Saturday racing tips: Best bets for Ascot, Haydock and Lingfield

11 May

Tom Clee

Our tipster talks reveals his best bets from the weekend racecards, including an each-way double and four Lucky 15 selections.

14.15 – Class 3 Handicap (Ascot)

This first race at Ascot is a very open handicap, but I think there’s some big each-way value with KOEMAN .

The colt had a solid all-weather campaign with a respectable third at Kempton and then an impressive win in a Betway-sponsored handicap at Lingfield in March.

He won as a 20/1 shot in a big handicap at Kempton last September with young David Egan on board, and he is back in the saddle with his 3lb claim on Saturday.

Trainer Mick Channon is in scintillating form of late, and could be set for a big win here.

14.30 – Derby Trial Stakes (Lingfield)

Moving over to Lingfield now for the Derby Trial, and I’m taking on Aidan O’Brien’s short favourite with KNIGHT TO BEHOLD .

The colt had an eye-catching debut when finishing second at Newbury as a 33/1 shot, just missing out to White Mocha by a nose.

He then went one better at Newmarket last October over one mile, so the big question here is how he will cope with the extra three furlongs.

Richard Kingscote has ridden both times and is the man on board again to hopefully get the job done.

15.10 – Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle (Haydock)

Jumps action now, and I really like the price of OPTIMUS PRIME for the Skeltons.

He comes into the race in terrific form (1112) and was only denied a four-timer in the Ryanair Chase at Punchestown by the superb Footpad.

The fact this horse finished runner-up in that Grade 1 and over 11 lengths ahead of Petit Mouchoir warrants a lot of credit.

He was second in this race last year to John Constable , but I think he can go one better this time around.

16.00 – Victoria Cup (Ascot)

We finish with the Victoria Cup, where our offer of six places means it's worth chasing the value.

The one I’m swaying towards is the experienced SHADY MCCOY .

With 38 runs under his belt, including a course-and-distance victory here in October in the Veolia Handicap, the conditions should suit him perfectly.

He also won a big handicap at York in the same month and was just beaten in another at Doncaster towards the end of last year.

A respectable fourth in this race last year, I think he represents some great each-way value.

EACH-WAY DOUBLE

KNIGHT TO BEHOLD | OPTIMUS PRIME