Stupendous Saturday & 612/1 Acca

Altior vs Cyrname

For the past nine months, the question that has been on every National Hunt fans lips has been “Who would win, Altior or Cyrname?”. Finally, it appears as though we’re going to get an answer, as on Saturday 23rd November in the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot, Britains top-rated Racehorses will go head to head in a race to savour. Another one of our experts has listed the Pros & Cons of each horse going into the contest.

The 2m5f contest will provide Altior with a first test at longer than the two mile trip in which he has excelled and made his own the past few seasons. However, Cyrname has already proven himself in emphatic style over the course and distance on a pair of occasions last season, resulting in an aggregate 38-length demolition of his rivals both in Handicap and Grade 1 company.

Betfair Chase

On any other Saturday, the Betfair Chase would be the highlight (which shows just how anticipated the above clash is). Nigel Twiston-Davies’ grey, Bristol De Mai, will be going for his third successive win in the contest. Up against him will be the tremendously exciting Lostintranslation, who stormed to Grade 1 glory at Aintree on his only start over three miles to date. The young pretender will bid to steel the limelight from the course specialist and throwing in the loveable Frodon, the Haydock showpiece should be another cracking contest.

Haydock & Ascot – Saturday

Accompanying the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the Grade 3 Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at 2.25pm is definitely a race to play close attention to. The past two renewals have gone the way of next time out Grade 1 winners Sam Spinner and Paisley Park!

Following the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot, the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle at 2.40pm looks as thought it’ll feature last years winner, If The Cap Fits, taking on his close Aintree runner up Roksana as well as the returning Call Me Lord.

Our tips for all the above races will be on our ITV Racing Tips page!

Thurles Thursday

In the opener at Thurles on Thursday, Willie Mullins’ Grade 1 winning mare Laurina is entered to make her chasing debut. She has plenty of scope and if improving for the larger obstacles, could be some force!

The listed contest at 12.50pm could be a belter with six-time Grade 1 winner Footpad among the entries along with Monalee, Balko Des Flos, Alpha Des Obeaux, Total Recall and more!

Elsewhere

Nicky Henderson is ready to unleash some more novice chasers as Angels Breath and Mister Fisher are both entered in the 2.10pm at Warwick on Wednesday as well as the 1pm at Ascot on Friday where they could be joined by stablemate Birchdale.

The Big Breakaway was a massive €360,000 purchase at Goffs Punchestown Sale in May and the half-brother to Kildisart could make his debut for Colin Tizzard in either the 3.20pm at Chepstow on Wednesday or the 2.50pm at Wincanton on Thursday!

612/1 Acca

Jarveys Plate – 1.50pm Haydock (Saturday)

Improving type whose jumping got better as he warmed up on chase debut, beating Reserve Tank who won a Grade 2 next time up. Fergal O’Brien’s yard has been flying of late (28% strike rate at the time of writing).

Flash The Steel – 2.25pm Haydock (Saturday)

Progressive over the past year and beat a subsequent dual handicap winner over the longest trip he’s faced last time. Still unexposed and brother won over 3m1f so could improve further for this trip.

Call Me Lord – 2.40pm Ascot (Saturday)

This trip will suit him ideally and going right-handed is very favourable. Highly talented on his day and should have too much speed for his chief market rivals.

Lostintranslation – 3.00pm Haydock (Saturday)

Tough to beat Bristol De Mai but Tizzard’s charge is getting better and better. Trainer speaks very highly of him, looked at his best around this trip last season and jumped brilliantly on his reappearance; could be a star.

*odds best available at the time of writing