Architect Tips has four selections from the ITV racing this Saturday.
13:35 Haydock
In the competitive Swinton Handicap Hurdle, I’m liking the look of Dan Skelton’s mare SHE’S A SAINT (best price 14/1) at double-figure odds. She’s been remarkably consistent under rules, with three wins and six seconds from just 10 starts, and caught the eye with some late progress in the Sussex Champion Hurdle last time out.
She stayed on well from a long way back to finish fifth behind Willie Mullins’ pair and the handicapper has left her mark unchanged. She proved on her penultimate outing that she handles big-field handicaps, as she won at Aintree’s Grand National meeting with plenty to spare. Open to further improvement, and conditions ideal, she makes plenty of each-way appeal, with five places generally on offer.
14:25 Lingfield
I’m going to take a chance on CHARLIE’S GLANCE (best price 12/1) at quite big odds. This is his first turf start since last July and he looks very well handicapped on the pick of his form on the all-weather.
Silvestre De Sousa gets down to do the low weight and his mount remains unexposed on the grass, so having defied this mark on the all-weather when last successful, I am happy to back him against the favourite.
14:40 Ascot
The thriving MYAL (best price 8/1) for Steph Hollinshead is fancied to run a big race in the Victoria Cup. He’s won five of his last six starts and was really strong at the finish when scoring at Haydock last time out, where he won with a bit up his sleeve.
He’s only gone up 4lb, which I think is lenient, and he’s drawn nicely in stall 19, where he can sit in a lovely position. I doubt the handicapper has caught up with him based on his latest comfortable success, so he looks a solid each-way proposition with five places generally available.
15:35 Lingfield
Ralph Beckett’s CATHEDRAL (best price 9/4) gets my vote on her return in this Group 3 contest. She bolted up on her debut here in September and was a tad unlucky not to remain unbeaten when marginally denied in this class at Newmarket next time out.
She travelled like the best horse in the race and while Merrily got her late on, she rallied gamely to only be beaten half a length. I feel as though the lack of experience cost her that day, but she is sure to have strengthened up since, her weight significant age allowance advantage can prove crucial in the outcome.
