Saturday ITV Racing Tips

Whether or not the returning BARTERS HILL (Best price 5-2) can recapture any of his former glories is open to question, but the handicapper has given him a chance on his comeback and this looks a good starting point. The selection has won both of his previous starts at this venue, including when hammering the talented Politologue by 12l in the Challow Hurdle and it will be fascinating to see how straight he is for his return. Modern training methods and the resurgent form of his handler suggests he can make a winning comeback.

Only three runners but a fascinating puzzle with last year’s Gold Cup third Native River returning from injury and Saphir Du Rheu, an honourable fifth in March, not seen since falling in the Grand National. Native River has finished second and third following breaks of 211 and 204 days respectively and, although he won this race with authority last year, he was in excellent form at that stage of his career whereas his well-being is unknown 12 months on. Saphir Du Rheu is 0-5 at Newbury so CLOUDY DREAM (Best price 9-4) gains the nod, albeit with the caveat he doesn’t always find a huge amount off the bridle. That said, he has been beaten on deep ground by Fox Norton and Definitly Red on his last two starts and subsequent performances suggest those were creditable efforts.

ALTIOR (Best price 4-7) only faces two rivals on his return to action following a much publicised setback and wind operation. Last season’s Arkle Chase winner is defending an unbeaten record over fences stretching back six races, while he also beat the talented Fox Norton 13l in this event 12 months ago. It is highly unlikely his cautious trainer would risk him if all was not well and, although Tingle Creek Chase winner Politologue provides an excellent level of competition, a near fit Altior would take some beating. Politologue is also 1-7 left handed as opposed to 6-6 the other way round so may be vulnerable himself.

The Nicky Henderson quintet will take some stopping in today’s Betfair Hurdle but MISTERTON (Best price 22-1) could prove a good value bet if his speed figures are to be believed.

I believe the grey son of Sagamix boasts the credentials to win a race of this nature and, having been rested for 83 days since posting a fine effort in defeat in the Greatwood Hurdle, trainer Harry Fry seems to think so too.

There was no disgrace in that narrow reverse to Elgin as the selection’s conqueror had previously dismantled an excellent field of handicappers at Ascot in a race which has thrown up a host of winners.

The duo came readily clear of some hurdling favourites like The New One and Old Guard at Cheltenham and those eagled-eyed form students will note the presence of Jenkins back in seventh.

Midnight Tour would ideally prefer the ground a little drier to be fully effective so any of the forecast rain may spoil her chance and enhance that of course winner MIDNIGHT JAZZ (Best price 9-4) who is a useful mare on her day. The selection bounced back from a subdued comeback at Ludlow to chase home Poppy Kay at Sandown on deep ground and it is worth recalling she ran Vroum Vroum Mag to a head at Doncaster 12 months ago. She appears to be peaking at the right time and her trainer/jockey combination has enjoyed an excellent campaign to date.

With seven fences in the final mile, the accent is always placed on precise and accurate jumping at Warwick and that requirement should play to the strengths of SAINT CALVADOS (Best price 8-13) who has impressed with his efficiency over his obstacles this term. Two wide-margined Newbury victories have advertised his ability and his connections have eyed this race as a stepping stone to the Cheltenham festival. Unfortunately, the bookmakers also recognise his capabilities but today’s venue should showcase his skills.

Not a race for the feint hearted with a number of the chief contenders assembling modest completion records. Last year’s winner TEMPLEHILLS (Best price 11-2) certainly fits that criteria but, as he showed in this race 12 months ago, he is more than capable when things go his way and he gains the nod narrowly ahead of Kylemore Lough and Value At Risk. The selection’s comeback at Chepstow behind Pressurize wasn’t a bad run as it looked a prep for this event and, if his jumping holds together, he could make a bold bid to make all again.