ITV Racing runners: who could run at Newbury and Newcastle this Saturday?

Saturday's action on ITV is an enthralling mix of speed and stamina with excellent cards at Newcastle and Newbury. For those who like speed, the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle fits the bill, while top-quality chasers do battle at Newbury in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Saturday, November 27: racecards and betting

ITV Racing: Saturday schedule

1.15 Newbury
Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase, 2m6½f

1.30 Newcastle
Betfair Daily Rewards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, 2m7½f

Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Today Handicap Hurdle, 2m4½f

2.05 Newcastle
Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed), 2m7½f

2.25 Newbury
Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Intermediate Hurdle (Listed), 2m½f

3.00 Newbury
Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (Grade 3 handicap), 3m2f

3.15 Newcastle
Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m

3.35 Newbury
Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Chase, 2m½f

Big-race breakdown: Saturday's races

Star horse

Dame De Compagnie

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival over hurdles in 2020 but did not hit the heights over fences last season. She could bid to recapture her old form.

What happened last year

Cap Du Nord took advantage off bottom weight to score for Christian Williams and Jack Tudor, defeating Canelo, who could be in action later on the card in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

1.30 Newcastle: Betfair Daily Rewards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Star horse

Valleres

Intriguing prospect over fences having progressed nicely over hurdles last season. Good third on chasing debut last time and can improve again.

What happened last year

The Ferry Master won for Sandy Thomson and Ryan Mania and would go on to have an excellent campaign, finishing fourth in the Scottish Grand National.

1.50 Newbury: Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Today Handicap Hurdle

Star horse

Calva D'Auge

Has won his last four starts over hurdles and could bid for a five-timer here for Paul Nicholls. Should he win off a mark of 146 then sterner challenges could await.

What happened last year

Nicholls had to settle for second last year as the Dan Skelton-trained Flash The Steel denied Amour De Nuit.

2.05 Newcastle: Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed)

Star horse

Dingo Dollar

Scottish Grand National runner-up should strip fitter for last month's run at Kelso and could take on some familiar rivals.

What happened last year

Veteran Yorkhill rolled back the years on his second start for Sandy Thomson, having previously been a Grade 1 winner with Willie Mullins.

Metier: could return to action on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Star horse

Metier

Winner of the Tolworth last season and then a leading fancy for the Supreme, in which he finished seventh. Harry Fry's star hurdler could make his return here.

What happened last year

Nicky Henderson has won this race for the last two seasons, with Floressa scoring last year. She went on to finish sixth in the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

3.00 Newbury: Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (Grade 3 Handicap)

Star horse

Cloth Cap

Last season's winner of the race will need more off a bigger weight and could face some classy Irish opposition in what should be a thrilling race.

What happened last year

Cloth Cap announced himself as a Grand National contender with victory for Jonjo O'Neill and Tom Scudamore, although he failed to deliver at Aintree in the spring.

3.15 Newcastle: Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1)

Star horse

Epatante

Twelve months ago the mare started her season in the best possible fashion when winning this and the Champion Hurdle will be her main aim again this term.

What happened last year

Epatante defeated Sceau Royal, although the race was more memorable due to Oh So Sleepy's antics at the start, when he unseated at the first flight with Silver Streak badly hampered.

3.35 Newbury: Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Chase

Star horse

Gumball

A very useful hurdler who is unexposed over fences and also with new connections, having joined Fergal O'Brien from Philip Hobbs. Already a winner on the Flat for O'Brien, he could have more to offer.

What happened last year

Hobbs enjoyed success courtesy of Zanza, who didn't quite kick on last term but has run two excellent races in the Haldon Gold Cup and Paddy Power Gold Cup this season.

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