A key runner to note from each of six ITV races at Ayr and Wolverhampton
After the cancellation of Sandown's Imperial Cup meeting on Saturday, the ITV cameras will be taking action from Ayr and Wolverhampton. Here are key runners worth following in the televised races.
Via Serendipity
1.35 Wolverhampton, Bombardier Golden Beer Lincoln Trial Handicap
Via Serendipity has had a productive winter on the all-weather with two victories in four starts for trainer Stuart Williams. The six-year-old beat three of his reopposing rivals over course and distance last month and although runner-up Fox Power gets a big pull in the weights, he might still prove capable of carrying top weight to victory.
Drumconnor Lad
1.55 Ayr, Tennent's Light Handicap Chase
Drumconnor Lad will start a new chapter for Adrian Keatley when becoming the Classic-winning trainer's first runner since he relocated to the north of England from Ireland. The Malton-based Keatley, who won the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2016 with Jet Setting, could make an instant impact as the ten-year-old landed a big-field handicap at Leopardstown on his last start over Christmas.
2.10 Wolverhampton, Heed Your Hunch At Betway Handicap
Last year's winner Desert Doctor attempts a repeat success at a track where he has form figures of 11212. The prolific all-weather performer, who has posted all seven of his victories on artificial surfaces, returns to the domestic scene after two starts in Dubai since the turn of the year.
2.30 Ayr, Heverlee Mares' Handicap Hurdle
This six-year-old mare goes for a third course win of the season for local trainer Ian Duncan in a nine-runner Northern Lights series qualifier. She ran up to her best when second at Newcastle last time and should be a factor again with conditions to suit.
Urban Icon
2.45 Wolverhampton, Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Lady Wulfruna Stakes
Fourth in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, Urban Icon holds the key to this Listed contest. The Richard Hannon-trained son of Cityscape ran well throughout last year – he was eighth in the 2,000 Guineas – and is likely to be a popular choice on his all-weather debut with Ryan Moore in the saddle.
3.05 Ayr, Tennent's Lager Handicap Hurdle
Whoshotthesheriff returns to calmer waters after contesting two Grade 3 handicaps in the south. The Phil Kirby-trained six-year-old was a good second at Haydock three starts ago and has winning form at the course.
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Last updated
- Morning updates: Stage Star a big market drifter in the December Gold Cup; 'perfect' ground in store at Cheltenham
- 'He could have 12lb up his sleeve and at 5-2 is the best bet anywhere this weekend' - David Jennings on Saturday's action
- 'She should have more to offer and looks overpriced' - Harry Wilson with his ITV tips for Cheltenham and Doncaster
- Watch: Tom Segal and Maddy Playle preview Saturday's big-race action at Cheltenham
- 'He does not seem to know how to run a bad race' - our expert panel assess the weekend racing
- Morning updates: Stage Star a big market drifter in the December Gold Cup; 'perfect' ground in store at Cheltenham
- 'He could have 12lb up his sleeve and at 5-2 is the best bet anywhere this weekend' - David Jennings on Saturday's action
- 'She should have more to offer and looks overpriced' - Harry Wilson with his ITV tips for Cheltenham and Doncaster
- Watch: Tom Segal and Maddy Playle preview Saturday's big-race action at Cheltenham
- 'He does not seem to know how to run a bad race' - our expert panel assess the weekend racing