Seven races can be viewed on ITV this Saturday, with competitive handicaps and Group contests vying for attention. GG tipster Joe Napier has looked at some of the contests, picking out two fancied horses to back and two to lay during the day.
2.10 Chester – Ladbrokes Handicap – LAY Never So Brave
At one point last season it appeared that Never So Brave was going to go on to big things. An easy winner when trained by Sir Michael Stoute at Chester on his second start last term, he followed up with a sixth-placed effort in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
However, he has been winless since, finishing last of ten on his final start for the now-retired Stoute at Ascot. That was only over 6f, which may have been too sharp for him, but he is not obviously well treated continuing off the same mark here on his first start for Andrew Balding. In a 13-runner field, and stall 6 not guaranteed to be the best draw round Chester, he is surely worth opposing despite being one of those more open to improvement.
2.58 Haydock – Betfred Nifty 50 Lester Piggott Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) – BACK Shaha
Estrange might be the filly with the most ability in this field, but both her victories have been on soft ground and the rain does not look like arriving in great enough quantities ahead of Saturday. Equally, 1m4f will be the furthest trip she has faced and while she gives the impression she should stay the distance, the more proven of the joint market leaders is SHAHA.
The daughter of Cracksman relished the step up to 1m4f at Goodwood when getting off the mark at Listed level. That came on good going too, so underfoot conditions also look more in her favour compared to Estrange, while she also looks to hold plenty of the remainder of her rivals on recent efforts.
3.15 York – William Hill Bronte Cup Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) – BACK Term Of Endearment
Both Scenic and Sueno are potential gatecrashers in this staying Group 3, but the established class horse is TERM OF ENDEARMENT, whose Group 2 success from last season is far enough removed that she does not have to carry a penalty here. On what will be her second run since joining William Haggas, she can bounce back to winning form.
She won this last season when with Henry De Bromhead, then followed up at that higher level at Goodwood. Those successes ensured she went off favourite for Group 1 honours at Longchamp in the Prix Royallieu, and while she was only seventh that day, she was not disgraced, being beaten only three lengths. Her return in Dubai was slightly disappointing, but she may have been acclimatising for many reasons and she may be much fitter and readier for this challenge.
3.33 Haydock – Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3) – LAY Audience
Although he is capable of extremely high class efforts on his day, Audience is an extremely volatile performer, either winning impressively or being beaten comfortably. That his last three races have resulted in the latter result makes him an opposable favourite for all he is well clear on ratings.
The six-year-old won the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes last season and also bolted up at Goodwood, but his form tailed off and he was no better on return in Dubai earlier this year. He may bounce back over 7f on these shores, but that is far from guaranteed with him and there are multiple reasonable alternatives to him from a betting perspective.
oking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.