TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

The Racing Daily team previews all the live ITV action this Saturday as we focus on racing from Sandown and Musselburgh.

13:25 SANDOWN

Not the strongest Class 3 for Sandown and limited handicap form to consider.

Sole Solution continued to show signs of greenness despite ultimately winning at Hereford and should improve for the stiffer track but looks a tad short against credible each-way alternatives De Kingpin and Just Lucky Sivola. A further chance is given to Paul Nicholls’ charge despite a tame finish over nearly 3m at Ascot. Back down in trip, and with strong form prior to that, a mark of 112 may still underestimate the 6y.o.

JUST LUCKY SIVOLA (E/W)

written by Alan Morris

13:42 MUSSELBURGH

French import Maitre En Science is set to make his UK debut and yard debut for new trainer Harry Derham. A winner of his last two starts in his native France he's got the form in the book that most of his rivals don't and he looks the obvious choice to take home another win.

We couldn't put any punters off backing the likely favourite yet at more favourable odds the Irish raider Solar Drive gets our vote. The form of both his victory and second placed efforts have subsequently been franked and although he's returning from a three month stint on the sidelines could push the favourite close if he's fit and ready to go.

SOLAR DRIVE (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock

14:00- SANDOWN

An intriguing race with Martator heading the weights. He’s smart but this is a big ask to concede a lump of weight today. Etalon is well treated on last year’s form, especially his course and distance hammering of Gunsight Ridge. If he’s on song, he’s a danger. Gunsight Ridge has proven a tad costly to follow but he was bang there at Cheltenham before coming down. If you can forgive Kelso, he’s got the talent to take victory today.

GUNSIGHT RIDGE (WIN)

written by Kieran McHugh

14:17 MUSSELBURGH

Once tipped to have a lively chance in a major handicap at the 2023 festival by jockey Harry Cobden Afadil has never quite lived up to his potential. That being said at the age of six-years-old he's still got time to make a return to winning ways and this Saturday could be the day he does just that. He's not been at his best over the past year but won this race back in 2024. Now below his last winning mark and with a great record at the Scottish venue all things point to him taking this race for the second time in a row.

At a much bigger price Freddy Robinson has an each-way chance of making the frame.

AFADIL (WIN)

written by Rory Paddock

14:35 SANDOWN

Jango Baie seems to have taken to chasing compared to hurdles but looks a little short near odds on. Do you really want to take that price given he's only won once over fences? This is a step up of opposition on paper.

Handstands beat what he needed to beat at Ffos Las reasonably well. Has a liking for Sandown given he is a course and distance winner where you could argue he is the main threat.

At a more tempting price. From what i have seen so far in his jumps career. I am going to go for Kalif Du Berlais. Did not beat a huge amount last time out but won really efficiently and his jumping was near faultless. Which could really suit the jumping test that is Sandown.

He is probably Paul Nicholls best novice chaser this season and with the sad passing of his owner John Hales this week. The Paul Nicholls yard will be desperate to get a win for him this weekend.

KALIF DU BERLAIS (WIN)

written by Luke Tucker

14:50 MUSSELBURGH

The Kalooki Kid was a convincing winner at Doncaster when last seen and although he’s gone up 7lbs for that effort the way he saw out his race last time out suggests he still has plenty more scope for improvement and looks a worthy favourite.

That said, Marble Sands is a prior course and distance winner who has an encouraging record under jockey Nick Slatter and arrives here in excellent form having followed up a Listed win at Carlisle in November with two solid placed efforts in premier handicaps since. He rates a strong each way alternative to the favourite.

MARBLE SANDS (E/W)

written by Dean Kilbryde

15:07 SANDOWN

Irish raider Shoot First drops back into handicap company after competing in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last time out. Trainer Charles Byrnes has landed plenty of UK Saturday handicaps and this could be another. One for any shortlist and has a strong chance.

Course and distance victor Henri The Second seems to be a horse on the up and hailing from the powerhouse yard of Paul Nicholls he has a strong chance of adding to his course successes.

Both of the aforementioned runners have every chance of picking up success and we couldn't put punters off either but Dartmoor Pirate is our each-way alternative.

A solid second at Wincanton last time out should stand him in good stead. His only start here at Sandown was a very encouraging performance when finishing fourth of 17. He'll need to show further progress but has a solid each-way chance.

DARTMOOR PIRATE (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock

15:42 SANDOWN

Gelino Bello is a former Grade 1 winning hurdler but hasn't lived up to expectations as a chaser. He returned from a near 700 day absence and should improve upon his Wincanton return. He'll strip fitter and should be primed for a more improved performance.

Rivals O'Connell and In d'Or are both aiming for their third victories in a row and look clear and obvious contenders.

GELINO BELLO (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock