TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

14:25 Ascot – JLT Hurdle

The big race this Saturday sees the prestigious JLT Hurdle take centre stage at Ascot. 

Formerly known as the Long Walk Hurdle this prestigious race has had some illustrious winners including the likes of Thistlecrack, Big Bucks and Baracouda to name but a few. This years race sees last years winner Sam Spinner aim to retain his crown and a better run is expected after his seasonal reappearance. 2016’s victor Unowhatimeanharry looked very impressive when winning at Newbury and relishes the underfoot conditions that can be expected. A repeat performance will see him difficult to beat but as he ages he may be open to younger legs and that looks to be in the form of Nicky Henderson’s Call Me Lord. When stepping up from 2miles up to 2mile 5furlongs it seemed to be the making of him and a further step up in distance may bring about further improvement. There’s questions that the five year old has to answer, especially after a long summer layoff but if he’s raring to go on his seasonal reappearance then he’s going to take all the beating.

At bigger prices outsiders such as Soul Emotion and Top Notch need to be respected but minor honours seem the best they can hope for.

CALL ME LORD (WIN)

ITV Racing:

13:50 Ascot – Royal Regatta (E/W)

14:05 Haydock – Ballymoy (WIN) – NAP

14:25 Ascot – Call Me Lord (WIN)

14:40 Haydock – Testify (E/W)

15:00 Ascot – Banatar (E/W)

15:35 Ascot – Mont Des Avaloirs (E/W)