Classic clues, tricky handicaps and big puzzles to solve - Liam Headd dives into a busy day of action

What's the big story?

There will be more Classic clues on offer in the Oaks and Derby trials at Lingfield. Aidan O'Brien has enjoyed a big week of winners and is responsible for the chief players in both races.

The Oaks Trial has been moved to the beginning of the card (1.15), with the Listed contest only managing to attract three runners. Giselle, a Curragh winner for Ballydoyle last year, is odds-on to provide O'Brien with a first victory in the race since Seventh Heaven's success in 2016.

Harpsichord, a course winner on the all-weather last month, and Love Talk are Giselle's two rivals.

1.15 Lingfield: Aidan O'Brien has word of warning for favourite backers as Giselle begins her potential route to the Oaks

3.00 Lingfield: Aidan O'Brien poised to sweep another Derby trial - but British trainer says there is 'plenty to like' about his contender 

The Derby Trial (3.00), thankfully, has a bit more of a competitive edge, but O'Brien is well fancied to take another pot with Puppet Master and Stay True sitting first and second in the betting.

Interestingly, Ryan Moore has opted to ride Ballysax fourth Puppet Master as opposed to Stay True, who he partnered to success on his debut at Leopardstown last month.

The remaining five opponents all have a win under their belts, with Prince Of The Seas and Rahiebb next fancied in the market.

Who wins the Victoria Cup?

Now this is a proper betting race with 18 runners, and there is not much to separate some of the leading contenders.

Myal has been a steady improver for Steph Hollinshead and comes into this on the back of a career-best effort on Racing Post Ratings at Haydock last month. A winner in half of his ten starts, he struck on rattling quick ground at Haydock in August and he will relish conditions.

Those drawn high have had decent success in recent years and his position in stall 19 can be useful.

Myal14:40 Ascot

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Jky: Sam James Tnr: Steph Hollinshead

What's the other highlight?

The Flat season may be in full swing, but there is a decent prize up for grabs over jumps as the Swinton Handicap Hurdle (1.35) features at Haydock. 

The Harry Derham-trained Givemefive, a course-and-distance winner last month, heads a competitive field of 17, with the consistent Our Champ just in behind. 

Leading jumps trainers Nicky Henderson and Alan King are both represented, as is last season's jumps champion runner-up Dan Skelton, who saddles She's A Saint.

What's the best bet of the day?

It is a big day at Ascot and Arnaz is good value to go well in division one of the 6f handicap (5.00) for the in-form Ed Walker.

The Lambourn trainer, who has had seven winners in the past fortnight, saddled this son of Havana Grey to a narrow second at Haydock last month. He finished a head behind the winner, but still returned a career-high Racing Post Rating, and he appears to go better on quicker ground.

Arnaz17:00 Ascot

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Jky: William Buick Tnr: Ed Walker

Saturday's ITV Racing schedule

1.15 Lingfield William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race), 1m3½f
1.35 Haydock Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle, 1m7½f
1.50 Lingfield William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap, 1m2f
2.05 Ascot Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% British EBF Fillies' Handicap, 1m
2.25 Lingfield William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap, 1m3½f
2.40 Ascot Schweppes Victoria Cup, 7f
3.00 Lingfield William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes (Listed Race), 1m3½f
3.15 Ascot Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap, 1m4f
3.35 Lingfield William Hill Chartwell Fillies' Stakes (Group 3), 7f

Read more:

Paul Kealy's play of the day at Ascot 

'This will play to his strengths' - top trainers assess the Victoria Cup at Ascot 

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