TV TIPS (SUNDAY)
Sunday's ITV Racing action offers a fascinating afternoon of National Hunt racing from Aintree and Market Rasen, a one-off visit to Galway, Ireland, alongside an intriguing trip to Italy for Group 2 action at San Siro where a jumping superstar aims to claim Group race success on the flat.
13:35 MARKET RASEN
Perhaps an uninspiring selection at the current odds, but Don Dandy looks a worthy favourite following his victory last time out.
With just seven runners heading to post, there appears little reason to oppose him, although his odds-on price certainly limits his appeal from a betting perspective.
The consistent Minella Buoy looks one of the more obvious dangers and should give another good account of himself, while Harry Derham's Ollierob is another who deserves consideration.
However, Don Dandy sets the standard on recent form and looks the one they all have to beat.
DON DANDY (WIN)
13:50 AINTREE
A competitive contest where several runners hold legitimate claims, making this an ideal opportunity to search for a little each-way value.
Dance And Glance appeals at potentially attractive odds following a creditable third-place finish in a Grade 3 contest at Haydock back in May. That performance suggested he possesses enough ability to make his presence felt at this level, and a reproduction of that effort would give him every chance of getting involved.
Trainer Anthony Honeyball has enjoyed a promising fortnight, operating at a 50% strike rate, albeit from just two runners. Although a relatively small sample, it provides further encouragement.
Last-time-out winner Un Sens A La Vie looks an obvious contender and should be firmly in the mix, while the highly regarded Taurus Bay is another who commands plenty of respect.
Both look capable of playing leading roles, but at potentially bigger odds, Dance And Glance could offer the better each-way alternative.
DANCE AND GLANCE (E/W)
14:10 MARKET RASEN
Some familiar faces take centre stage in this veterans' chase, where Triple Trade looks the one to beat following an encouraging winning return to action.
Joe Tizzard's yard has made a promising start to the season, and with the selection already having a recent run under his belt, there is plenty to suggest another bold performance could be on the cards.
The biggest danger appears to be Sure Touch, who has the added advantage of previous course-and-distance winning form. That experience could prove particularly valuable around Market Rasen and makes him difficult to dismiss.
The pair look to hold stronger claims than the remainder of the field, but preference is for Triple Trade, who can build on his successful seasonal reappearance.
TRIPLE TRADE (WIN)
14:25 AINTREE
A fascinating renewal of this veterans' handicap chase, where several familiar names look capable of getting involved in the finish.
Current market leader Hold Your Fort has the benefit of a recent outing and looks set to go close once again, although his position at the head of the betting makes searching for alternatives worthwhile.
Knappers Hill has proved a frustrating performer at times, but his previous success at Aintree demonstrates an ability to handle the demands of this unique course. If producing something close to his best, he should have every chance of featuring prominently.
With further rain forecast, conditions could become increasingly testing, which would certainly enhance the prospects of Kitty's Light. A thorough stayer, he could come into his own if this develops into a demanding examination of stamina.
Monbeg Genius is another who cannot be overlooked. Although he has questions to answer on recent performances, his best form would make him a formidable opponent in this company.
Grozni is perhaps the least appealing of the leading contenders, although dismissing him entirely could prove dangerous in a race of this nature.
With several runners holding realistic claims, confidence is limited, but Knappers Hill and Kitty's Light look capable of fighting out the finish if conditions play to their strengths.
KNAPPERS HILL – KITTY'S LIGHT (REV FCAST)
14:41 MARKET RASEN
The smallest field of the three televised contests from Market Rasen could arguably provide the most difficult puzzle of the afternoon, with all four runners holding legitimate claims.
The Doyen Chief has the burden of top weight but is the only runner in the field to have previously tasted success at this venue, which certainly works in his favour.
Rivers Corner represents a yard enjoying a productive spell and looks capable of making his presence felt, while Livin On Luco catches the eye with champion jockey Sean Bowen booked for the ride.
Paper Mill arrives with the benefit of a recent victory and could hold a fitness advantage over some of his rivals, making him another serious contender.
There is little to separate the quartet, and this certainly isn't a race to approach with maximum confidence.
However, the two youngest runners, Rivers Corner and Livin On Luco, may have a little more scope for improvement than their older rivals and are tentatively selected to fill the first two places.
RIVERS CORNER – LIVIN ON LUCO (REV FCAST)
15:00 AINTREE
Another fiercely competitive renewal of the Old Roan Chase, where a host of familiar names make this one of the most intriguing contests of the afternoon.
Wendigo boasts some serious form and clearly has the ability to make his presence felt, although there is a suspicion that this outing could serve as a stepping stone towards bigger targets later in the campaign.
Hitman bids to repeat last year's success in the contest, while Imperial Saint, who claimed the prize in 2024, is another with proven credentials in this race.
Fellow course-and-distance winner Prairie Wolf arrives in excellent form, having won three of his last four starts. However, this represents a tougher examination of his credentials, and further improvement will be required.
The seven-year-old Bluey is another who needs to take a step forward, but his relatively low weight and potential for further progress make him an interesting contender.
Dan Skelton holds a strong hand with Riskintheground, Matterhorn and Boombawn all entered. The trio have the benefit of recent runs, although the first two still have something to prove around Aintree.
Boombawn, on the other hand, has already demonstrated his effectiveness at the Liverpool venue and looks the most appealing of the Skelton runners.
Despite the strength in depth, a chance is taken on Master Chewy, who produced an excellent effort when finishing runner-up in this contest twelve months ago.
That performance demonstrated his ability to handle both the track and the demands of this particular race, and a similar effort could see him go close once again.
With so many potential dangers, each-way support looks the sensible approach.
MASTER CHEWY (E/W)
15:00 SAN SIRO
ITV Racing makes an unusual trip to Italy, where all eyes will be on Constitution Hill as Nicky Henderson's superstar bids to land the Group 2 Gran Premio del Jockey Club.
The former Champion Hurdle winner has done little wrong in his three Flat appearances to date, although he failed to meet expectations on his most recent outing.
With testing ground anticipated, conditions could play a significant role, and it would be no surprise to see Constitution Hill produce an improved performance.
However, despite his obvious appeal and considerable reputation, preference is for Andrew Balding's Venetian Prince.
The youngster has already tasted success at San Siro, giving him valuable experience of the venue, and his weight-for-age allowance could prove a significant advantage against his more seasoned rivals.
As the youngest contender in the field, he also possesses greater scope for improvement, making him an interesting each-way proposition.
Dubai Honour has been a model of consistency throughout his career and looks more than capable of adding further international prize money to his impressive record.
Of the remainder, Stringray appears the most likely to provide a winner from outside the British contingent.
Constitution Hill will undoubtedly attract plenty of attention, but Venetian Prince could offer the better value for those prepared to oppose the headline act.
VENETIAN PRINCE (E/W) 15:20 GALWAY
Ole Ole aims to put his lacklustre effort in a listed contest behind him now dropping into novice company. Gavin Cromwell's charge went from strength to strength last term and looks set to produce a much better showing this time out.
The consistent Minella Hollow looks a major threat as do the Gordon Elliot trained pair of Brother Walfrid and recent winner Direct Approach.
OLE OLE (WIN)
15:35 AINTREE
Dan Skelton's new recruit Glancing Jack makes his seasonal reappearance and looks capable of getting his campaign off to a winning start.
Having recorded a victory and two placed finishes from his last three outings, he arrives with an encouraging recent profile, although this represents a more demanding assignment than those he has previously encountered.
Nevertheless, there is enough to suggest he can make his presence felt, and his position towards the head of the market looks justified.
For those reluctant to take potentially short odds about the Skelton runner, Kamsinas offers an interesting each-way alternative.
The French-bred contender should appreciate the softer conditions, while previous performances in graded company suggest he possesses a level of ability that could prove significant against this opposition.
If reproducing his better efforts, he looks capable of outrunning his odds and getting involved in the finish.
Elsewhere, Norn Iron and A King Of Magic are others who warrant serious consideration and should feature on any punter's shortlist.
Glancing Jack is the selection to come out on top, but Kamsinas could provide a worthwhile each-way alternative at a more attractive price.
GLANCING JACK (WIN)
KAMSINAS (E/W) written by Rory Paddock
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