ITV Racing Tips: Ascot winner Eqtidaar out for Leicester glory?

Racing fans have been deprived of a titanic clash between Altior and Cyrname on the final day of the jump racing season, but there’s still plenty to salivate over at Sandown.

Altior will go for a record-breaking 19th consecutive win over obstacles in the Celebration Chase, while Black Corton’s clash with Charbel and Definitly Red wouldn’t be out of place at the Festival.

Add in the Sandown Gold Cup and a couple of intriguing contests from Haydock and Leicester, and we’re all set for a super Saturday on ITV.

NAP – EQTIDAAR – 2:45 LEICESTER

Six will line up for the King Richard III Stakes, where Eqtidaar is taken to return to winning ways after a disappointing performance on far from ideal ground at Haydock in October.

Sir Michael Stoute’s charge showed his class to win the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last term. A similar performance here should see him hit the front under Jim Crowley.

The four-year-old is expected to take the step up to 7f in his stride, while confidence is boosted thanks to the yard’s good early season form.  

NB – BLACK CORTON – 2:25 SANDOWN

Bryony Frost and Black Corton back together? How could we not fancy it? The pair are reunited as they bid to register a first win of the season in a competitive looking Oaksey Chase.   

They may be without a win this term but their form has been good. The duo have hit the post on no fewer than four occasions, most recently finishing runner-up at Kelso after backing up too soon from a run at Ascot.

Paul Nicholls has allowed a nice gap between runs this time around, and regardless of the ground, Frost will give the eight-year-old an honest ride. We expect them to be there or thereabouts.

LIVELY LONGSHOT – BALLYDINE – 3:35 SANDOWN

A chance is taken on Ballydine for Charlie Longsdon. The nine-year-old found the Midlands National a touch too strong last time out but is a proven stayer following frame finishes over both 3m 2f and 3m 1f this season.

He ran well for long periods despite failing to complete at Uttoxeter last month. The Stowaway gelding is dropped 1lb for that by the handicapper and can find the places once again under James Bowen.

ITV RACING TIPS

1:50 Sandown – Flash The Steel (each-way)

2:05 Haydock – Safe Voyage

2:25 Sandown – Black Corton (NB)

2:45 Leicester – Eqtidaar (NAP)

3:00 Sandown – Altior

3:35 Sandown – Ballydine (Lively Longshot, each-way)

View the latest Horse Racing odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication