ITV Racing Tips: Blaklion to blow the field away in Becher
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There’s some belting racing live on ITV this Saturday with major action from Sandown and Aintree.
The Tingle Creek Chase is the feature race of the day. But there’s also some intriguing action from the Becher Chase at Aintree, and the London National Handicap Chase.
Check out the top tips and insights from the Ladbrokes News crew below.
Nap – Blaklion – 13:30, Aintree
All eyes will be on the Tingle Creek but it’s the Becher that’s caught the eye with a highly-competitive field.
This should be a really interesting renewal 3m 2f with Blaklion currently leading the market.
Nigel Twison-Davies’ consistent stayer is in good form and was just nicked to a win in the Charlie Hall Chase by Bristol De Mai last time out.
His stablemate is a leading contender for the Gold Cup this year and the eight-year-old won’t face a runner of that quality here.
He’ll go up against last year’s Becher first, second and third in Vieux Lion Rouge, Highland Lodge and The Last Samuri.
But if he can maintain his form, the shorter distance will suit the classy bay gelding, too – and he enjoys the course.
NB – Fox Norton – 14:55, Sandown
The Tingle Creek Chase looked hugely exciting until the declarations were made.
Both Douvan and Un De Sceaux’s names were conspicuous by their absence.
Willie Mullins chose not to include either of the star pair so it’s left to Fox Norton to give the race some sparkle.
Colin Tizzard’s seven-year-old will take all the beating in this 1m 7f renewal. He proved himself a top-quality chaser at 2m 2f last season, and the step back in trip here shouldn’t be an issue.
Paul Nicholls’ progressive Politologue should be his nearest challenger but this looks a step too far in true Grade 1 company.
Lively Longshot – Houblon Des Obeaux – 15:30, Sandown
Speaking of competitive renewals, the London National Handicap Chase closes up the day’s proceedings at Sandown – and it looks a belter.
There’s plenty of horses you could back here but we really like the look of revitalised Houblon Des Obeaux.
Venetia William’s solid old 10-year-old was very impressive at Sandown last month winning the Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
Connections believe he’ll go well again here, especially being well handicapped.
With confidence soaring, it could be another triumph at deliciously Lively Longshot odds.
