ITV Racing tips: one key runner from each of the nine races on ITV on Saturday
1.15 Kelso
bet365 Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, 2m5½f
An error four out ended Bill Baxter's bid for a hat-trick at Hereford in January and he seeks to get back to winning ways here, while Castle Rushen is another looking for better luck than his previous run. Sholokjack looks the one to beat, however, and could kick off a strong afternoon for Dan Skelton.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: SHOLOKJACK
Up 11lb for his easy Lingfield win but he has the potential to deal with that
1.30 Doncaster
Virgin Bet Cheltenham Festival Money Back Handicap Chase, 2m½f
Scottish Champion Chase winner Pay The Piper bids to follow up for the small team of Ann Hamilton and takes on Calico, who was last seen finishing behind Jonbon in a two-horse race at Warwick. Xcitations, who is the sole runner of the day for Pam Sly, is another likely to be involved under a first ride by Sam Twiston-Davies.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: MACKENBURG
Didn't jump well enough last time but ran well in competitive C&D race two starts ago
1.50 Kelso
bet365 Morebattle Hurdle, 2m
A £100,000 bonus is on offer for any horse who can claim this feature contest and follow up at the Cheltenham Festival and there are several likely candidates hoping to achieve the feat. Emmet Mullins secured the double two years ago with The Shunter and saddles favourite Mctigue, while L'Eau Du Sud and Teddy Blue represent the British challenge and could head for the County next.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: DEERE MARK
Travelled well to win on handicap debut and could have plenty more left in the tank
2.10 Newbury
BetVictor Non-Runner-No-Bet At Cheltenham Seniors' Handicap Hurdle, 2m4½f
Harry Derham sends his first runners to Newbury and could return successful with Dargiannini, who scored on his most recent start in January. His attempt could be spoiled by Bold Plan, who returns to defend his victory from last year, while course-debutant Jay Bee Why could factor.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: DARGIANNINI
Useful good-ground form for previous yard; overpowered rivals back hurdling latest (2m4f)
2.25 Kelso
bet365 Premier Novices' Hurdle, Grade 2, 2m2f
Quick ground has brought out the return of Accidental Rebel, who makes his first start since winning the Persian War in October in this Grade 2 contest. Tolworth third Nemean Lion sets the standard on recent form and Feronily makes a notable debut over hurdles after placing at Graded level last month.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: NEMEAN LION
Third in the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown last time and has leading claims
2.45 Newbury
BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase, 2m4f
Paint The Dream is a warm order to claim yet another success in the Greatwood Gold Cup for Fergal O'Brien as he seeks to claim his fourth course victory at Newbury. Denman Chase winner Zanza will oppose him alongside Sebastopol, who makes his first start since cruising to Graded victory in novice company in November.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: PAINT THE DREAM
3-3 over fences at Newbury, including an easy win in this race last year; respected
3.00 Kelso
bet365 Handicap Hurdle, 2m5f
Nells Son scored at the meeting last year and returns for this handicap for Nicky Richards, who won the previous renewal with Famous Bridge. He takes on a fiercely in-form field, with Clay Rogers and Well Educated seeking a four-timer and Dancewiththewind and Santos Blue on the hunt for a hat-trick.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: MAHONS GLORY
Eyecatching headway before fading in 3m Grade 2 novice; interesting now back down in trip
3.15 Doncaster
Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase, 3m2f
Last year's winner Undersupervision returns on the same mark to defend his title in this valuable handicap after being unseated last time out in the Sky Bet Chase. Cooper's Cross, who triumphed in Undersupervision's absence that day, returns on a 5lb higher mark and faces the consistent Castle Robin and topweight Does He Know.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: COOPER'S CROSS
5lb higher today but makes plenty of appeal judged on his C&D win five weeks ago
3.35 Kelso
bet365 Premier Chase, Listed, 2m7½f
Dan Skelton's Grand National hope Le Milos looks to continue his unbeaten run this season and takes on another Kelso winner in The Shunter, who completed the Morebattle-festival double two years ago. With the absence of Zanza, the pair face just two other rivals in course-and-distance winner Empire Steel and stalwart veteran Wishing And Hoping.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: LE MILOS
Made it 2-2 for this yard when winning the Coral Gold Cup; strong claims on that form
ITV7 tips and predictions
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Race 1, 1.50 KELSO: DEERE MARK
Race 2, 2.10 NEWBURY: DARGIANNINI
Race 3, 2.25 KELSO: NEMEAN LION
Race 4, 2.45 NEWBURY: PAINT THE DREAM
Race 5, 3.00 KELSO: MAHONS GLORY
Race 6, 3,15 DONCASTER: COOPER'S CROSS
Race 7, 3.35 KELSO: LE MILOS
Saturday's previews:
1.50 Kelso: 'I hope his mark is a nice one' - who fancies their Morebattle Hurdle chances?
2.45 Newbury: 'He's down to 135 and retains loads of ability' - Greatwood Gold Cup quotes
3.35 Kelso: 'This is a perfect race for him' - Grand National clues in Premier Chase
Do you want £200+ of free bets for Cheltenham? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
Published on inPreviews
Last updated
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