TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

13:25 Haydock

A treat to start off the ITV racing with another chance to see the hugely exciting Jonbon, who I’m sure we are all hoping to see put on another sparkling display. The full brother to the mighty Douvan seeks to continue his unbeaten run today and will be expected to do so. I’m sure some ante-post punters will be keeping an eye on Might I and how close he will be to Jonbon come the finish with an eye to some festival bets. As Might I finished a 14 length second to another Nicky Henderson top prospect Constitution Hill.

A horse that may be of interest for the future and I for one will be keeping an eye on is Donny Boy, who is a full brother to the yard’s Ebony Jewel and he is also unbeaten like Jonbon. His form is not in the same league as the favourite but he has won his races easily and will be interesting to see him compete against the big guns.

JONBON (WIN)

Written by Michael Taylor

13:45 Ascot

Nicky Henderson has landed two of the last four renewals of this and bids to improve upon that with yard newcomer, Fils D'oudairies. Proven on Heavy ground and a winner in both France and Ireland, there is every chance his mark undermines his actual ability but he has failed to complete on his last three starts now and the fact he is onto his fourth trainer has to be a concern.

Garry Clermont impressed when winning at Warwick last May and has returned with two solid efforts, most notably when a fine third here last time in a hot race. Hailing from a yard amongst the winners and with his form looking very strong, he looks certain to go close and recent trends suggest top-weight can be overcome.

Unexpected Party probably bumped into one when beaten at Cheltenham (Winner went close yesterday) before completely blowing what looked a race winning lead at Wetherby last time and arrives here with questions to answer as a result. Very lightly raced and with improvement left to come, he could well regain the winning thread though his price offers little value and you just wonder quite how willing he is after that last effort.

Stellar Magic is another lightly raced sort and he bounced right back to form at Haydock last month when finishing second. Prior to that he had proven bitterly disappointing at Warwick though something was surely amiss and his profile is appealing. Apparently suited by plenty of give and a winner over further in his point, he ought to be finishing as strongly as anything and this mark of 137 looks very fair.

Kateson is more exposed than most of these and lacks the intrigue of a fair few, however, he threatened to bounce back when third two starts back and probably ran up to that level when a distant second at Chepstow last time. Proven on most types of going and three pounds below his last winning mark, he makes plenty of appeal for the places though he will probably require at least a couple of misfires for anything better.

Espirit Du Large completely lost his form before showing more when second at Exeter earlier in the month and could build upon that although the vote is handed to Stellar Magic with Garry Clermont looking the biggest danger.

STELLAR MAGIC (WIN)

Written by Chris Connolly

14:00 Haydock

A Grade 2 race that looks, on paper at least, to be between the odds on favourite Tommy’s Oscar and Olly Murphy’s veteran Hunters Call. The former arrives here on the back of three solid victories, is a prolific winner over this trip, gets on really well with jockey Danny McMenamin and has conditions to suit so it’s no real surprise to see him head the market.

The latter also arrives in excellent form having won well at Bangor in November and followed up with a super effort when just a length back in third in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in December. Both his trainer and jockey are in superb form, however the one niggling doubt I have is the ground as all career wins have come on good to soft or good ground so despite being loathe to tip such a short priced runner in this instance I cannot see past Tommy’s Oscar for the victory.

TOMMY’S OSCAR (WIN)

Written by Dean Kilbryde

14:20 Ascot

A return to this longer three mile trip should bring about much needed improvement for Molly Ollys Wishes after a very disappointing performance last time out. The eight year old is unbeaten over this trip and I certainly expect a better performance this time around. That being said it’s hard to ignore the Irish raider My Sister Sarah. Another eight year old who’s also been competing over various trips but has a solid record over today’s distance. A former winner over here in the UK when claiming a dominant victory at Kempton two starts back. That should stand her in good stead for her return visit to England and to me looks the one to beat.

The likes of Western Victory and Anythingforlove deserve respect however at a price it’s Empressive Lady that I fear most. A great performance when a clear victor last time out and although she’d need to improve markedly looks a tad overpriced.

MY SISTER SARAH (WIN)

Written by Rory Paddock

14:35 Haydock

The Peter Marsh Chase is the highlight of Haydock card this Saturday.

Remastered you could argue was very close to winning the Ladbrokes Trophy had he not fallen. Although he came 2nd last time out at Haydock shows it hasnt left its mark. Remastered is down to a nice weight of 10 Stone 7 Pounds. Will be in contention at the finish for sure.

Royale Pagaille a Gold Cup runner last year. Has had a disruptive campaign this season. With injury missing the Kinge George. He did run in the Betfair Chase where he ran 2nd on good ground which wouldn't have been to his liking. Won this race last year with a commanding display. The ground is described as soft which is what he likes soft conditions. However, it has been a dry week that would slightly concern me. Plus, carrying top weight here and 7 pounds higher than winning this last year it won't be easy. Still, you don't get entered into a gold cup unless you have some class about you.

Kalooki at the price is interesting. But can be very erratic with his jumping and isn't the most consistent. Sam Brown has been well supported was much bigger than the current 10/1 at the time of writing so connections must think he will go well.

Empire Steel was going ever so well before falling at Wetherby on Boxing day he would be my first selection. Although slightly out of the weights. Empire Steel absolutely thrashed Protektorat at Kelso last year. Protektorat is talked up as a potential gold cup challenger this year as well. That form alone looks incredibly strong now. Won't mind the ground here at Haydock either and along with a low weight. Certainly, has an advantage here. Would be one of my selections providing the fall last time out hasnt left its mark.

The other is Haydock specialist Lord Du Mensil. He has run 4 times here and has won 3 and finished 2nd in his other race here. Clearly likes this track and all those races were on Heavy or Soft ground. I think it's a little daft to rule him out here. Where he is a double figure price (At the time of writing) and some bookies paying 4 places. Despite holding a big weight compared to others in the field. I think Lord Du Mensil holds a really good each way chance. Haydock doesn't suit every horse and the fact only 3 other horses in the field have won at the course and distance could prove key here.

EMPIRE STEEL (WIN)

Written by Luke Tucker

14:55 Ascot

Palmers Hill has won two handicap chases so far this season and bids to make it a third here. Not many miles on the clock for this nine year old gelding, but he does have a decent strike rate. You get the feeling that this horse has plenty of ability but has maybe had some physical issues in the past hence his lack of racecourse appearances. There could be more to come from this horse, but a rise in the ratings and up in class, this could be a much tougher assignment than when rolling over a soft touch last time.

Killer Clown got back on the winning trail last time at Wincanton, comfortably beating an average field in a first time tongue tie. If in the same form, he’s certainly not weighted out of things.

The selection is Fanion D’Estruval. He already has some smart form to his name, finishing last season in the Ryanair chase at the festival (albeit outclassed). He made an eye catching return at Aintree when looking likely to be tailed off until thundering home to finish fourth. Without making a mistake next time out he was a comfortable winner over an ok field at Newbury. Despite going up eight pounds for that success he has a very competent rider in Lucy Turner which negates that rise in the handicap. He should just prove too classy for this field.

FANION D’ESTRUVAL (WIN)

Written by Matt Polley

15:15 Taunton

This is a fascinating Grade 2 contest for the stayers. Yala Enki has won this race for the last two years on slow ground and is coming off a fantastic win at Cheltenham. He’s got a lot going for him and will be hard to beat here.

He will presumably face a battle for the lead here though as the likeable grey Ramses De Teilee may take him on although interestingly he benefited from hold up tactics to beat Yala Enki a few years back. He has form questions to answer but could be a player if on song.

Another who has questions to answer is Elegant Escape. He has had a few runs back now after a lengthy layoff and though he travelled well to a point in the Welsh National, he will need to be at his best to take this and there are safer options at his price. Interestingly, he would benefit massively if the two fore-mentioned horses take each other on.

Full Back is not out of it but has a lot to find on official ratings as does Coup De Pinceau.

I’m going with Yala Enki as he is in-form, has conditions to suit and has won this race for the last two years and looks a solid bet bidding for his hat-trick

YALA ENKI (WIN)

Written by Tom Bates

15:35 Ascot

A race that’s being billed as the National Hunt version of Grundy v Bustino, certainly a top drawer event for the middle of the National Hunt season. There has been chasing rivalries before but this race has the potential to spark an era defining rivalry for years to come. Shishkin v Energumene clashing sets up a potentially fascinating round two at Cheltenham. Last years reigning champion, First Flow and course specialist Amoola Gold making for a striking quartet.

As mentioned above, First Flow won this race last year beating Politologue by seven lengths. He wasn’t at his best in both Champion Chase’s subsequently but bounced back to form on his seasonal reappearance in the Peterborough Chase. He’s respected and he adds a degree of experience against the young guns but even Kim Bailey’s “Golden Boy” will have to raise his game today.

Energumene has won all five of his starts over chase fences, the most recent of which came from an eight length demolition job at Cork. He’s done absolutely nothing wrong and will enjoy the right handed track at Ascot. The sky’s the limit for him and his upside is nothing short of astronomical. The only major disadvantage he has against Shishkin is that although only one pounds separates them on the rating, Energumene has a stone and a half to make up on Shishkin, when you factor in the speed figures.

Shishkin is the home favourite and as just mentioned, he has the speed advantage over Energumene. That being said, the Irish challenger is the stiffest task that Shishkin has faced

as of yet and himself to Energumene. Although Mr Mullins has a nice record in this race, training the great Un De Sceaux to victory three years on the bounce, Mr Henderson has made a habit of winning this race with his star two mile chasers, with Sprinter Sacre and Altior both claiming victory in the last decade. I personally think that Shishkin will edge Energumene today but this race is more than betting, it’s a classic that you should just sit back and enjoy.

SHISHKIN (WIN)

Written by Kieran McHugh