One horse, one trainer, one jockey and one race to watch on Saturday

Horse

The undoubted star of the show on Saturday is the red-hot Sporting Life Arkle favourite Shishkin, who is aiming to maintain his perfect record over fences in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase (1.30).

Last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner has been immensely impressive in two comfortable victories at Kempton this campaign, including when taking the Grade 2 Wayward Lad over Christmas.

Saturday cards

Comparisons have been made with Henderson’s other superstar two milers Sprinter Sacre and Altior and another win here would see him go off a very short price to follow in their footsteps in the Arkle in March.

Jockey

Apprentice Laura Pearson has been one of the stars of the winter all-weather scene and she gets a chance to shine in front of a big audience as the ITV cameras venture to Lingfield in lieu of Cheltenham’s Trials day.

Pearson heads the all-weather champion apprentice standings with 22 winners and has four chances to add her winter tally on Saturday, including with the John Ryan-trained Catch My Breath in the Class 3 mile handicap (3.30), who makes a significant step up in grade in his bid for a hat-trick.

She also rides Dawn Treader in the 1m2f handicap (12.00), the Richard Fahey-trained Patsy Fagan in the 7f handicap (1.45) and Shaqeeqa in the closing mile handicap (4.05).

Trainer

Nicky Henderson's grasp on his champion trainer crown appears to be slipping, but he looks poised for a bumper day at Doncaster on Saturday where he holds leading claims in the card's three Grade 2 contests.

A safe round of jumping should be enough for Shishkin in the Lightning Novices' Chase (1.30) before the master of Seven Barrows runs market principles Floressa and Marie's Rock in the Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle (2.05).

Emir Sacree (near): ready winner at Ascot on his yard debutCredit: Edward Whitaker

The last of Henderson's four runners is Emir Sacree in the River Don Novices' Hurdle (2.40). The seven-year-old, recruited from France, won on his first start for the yard at Ascot in December and could emerge as a contender for what looks a wide-open Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Race

Cap Du Nord is a hot favourite for the Listed Sky Bet Handicap Chase (3.15) at Doncaster with the form of his second behind Royale Pagaille at Kempton over Christmas receiving a huge boost by the winner's performance in the Peter Marsh Chase last weekend.

Christian Williams (left) and Jack Tudor: combine with Sky Bet Chase favourite Cap Du NordCredit: Edward Whitaker

Cap Du Nord locks horns again with Canelo, who he beat in the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase on good ground at Newbury in November, while One For The Team, Musical Slave and Aye Right are big contenders in a competitive field.

Yorkhill could be an intriguing runner after his 66-1 triumph in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November.

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