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

Trainer

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls will likely play a key role in proceedings on Saturday with 12 runners at Ascot and Haydock.

Leading protagonists include Next Destination in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase (3.00) and Master Tommytucker in the Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (2.05).

However, all eyes will be on Bravemansgame who will look to maintain his flawless start to life over fences in the 2m5½f Graduation Chase (1.50).

The Ballymore third made an impressive chasing debut when beating Fusil Raffles at Newton Abbot with the form significantly boosted when the runner-up landed the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase on his next start.

Jockey

Rex Dingle will partner Dashel Drasher for the first time in the Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (2.05) in what could be the biggest win of the rider's career.

Dingle will be looking to maintain the eight-year-old's unbeaten record at the course which includes last season’s Grade 1 Ascot Chase when steered by regular rider Matt Griffiths, who remains in hospital after being involved in a car accident.

Horse

Defi Du Seuil's last victory came at Ascot in 2020 when he landed the 2m1f Grade 1 Clarence House Chase. The eight-year-old then endured a below-par season with his trainer Philip Hobbs keen to "forget last season and move on."

A return to the Berkshire track and a step up in trip could spark a revival in form as he lines up for the 2m5f Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (2.05), Hobbs added: "It’s worth remembering when he was a novice he won at the Cheltenham Festival over two and a half miles and I’ve always thought he’d go further."

Defi Du Seuil: makes his seasonal reappearance in the Chanelle Pharma 1965 ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Race

Paul Nicholls has won the Betfair Chase (3.00) six times, including four with the legendary chaser Kauto Star, and he sends out Next Destination in search of win number seven.

The Haydock showpiece has attracted its biggest field since 2014 with Gold Cup runner-up A Plus Tard, three-time winner Bristol De Mai, Cheltenham Festival winner Imperial Aura and Grade 1 winner Waiting Patiently on his stable debut for Christian Williams all adding to a compelling line-up.

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