The ITV cameras will cover the best of the action from Ascot, Wincanton and Haydock and our man has four recommendations from the racing
The cards should fall right for HIGHSTAKESPLAYER (3.00) in the Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase.
He’s won five of his last seven starts on right-handed tracks and he was runner-up behind smart Chianti Classico over this course and distance on his last visit to Ascot in November.
His midfield effort at Kempton over Christmas was underwhelming but he wasn’t ridden as prominently as usual.
He’s not been seen since and he tends to show his best form off the back of a break. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1. Plenty of bookies are paying out on four places.
MOLTO BENE (1.15) hasn’t had things go her way since making a winning return to action at Chepstow in November.
She’s been unsuited by steadily-run races, including when not beaten far when seventh behind Wodhooh at Cheltenham in December. That form is red hot with runner-up Joyeuse winning last week’s big Newbury handicap and third-home Take No Chances going on to land a Grade 2.
This half-sister of useful staying hurdler Cuthbert Dibble should love the step up to 3m for the first time. Have 2pts each-way at 18-1. Sky Bet is going six places.
RIGHTSOTOM (2.25) had some decent juvenile form for Tom Mullins a couple of years ago.
He missed all of last season after joining Joe Tizzard, but he looks set to make up for lost time.
There was a huge amount to like about his all-the-way destruction of Samuel Spade at Doncaster in November and he helped force an overly-strong pace when brushed aside by Jipcot at Newbury over Christmas.
Prominent tactics are often a help on the hurdles course at Ascot, especially when the ground isn’t too soft. Have 2pts each-way at 18-1. Sky Bet is offering five places.
Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has two runners in the opening race at Haydock.
His Minella Sixo looks the main hope on jockey bookings but I prefer MY TRUMP CARD (12.55).
He hasn’t taken to fences in a couple of recent starts but he is very interesting on his 2m4f maiden hurdle win at Navan last season.
Carl Millar’s mount is bred to like the better ground and the cheekpieces he wears for the first time should help this strong stayer travel a bit better. Have 1pt each-way at 25-1. Sky Bet go five places.
