TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

Saturday's ITV Racing action features a competitive afternoon of racing from Aintree and Doncaster, with some intriguing contests across both Flat and jumps cards. There are plenty of familiar names, progressive contenders and established performers to get stuck into, but with several competitive handicaps on the agenda, finding a bit of value could prove crucial. Rory Paddock runs through the televised action and highlights his selections for what promises to be an entertaining afternoon.

13:15 AINTREE

For those on the hunt for value in the opening ITV race on Saturday, recent winner Bleu d’Enfer could sneak into the money for a yard with an illustrious history at this course.

The Skelton juggernaut, with brothers Dan and Harry firmly into their stride, is represented by Kadastral. A beaten favourite when last seen, connections will be hoping for an improved performance here, and he looks to have a bright future ahead. Although it would come as no surprise to see the current market principal come out on top, it's Sans Brut who gets the vote.

Perhaps a slightly more cautious selection, the eight-year-old relishes Aintree and, providing he's fit and ready to go, could put in a very respectable performance.

SANS BRUT (E/W)

13:45 AINTREE

It's a shame that Mydaddypaddy doesn't take up this engagement, but nevertheless, this is an intriguing Grade 2 contest where Alexei and Mange Tout look the most likely contenders.

Mange Tout has the benefit of a weight allowance and a course-and-distance victory under her belt. However, it's hard not to be impressed by Alexei's Champion Hurdle performance, and if he can reproduce anything close to that effort, he should take all the beating.

ALEXEI (WIN)

14:10 DONCASTER

With 21 runners set to line up in this Listed sprint, it's fair to say there are plenty who should feature on any punter's shortlist.

Coul Angel heads the market and is aiming to make it three wins on the bounce. More than capable and clearly a horse on an upward trajectory, he has to be taken seriously.

Unique Journey is another bidding for a hat-trick, and with Ryan Moore booked, he shouldn't be far away.

Former course-and-distance winners Montassib and Advertised both look more than capable on their day. Having performed well at this venue previously, that's a significant plus for their chances.

Zen Diva has done very little wrong, recording four wins and a place in her last six starts. She should make the frame, although she may find one or two too good.

At a bigger price, Copacabana Sands makes plenty of appeal despite not having won for some time. She finished sixth of 19 on her only previous visit to Doncaster but has shown enough ability to suggest she could outrun her current odds.

Elsewhere, the lightly raced Sunday Girl could spring a surprise. She's only had one career start, which resulted in a victory, and although she'll need to show plenty of improvement, her connections mean she shouldn't be ruled out entirely.

COPACABANA SANDS (E/W)

14:25 AINTREE

Off The Jury came out on top here yesterday and is unlikely to be seen again at this meeting.

Without being unkind to Taurus Bay, this looks to be something of a straight duel between No Drama This End and Talk To The Man.

Of the pair, the Skelton-trained runner has the benefit of a recent outing and should strip fitter than his main rival. That could prove decisive in what looks a fascinating contest.

TALK TO THE MAN (WIN)

14:45 DONCASTER

The lightly raced trio of I'm The One, Prosperity and Wadooda could all potentially develop into Group-level performers. Although further progress will be required, they're well bred and represent some major connections. It wouldn't come as a surprise if any of the three made the frame, if not finishing with their head in front.

Of the trio, Wadooda and Prosperity look generously priced, with Wadooda perhaps the more appealing each-way option.

Elsewhere, Revoir was once viewed as a potential Oaks contender but hasn't won since her debut more than two years ago. That said, she's gone close in better races since and could once again sneak into the places.

Of the remainder, Godolphin's Ribbon Of Sea has the credentials to go well and deserves a mention.

REVOIR (E/W)

WADOODA (E/W)

15:00 AINTREE

A very open-looking handicap where a chance is taken on one at a bigger price.

It's an interesting move to see Deep Cave return to the smaller obstacles, but he's won over hurdles here before and, although not at his best of late, does at least have the benefit of a recent outing. He's not one to get heavily involved with, but he could have slipped under the radar and looks worth an each-way interest at the right price.

The remainder of the field includes some obvious dangers, such as Our Guide and Walden, while handicap debutant Park Princess could fare better than the market might suggest.

DEEP CAVE (E/W)

15:25 DONCASTER

Castle Cove hasn't been seen since winning this race last year. He's clearly capable, but such a lengthy absence inevitably raises questions over his fitness. With an additional 8lbs to carry this time around, it's a tough task.

Four-year-olds Solarize and the lightly raced Alfred Wincham are both recent winners who haven't been punished too harshly by the handicapper for their success. The pair look capable of improving with each start and could certainly have a say here.

With such a sizeable field, I've found myself with a shortlist of three that I simply can't separate. As such, small-stakes each-way bets on all three look a fair option.

Course-and-distance winner Lord Melbourne performed well in this contest in 2025 and returns with less weight on his back this time around.

Ernst Blofeld has been knocking on the door in some competitive handicaps this season. Although there's no guarantee he'll relish the softer ground, it shouldn't be as significant a negative as some might suggest.

Stressfree hasn't been beaten far on either of his last two starts and, with this potentially having been a season target for some time, the locally trained runner cannot be ignored.

LORD MELBOURNE (E/W)

ERNST BLOFELD (E/W)

STRESSFREE (E/W)

15:35 AINTREE

Boombawn looks the one they all have to beat on paper, but with a sizeable field to contend with, he represents little in the way of value.

We're forced to look elsewhere, and Irish raider Kings Jet makes plenty of appeal, particularly after his recent victory. He'll need to find further improvement to come out on top, but his current double-figure odds look more than generous.

Two others worth keeping an eye on are Imperial Saint and Southoftheborder, both of whom have previously tasted success over this course and distance and could go close once again.

A close eye should also be kept on Josh The Boss. Any significant market support for the seven-year-old would be worth taking seriously.

KINGS JET (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock