One key runner for each of the six ITV4 races at Ascot and Haydock on Saturday

Mengli Khan
1.50 Ascot
"For The Love Of Racing" Handicap Chase, 2m3f

Mengli Khan never managed to build on the promise he showed when winning a Grade 1 as a novice hurdler for Gordon Elliott and he now starts a new chapter for Nicky Henderson. The former Gigginstown House Stud star bolted up in a conditions chase at Ballinrobe on his last start for Elliott and it will be interesting to see what his new trainer can do with him.

Saturday tips from our experts:

Pricewise: Tom Segal with an Ascot tip 'more than capable of winning off his revised mark' (Members' Club subscribers)

Paul Kealy with six value Saturday bets following two winners last weekend (Members' Club subscribers)

Big-race Trends: Long Distance Hurdle the best pointer to success in Long Walk (Members' Club subscribers)

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

Paul Kealy's must-have banker at Haydock on Saturday

Saturday's free racing tips: expert selections from our top team

Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle, 2m3f

Although he ran well in defeat over fences last season, Albert's Back's record of three wins from four hurdle starts suggests he is better suited to this discipline. The Mick Easterby-trained six-year-old returned with a decisive victory at Wetherby last time and second-placed Haafapiece was in the process of franking the form when falling at the final flight at Cheltenham last week.

Thyme Hill: a leading contender in the Long WalkCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Thyme Hill
2.25 Ascot
Porsche Long Walk Hurdle, 3m½f

Thyme Hill was Britain's best novice hurdler over longer trips last season and became the new kid on the staying hurdle block by winning last month's Long Distance Hurdle on his first run in open company. He dismissed 2019 Stayers' Hurdle hero Paisley Park by a length and a half at Newbury, but his reopposing rivals is 3lb better off this time and he will need to be right at the top of his game again.

Hill Sixteen
2.40 Haydock
Betfair Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase, 3m1½f

Always held in high regard by previous trainer Sue Smith, Hill Sixteen has started to fulfil his potential with back-to-back wins since joining Nigel Twiston-Davies in September. Bought for £46,000 at Trevor Hemmings' dispersal sale to race for the Million In Mind Partnership, the seven-year-old races off a 12lb higher chase mark than his 46-length win on debut for his new connections at Ffos Las – on similarly heavy ground – and still looks an unexposed young stayer.

Regal Encore
3.00 Ascot
Good Luck Hollie In Spoty Silver Cup Handicap Chase, 3m

The veteran chaser might be rising 13 but he comes alive at Ascot and is set to bid for a third win in this race following victories in 2016 and 2019. Winner over course and distance four times in total, Regal Encore handles testing ground and should fare much better than when pulled up in the Ladbrokes Trophy last time at a track where he has registered seven of his top nine Racing Post Ratings.

Betfair Exchange Trophy, 1m7½f

Not So Sleepy will be looking to redeem himself after a wayward display in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth when he ducked out at the first, unseated his rider and then carried out the unfortunate Silver Streak. The Hughie Morrison-trained dual-purpose performer is a risky proposition on those antics, but as he showed in two solid runs on the Flat before Newcastle and also when winning this race by nine lengths 12 months ago, he's a serious talent on his day and could make a mockery of his inflated odds.

All of Saturday's previews and analysis:

'It's testing but I've known it a lot worse' – Ascot going eases to heavy

Heavyweights battle for staying supremacy in star-studded Long Walk Hurdle (Members' Club subscribers)

Why Long Walk is a far more complex puzzle than Newbury clash would make it seem (Members' Club subscribers)

'He's got an outstanding chance' – the Saturday Jury on the big-race action (Members' Club subscribers)

'It's not just a rematch' – Johnson and Lavelle wary of Long Walk Hurdle dangers

Caribean Boy and Itchy Feet go head-to-head in graduation chase cracker

Stats suggest quick return for well-regarded Saint Sonnet could be profitable

Venetia Williams' stable staff are off to the races – but as owners

'A real slog' will suit Hill Sixteen in competitive Tommy Whittle Chase

'He's favourite and he deserves to be' – Bridgwater has faith in The Conditional

'Backers of hype horse Buzz are advised to watch his in-running price'

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

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