TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

13:50 Uttoxeter It’s not often that we get to see a Class 5 handicap on ITV but that’s exactly what we’re presented with in our first of four races from Uttoxeter. Uttoxeter’s ubique course means that course form counts for a lot and after a second placed finish here previously Mizo looks the one to beat. A horse who handles soft conditions and has the most experienced jockey in the race up top it wouldn’t take much for Mozo to go one better this time. Of her rivalsHollow Park will be worth a second glance after a recent wind operation and if that can spark some sort of improvement could be the one to follow the favourite home. Mozo (WIN)

14:05 Kempton Only a small field for the first of three races we’re covering from Kempton this afternoon. Former course winner Kayf Blanco has been pretty consistent this term with third or second placed finishes in al of his last five starts. Unfortunately he looks set to play second fiddle once again with the ever progressive Copain De Classe looking like a tough but to crack. Yes he only beat one rival on his previous outing but representing the powerful yard of Paul Nicholls gives this lightly raced six year old credibility and looks highly likely to make it successive victories. Deauville Dancer has a hefty weight to carry but enlisting the services of Noel Fehily is a huge positive and has enough in the locker to trouble Kayf Blanco for second spot. Copain De Classe (WIN) – NAP

14:25 Uttoxeter Native River claimed the big race yesterday but sadly it looks like the closely named Big River may have to play second fiddle here at Uttoxeter. Trainer Lucinda Russell has bagged a handful of winners recently and there’s no doubt Big River will be primed for the run however I’m siding with his nearest rival. The third placed finish Behind Time put in looks better form than Big River’s most recent success. Both horses will handle the testing going but of the two main protagonists it’s the one adorned in the illustrious silks of JP McManus that gets the vote. Behind Time (WIN)

14:40 Kempton Zubayr is a horse I pinpointed for a good season way back in October but sadly he’s not lived up to his earlier promise. This looks a much easier task than he’s been tackling but he’s so inconsistent he’s hard to side with. I wouldn’t be shocked if he put in a bold showing but is left with a watching brief. Kidisart had put up very encouraging performances prior to his fifth placed finish last time and if he can return to his previous form is bound to be challenging. I couldn’t put people off backing Kidisart entirely however it’s very interesting to see veteran jockey Paddy Brennan riding for trainer Dan Skelton. Stick To The Plan has been raced sparingly this term and may have more to give than most of his rivals today. A fifth placed finish in a hotly contested Pertemps Qualifier was followed up by a decent second placed finish at Market Rasen. Far from a guaranteed victor here an each way chance is still taken on a horse that looks to have plenty of room to grow. Stick To The Plan (E/W)

15:00 Uttoxeter Although we are yet to take in the Midlands National it’s actually this race that has been the hardest to decipher with at least five making my initial shortlist. The likes of Fleminport, Overtown Express, Du Soleil and Cave Top all have a worthy chance and cases can be made for any of the aforementioned quartet. However Applesandpierres is the one that managed to rise to the top of our pecking order. A horse that rarely runs a bad race despite not being a prolific winner his second placed finish over today’s course and distance looks like noteworthy form. That was followed by another second placed effort behind a progressive type trained by Paul Nicholls. A return to a further distance, at a course he clearly acts at and on ground he’s able to handle makes him worth backing in a race where any result wouldn’t really come as an almighty shock. Applesandpierres (E/W)

15:15 Kempton Kemptons big race of the day is their annual Silver Bowl. A chase just short of 2m5f where this years likely favourite Kilcrea Valebids to go one better than his previous race at Ascot. A talented horse who’s been tried in some tough contests but it’s hard to side with him having not claimed victory since a four runner contest in February 2017. A likely player but an each way alternative looks the preferred option. Such an option has lead me to opt for Favorito Buck’s. A horse that has been really inconsistent that tends to mix good few runs with some quite dire efforts finally put it all together to win over course and distance last time out. Wether he’ll continue that form is really hard to judge but a chance is taken that off a low weight Paul Nicholls may have unlocked the key to his success. Favorito Buck’s (E/W)

15:35 Uttoxeter The marquee race of the afternoon is the annual running of the Midlands Grand National where this year we’re set to see eighteen set to tackle the marathon trip. A trainer synonymous with area nationals is the Welsh Wizard Kerry Lee who saddles three in the race. If the betting is anything to go by Alfie Spinner has the best chance of the trio but it’s actually course winner Krackatoa King who looks very interesting. A four stayer who acts well at Uttoxeter and has multiple Grand National winning jockey Leighton Aspell in the saddle points to a promising run. Fellow Welsh trainer Evan Williams also has a chance of claiming today’s big prize with Billy Bronco a potential player. A lightly raced chaser who seems to progress with every step up in trip. Another leap in distance there’s no guarantee that today’s conditions will suit but previous form has pointed him in the right direction and with both horses at big prices a chance is taken on the pair doing far better than the odds compilers think. Krackatoa King (E/W) Billy Bronco (E/W)