ITV Racing tips: one key runner from each of the eight races on ITV4 on Saturday

1.15 Ascot
Matchbook Betting Podcast Mares' Hurdle, 2m7½f, Grade 2

The 2019 Mares' Hurdle heroine has marked herself out as a strong Stayers' Hurdle contender this season and bids for success back among her own sex in this Grade 2 contest.

The nine-year-old was an impressive winner of the West Yorkshire Hurdle in October and was not disgraced when a gallant third behind Paisley Park and Thyme Hill in last month's Long Walk at the track.

On form and ratings, the Dan Skelton-trained mare is clear of her four rivals, but she faces a tough task against 2019 Grand National second Magic Of Light, who bids for a hat-trick in the race.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: ROKSANA

Third in the Long Walk here last time and that gives her standout claims at this level

Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle, 1m7½f, Grade 2

Tom Symonds has enjoyed a prolific season and his fortunes could be increased with Llandinabo Lad, who aims to back up an impressive Listed victory over course and distance in November.

A four-and-a-quarter-length winner on Betfair Chase day, Llandinabo Lad was far from disgraced when second in a similar Grade 2 contest at Ascot on his latest start and is fancied to get back to winning ways.

Tom Symonds: enjoying a stellar season and bids for Grade 2 glory with Llandinabo LadCredit: Edward Whitaker

He faces progressive duo Minella Drama and Nada To Prada, who was a Listed winner at the track last month.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: LLANDINABO LAD

C&D Listed winner who was 2nd in Ascot Grade 2 latest; leading claims despite top weight

Matchbook Better Way To Bet Holloway's Handicap Hurdle, 2m3½f, Grade 3

Danny Kirwan has always been held in high regard by Paul Nicholls and bids to make his handicap debut a winning one in this competitive contest.

The eight-year-old has had a stop-start career, but did get off the mark over hurdles over course and distance in November before finding Grade 2 company too strong at Cheltenham last time.

This looks to be equally tough for him, however, with the classy Janika and the unexposed Lightly Squeezed among the opposition.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: PADDYS MOTORBIKE

Maiden and novice wins for new yard; back into handicap off what looks a competitive mark

Saturday's free tipping:

Paul Kealy's banker at Haydock on Saturday

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

Saturday's free racing tips: our expert team pinpoint their best bets

Weatherbys Portman Cup Chase, 3m4½f

Yala Enki has been a mainstay in top staying handicap chases and bids to win this contest for the second year in succession following his gallant third in the Welsh Grand National this month.

The 11-year-old won by a five-and-a-half lengths from Rock The Kasbah 12 months ago and while he has not won since, he has run some admirable races, including last time behind Secret Reprieve at Chepstow.

He races against his rivals off level weights, but faces a formidable rival in Grade 1-winning hurdler If The Cap Fits, who was third in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase last month.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: YALA ENKI

Very smart staying handicapper; won this in 2020; as good as ever this season

2.40 HaydockPeter Marsh Handicap Chase, 3m1½f, Grade 2

Royale Pagaille has been one of the revelations of the season and bids to continue his rapid progress in this Grade 2 handicap chase.

The Susannah Ricci-owned chaser, who has been given a Cheltenham Gold Cup entry, took time to get his act together for Venetia Williams, but has won on both starts this season, including an easy success at Kempton over Christmas.

Rich Ricci: leading owner could have a Gold Cup dark horse in Royal PagailleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He remains an unexposed prospect and victory could see him become a live contender for top-level races.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: SMOOTH STEPPER

Won good h'cap here last February and can be excused last month's defeat (National fences)

bet365 Handicap Chase, 2m5f

A race won by Cyrname in 2019, there may not be horses of his calibre this year, but Dashel Drasher aims to back up his recent graduation chase success over course and distance last month.

While that was only a three-runner race, he dispatched classy rivals Itchy Feet and Caribean Boy in impressive fashion.

Dashel Drasher reverts to handicap company in a race featuring fellow course winners Benny's King and Capeland.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: DASHEL DRASHER

Beat higher-rated rivals in C&D graduation chase five weeks ago; now 2-2 at Ascot

The New One Unibet Hurdle, 1m7½f, Grade 2

Disappointingly, only three runners have been declared for this Grade 2 contest, but all eyes will be on dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D'Air, who makes his eagerly anticipated return.

The eight-time Grade 1 winner has not run since suffering a shock defeat to Cornerstone Lad in the 2019 Fighting Fifth Hurdle, in which he sustained a freak injury after a piece of wood was embedded in his off-fore hoof.

This will be a crucial test to determine whether he fully retains his high-class ability but it will be no walk in the park on deep ground against last year's winner Ballyandy and the progressive Navajo Pass.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: BUVEUR D'AIR

Dual Champion Hurdle winner; back from absence; won't need to be at his very best

Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase, 2m1f, Grade 1

The dashing grey had his day in the sun when winning last season's Champion Chase and bids to cement his status as a leading contender for that race again in a star-studded running of the Clarence House Chase.

The Paul Nicholls-trained ten-year-old emphatically landed the Champion Chase under Harry Skelton and was terrific again in the Tingle Creek on his seasonal return with that rider on board.

Harry Cobden takes over from Harry Skelton (pictured) on Politologue at AscotCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

However, Skelton is replaced by Harry Cobden, with a view to Nicholls' stable jockey riding the John Hales-owned Politologue in his Cheltenham defence.

This stepping stone is by no means a penalty kick, though, with King George second Waiting Patiently and six-time Grade 1 winner Defi Du Seuil, who needs to get his career back on track, among his rivals.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: WAITING PATIENTLY

Second in the King George on comeback; this stiff test at the trip will suit; respected

ITV7 tips and predictions

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Race 1, 1.15 Ascot:ROKSANA
Race 2, 1.35 Taunton:TORCELLO
Race 3, 1.50 Ascot:PADDYS MOTORBIKE
Race 4, 2.10 Taunton:YALA ENKI
Race 5, 2.45 Taunton:THIBAULT
Race 6, 3.00 Ascot:DASHEL DRASHER
Race 7, 3.35 Ascot:WAITING PATIENTLY

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Saturday's race previews:

1.15 Ascot: Roksana standing in the way of Magic Of Light's hat-trick bid

1.50 Ascot: can highly regarded Arrivederci repay punters' faith with first big-race win?

1.57 Navan: 'She likes going left-handed and she relishes real heavy ground'

2.15 Taunton: 'It's the perfect race for him' – Paul Nicholls eyeing repeat win for Yala Enki

2.40 Haydock: can Royale Pagaille defy top weight and prove a Grade 1 horse in a handicap?

3.00 Ascot: Dashel Drasher might struggle to dominate with front-runners aplenty

3.15 Haydock: Paul Kealy evaluates Buveur D'Air's long-awaited return in Grade 2

3.35 Ascot: Politologue, Waiting Patiently and Defi Du Seuil clash in special Clarence House

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