The ITV cameras are certainly busy on Saturday with races from Aintree, Doncaster, Down Royal and Wincanton all being shown live. We’ve selected outsiders from the three big handicaps to consider. These races are competitive and the selections’ chances aren’t necessarily reflected by their prices. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Neville’s Cross (20-1, bet365) could be overpriced for the Badger Beers. Tom Lacey gave this horse a short break as he’d been busy in the summer before bringing him back at Cheltenham last month. One particularly strong piece of form is his five-length defeat of Danny Kirwan in May who boosted that form by running well at Ascot last week. His seven-length win at Bangor in May hinted that he has another race in him despite being on a career-high mark 0f 142.
Having had just seven chase starts so far, there should be plenty more to come from One True King (20-1, Boylesports). Nigel Twiston-Davies knows how to train a winner over the National fences and it would be no surprise if a plan has been hatched. 10st 2lb is a lovely racing weight. The gelding made a winning comeback at Market Rasen in September which would’ve sharpened him up nicely for this. His hurdles win three starts ago over 2m7f will stand him in good stead as he’ll need to stay on the run-in.
Sir Rumi (25-1, Paddy Power) can spring a surprise in the big Flat season finale. This race is somewhat of a graveyard for favourites with just two obliging in the last 10 renewals and the shortest winning favourite was 9-2. Richard Hannon’s charge finished second to the favourite for this race over course and distance last time out. He was getting 10lb from his rival that day and gets 16lb under these terms. On that evidence, it’s hard to justify sending this horse off at such a big price and he has a big one in him.
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