solid each-way claims.

On form alone, Inis Mor hasn't achieved quite as much as some of her rivals, but her recent runner-up effort was encouraging, and she's taken to produce another positive performance.

KALPANA (WIN)

INIS MOR (E/W)

15:20 ASCOT

One of the most competitive races on the entire card, with a case to be made for well over half of the current line-up.

Gstaad disappointed in France when last seen, managing only third despite being sent off the odds-on 4/5 favourite. That said, a return to Ascot should suit, and with Bow Echo, who has proved a formidable rival this season, absent from the line-up, he's taken to bounce back to winning ways.

French raider Rayif hasn't had as demanding a campaign as some of his rivals, and that relative freshness could prove beneficial as we approach the end of the Flat season. F-H Graffard's charge should have a major say in proceedings.

Godolphin's Talk Of New York is another who looks likely to be involved in the closing stages, and his consistency gives him a lively chance.

For those seeking each-way value, Docklands boasts an excellent record at Ascot. With the eye-catching booking of Billy Loughnane in the saddle, he could be seen to good effect once again.

GSTAAD (WIN)

DOCKLANDS (E/W)

16:00 ASCOT

Calandagan and Ombudsman may have failed to come out on top on their most recent outings, but the five-year-olds have both proved their class at the highest level, including over this course and distance.

Although it would perhaps be a little harsh to dismiss the other four runners entirely, particularly as they've all performed well in major races previously, the aforementioned duo should have too much quality for the opposition and look the most likely to fill the first two places.

Of the remainder, the consistent Bay City Roller appears the most likely to trouble those at the head of the market.

CALANDAGAN – OMBUDSMAN (REV FCAST)

16:35 ASCOT

Ebt's Guard boasts a fantastic record over the straight mile at Ascot and looks primed for another encouraging effort. Despite failing to visit the winner's enclosure in 2026, he's been a model of consistency and looks likely to make the frame once again.

The Haggas-trained pair of Bullet Point and Scoville look set to run well and should feature on any punter's shortlist. The same applies to the lightly raced Gavriel, who wasn't beaten far when finishing fourth in a similar contest last time out.

Indalo is another worthy of consideration, while at a potentially attractive price, a chance is taken on Torito to fare better than the market might suggest.

EBT'S GUARD (E/W)

TORITO (E/W) written by Rory Paddock