We have something for everyone across Britain and Ireland today, with nine meetings featuring both jumps and flat action. We landed another good winner last weekend with Double Rush, who scored with plenty in hand and looks far better than a handicapper.
Aidan O’Brien has enjoyed another excellent week at Chester, with several of his stars scoring at short prices on the Roodee, and there could be more to come in the Naas maidens. Carry The Flag (13:33) and Confucius (14:35) both make plenty of appeal and can give punters a strong start to the day. At Nottingham, Lightning Thunder (14:08) looks capable of getting off the mark after two solid efforts, particularly his latest at Newbury.
12:45 Haydock – SERIOUS CHAT (11/1 Generally Each Way)
A pretty competitive staying handicap hurdle where several have solid claims. It is dangerous to oppose the Skeltons in any race at the moment and Tranquil Sea is an obvious contender, but at double figure odds, course and distance winner SERIOUS CHAT gets the vote.
The seven year old has improved since stepping up to three miles and produced a career best effort here last month, winning a Class 2 contest on good ground by a length and a quarter. He beat a couple of previous winners that day, so the form looks strong, and he appears overpriced here with four places available.
14:20 Ascot – POPMASTER (40/1 Generally Each Way)
This is probably the most difficult race of the day and you could make a case for plenty. Towards the top of the market the pick would be Tribal Chief, but at a big price Ed Walker’s admirable grey POPMASTER looks capable of running well. He is by no means well handicapped as an exposed eight-year-old, but he remains a rock-solid, tough and consistent performer with several strong efforts at this track to his name.
He was running well when denied room and fading late into seventh last time out, while his previous form figures this year read 32122. He was also a solid fourth in this race from the same mark last season, won’t mind how the race is run and should be perfectly suited by the ground.
Younger and more progressive rivals may have stronger claims, but Popmaster is sure to give his running again and looks worth a small each-way bet with extra places on offer.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
12:45 Haydock – SERIOUS CHAT (11/1 Generally Each Way)
14:20 Ascot – POPMASTER (40/1 Generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 5:50pm Friday 8th May
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
