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

Trainer

There is a theme in all of Saturday's top races – Paul Nicholls has a big contender. His most high-profile runner of the day is Britain's top-rated chaser Cyrname in the mouthwatering Grade 2 Christy 1965 Chase (2.05) at Ascot, a race which looks a match against the phenomenal Altior.

Seven-year-old Cyrname achieved a staggering rating of 176 when scoring in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase last time and many fancy him to end Altior's 19-race unbeaten run.

Elsewhere, Nicholls sends the popular Frodon to tackle Haydock's feature Grade 1 Betfair Chase (3.00). The Ryanair winner takes on a quality field that includes dual winner Bristol De Mai.

The champion trainer is also not short of talent in either of the undercards at those meetings.

At Haydock, Highland Hunter is a leading contender in the Grade 3 handicap hurdle (2.25) on his Ditcheat debut, while recent Plumpton winner Calva D'Auge features in the Listed Newton Novices' Hurdle (12.05).

Meanwhile at Ascot, Diego Du Charmil and Capeland return to the scene of their extraordinary final fence drama at 3.20 before expensive pointers Bravemansgame and Skatman feature in a competitive closing bumper (3.50).

Jockey

Such is the brilliance of Saturday's racing in Britain that superstar mare Laurina has slipped under the radar ahead of her chasing debut at Gowran Park, one of five rides for Paul Townend.

The six-year-old has not been seen since her Champion Hurdle fourth and Townend, who rode her to an astonishing 18-length Mares' Novice romp in 2018, must be excited to be reunited with one of the leading prospects in the novice chasing division.

Laurina: makes her chasing debut at Gowran ParkCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Townend will have to be in top form as she takes on Albert Bartlett winner Minella Indo in what looks a red-hot event.

Before that big ride, Willie Mullins' retained jockey also partners promising chaser Getabird (2.10) and smart youngsters Kid Curry (11.50), Mt Leinster (12.25) and Franco De Port (1.00).

Horse

Many consider the Colin Tizzard-trained Lostintranslation to be one of the future staying stars and he faces a date with destiny in the Betfair Chase at Haydock (3.00).

The seven-year-old made a big impression when scoring at the top-level at Aintree last season, before displaying an emphatic round of jumping when a comfortable winner on his comeback at Carlisle.

Now in open Grade 1 company, Lostintranslation will look to dethrone Haydock specialist Bristol De Mai in a fascinating renewal.

Race

It may only be a Grade 2 but the Christy 1965 Chase (2.05) is the race you just can't miss on Saturday. Altior vs Cyrname; the unprecedented champion defending a record-breaking unbeaten run taking on the hottest new challenger in the game.

Racing fans and pundits alike are undecided between Britain's two top-rated chasers and it promises to be a phenomenal contest. The race is live on ITV and Sky Sports Racing, while you can follow all the coverage at racingpost.com.

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