'It's a big picture matter' - Saturday's ITV action blighted by small fields

The issue of small field sizes in jump racing will come sharply into focus again on Saturday, with several of the biggest races on terrestrial television attracting just a handful of runners despite underfoot conditions easing considerably over the last few days.

Only five runners have been declared for Haydock’s Grade 1 Betfair Chase, shown live on ITV, including Cheltenham Gold Cup hero A Plus Tard, while the graduation chase at the track has attracted just four contenders.

A maximum of 19 runners will fill the three ITV-televised races at Ascot, with five set to line up in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle, headed by Constitution Hill.