ITV Racing Tips: Saturday Each-Way Double for Uttoxeter

A good race to tackle from a betting point of view and the fact that Harry Skelton has opted for WILDE ABOUT OSCAR (best price 8/1) could speak volumes, who won off a 10 pounds higher mark at this course in 2021 on soft ground and must have every chance at generous odds.

The eight-year-old seemingly lost his way last year but a revival happened at Sandown when third of 11 on soft ground off 135. He ran poorly at Cheltenham next time but caught the eye when sixth of 14 in a good race back at Sandown last time and is on the same mark here.

That was his first run in a tongue-tie, which is retained here, and he must have a good chance back at this course for the first time since defying top-weight off a mark of 146. Off 136 in this race, with his trainer and jockey in very good form, he makes plenty of each-way appeal. Four places available.

This is a really competitive race with plenty in with chances but the most solid proposition from an each-way perspective has to be last year’s second GUSTAVIAN (best price 6/1) who benefitted from a positive ride to score emphatically last time.

The eight-year-old is remarkably consistent, who has only been out of the frame once in 18 career starts and his record on soft ground or worse reads 221221133U2323 and he is on the same mark as when second in this last year to Saint Palais, who was rated 145 going into the race. 

He was behind Super Survivor at Chepstow when a distant third but is better off at the weights here and he suits this course better. His record here reads 21332 and he is the choice of Rex Dingle. He has never won off a mark this high but he has come close multiple times plus track, trip and conditions will suit.

The form of his second in this last year has worked out well given the third, Midnight River, has since won off 145 at Cheltenham. This race has been the argent again and, under a similarly positive ride to last time, which served him well last time when his jumping was pinpoint accurate en route to winning by 29 lengths, he appeals most. Four places available. 

Bonus ITV Racing Tips for Uttoxeter 

I am aware BATMAN FOR EVER (best price 16/1) hasn’t offered much in three starts for this stable but this does appear to be a weaker race on paper than his latest assignments and he was pretty useful in France beforehand.

He has been eased by five pounds by the assessor from his latest effort and gets into this off a low weight. He is open to further improvement and could surprise a few at double-figure odds.

The feature race is the Midlands Grand National and I have two strong each-way fancies. The first one is former Welsh Grand National winner SECRET REPRIEVE (best price 11/1) who is only two pounds higher than that big success.

He has raced sparingly since but has posted some really good efforts in defeat. He was fifth in the 2021 renewal of the Welsh Grand National off a mark of 140 when attempting to defend his title and has finished in the frame in his two recent starts off a mark of 134, shaping with real encouragement each time.

The nine-year-old looks to have been laid out for the race and he loves soft ground. He won’t lack stamina, is lurking on a dangerous mark and he caught the eye with his latest third at Cheltenham. I think he has a great chance of adding another National to his CV. Five places generally available.

The other one who I really like is TRUCKERS LODGE (best price 14/1) who won this in 2020 off a six pounds higher mark and has run well in subsequent Welsh Grand Nationals off higher marks as well. He ran well in the Edinburgh National last time when fifth on ground quick enough and the handicapper has dropped his mark another couple of pounds.

The 11-year-old is a regular in marathon events and all of his performances over such a test of stamina have been off higher marks. He is partnered by Bryony Frost and has plenty in his favour on these terms. With five places generally available, Paul Nicholls’ charge has solid each-way claims.