Matt Chapman’s Saturday picks – Paddy Power News - Ireland News Beep

Matt likes Maltese Cross’ chances in the 13.58 at Lingfield.

Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing Tips

12.55 Lingfield – Noble Horizon
13.15 Haydock – Helnwein (each-way)
13.28 Lingfield – Romantic Symphony
13.45 Ascot – Zgharta
13.58 Lingfield – Maltese Cross
14.20 Ascot – Great Acclaim (each-way)
14.40 Lingfield – Royal Velvet
14.55 Ascot – Valedictory
15.15 Lingfield – Back In Black

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

ITV Racing is back on Saturday with action from Lingfield, Haydock and Ascot, starting here with a handicap for older horses over 1m2f. Open this and likely to be run on fast ground. Every chance of a big moment for Oli Rix with NOBLE HORIZON looking strong on paper. The former William Haggas-handled inmate returns on a mark of 85, the rating he had when third at York in a big field at the end of last season. This trip and ground are ideal and he’s been higher in the handicap in the past. Tom Marquand being booked is a plus.

13.15 Haydock – Helnwein (each-way)

One over jumps on ITV and it’s the Swinton Handicap Hurdle over nearly 2m. HELNWEIN is a horse who frustrates connections as he travels well but doesn’t battle. This race should suit him – he was a fine second last year – and while he’s 4lb higher this time it’s all about whether he wants to get the job done. A huge each-way player under Tom Bellamy.

Now the Listed Oaks Trial for three-year-old fillies over an extended 1m3f. Hard not to argue this is a weak renewal. ROMANTIC SYMPHONY is unbeaten in two starts for Charlie Appleby and she looked a strong stayer when scoring at Kempton in a novice in April. This trip is easy for her on pedigree and if there is a possible Classic winner in here, the chances are it’s William Buick’s mount.

13.45 Ascot – Zgharta

Here’s a handicap for older fillies and mares over 1m. ZGHARTA was found out in soft ground at Saint-Cloud at the end of last season, but prior to that she ran a cracker when fourth in a handicap at York. Back down in class this is a great opportunity for the Andrew Balding stable in form. Oisin Murphy rides. This trip is as short as she will want going forward.

From the Oaks to the Listed Derby Trial for three-year-old colts over an extended 1m3f. On paper this is interesting. I have always loved MALTESE CROSS and have been lucky to be working on track every time he’s run. He’s meant to want fast ground and the step up in trip should suit him after a battling victory over shorter at Newbury last time. William Haggas trains and Tom Marquand rides.

14.20 Ascot – Great Acclaim (each-way)

A big betting handicap in the Victoria Cup for older horses over 7f. The draw is hard to work out here. GREAT ACCLAIM is a terrifically tough handicapper and has been wonderful for Eve Johnson Houghton. He also played a huge part of my Racing League success last season. He was back in form when third at Haydock last time and the trip and ground are ideal. There might be something better handicapped but surely he has an each-way chance. Charlie Bishop rides.

The Group 3 Chartwell Stakes for fillies and mares over 7f. Not quite as strong a renewal as it can be. ROYAL VELVET has been seen to best use when running in a big field from off the pace, but one or two of these might just go off fast and my hope will be tucked away out the back and try to pick up some pieces. She returned this season better than ever when scoring at Newmarket in April. William Buick rides for William Knight.

A handicap for older horses over 1m4f. VALEDICTORY is bred for this trip and returned with a fine second at Newbury a few weeks ago. He’s up 3lb for that, but this trip should bring out more improvement and he’s very lightly raced after just four runs. You have to think this will set him up for a Royal Ascot handicap. Billy Loughnane rides for the Gosdens.

A handicap for older horses over an extended 7f. BACK IN BLACK ran a belter on return when fourth in the Spring Cup at Newbury and he remains on the same mark of 94. He kept on well that day which suggests this drop in trip is not totally ideal, but he will be tucked away and hopefully will finish strong in typical James Fanshawe fashion. Danny Muscutt rides. Not absolutely sure stall 1 is the perfect box though!

So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?

Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing Tips

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

Matt Chapman’s Saturday picks – Paddy Power News

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