Saturday's free racing tips: our expert verdicts on Cheltenham's big races

Handicappers' nap

Ashtown Lad (2.25 Cheltenham)

Big improver up in trip last time to earn an RPR of 136, which sets the standard here. Last five winners of this race have an average of around 142 so he will need to improve again but that looks within his compass.
Steve Mason

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Ace tipster

Good Boy Bobby (1.50 Cheltenham)

Appeals as just the type for a big-field handicap and well treated on his novice run at this meeting last year.
Keith Melrose

Newmarket nap

Dublin Pharaoh (2.55 Newcastle)

Showed that this track and trip were his bag when scoring last time and fancied to follow up after some decent work on the Al Bahathri.
David Milnes

Speed figures

Ballyandy (3.00 Cheltenham)

Just denied in this race 12 months ago and has found one too good in both starts this term. Timewise his best two figures have been in his two most recent starts and he richly deserves to get his head in front.
Dave Edwards

Spotlight nap

Windsor Avenue (1.50 Cheltenham)

Hit the deck on final start as a novice chaser last season but got round safely and stuck on well for second at Carlisle on reappearance, only beaten by the fast-improving Imperial Aura. Could prove very well treated off unchanged mark on handicap debut.
Richard Austen

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Dark horse

Midnight Shadow (1.50 Cheltenham)

This Grade 2 winner appeared to need the run after an eight month lay-off at Aintree and can bounce back here off a winnable mark under ideal conditions.
Neil McCabe

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Saturday tips from our experts

Tom Segal with a Caspian Caviar fancy who is 'thrown in on the pick of his form'

'I'm sure he's incredibly well handicapped' – get Paul Kealy's big-race fancies

Kevin Morley believes unpenalised runners hold the key to International Hurdle

Paul Kealy's must-have banker at Doncaster on Saturday

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Saturday afternoon

Unexposed second-season chaser seems just right type for Caspian Caviar

Our Irish expert thinks Elliott improver can strike in hot Fairyhouse handicap

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