Horse Racing Predictions: Matt Chapman's Top Pick for Saturday's ITV Racing
Matt Chapman, the renowned racing pundit, has made his selections for Saturday's ITV Racing, with a 9/2 pick leading the charge. But here's the twist: the focus is on Montregard, a horse that might surprise many at 15:00 at Ascot.
As Haydock and Wincanton undergo Saturday morning inspections, let's dive into Chapman's insights:
Matt Chapman's Saturday ITV Racing Predictions:
13:15 Ascot – Etna Bianco: Despite a disappointing performance in the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury, Etna Bianco could bounce back with a first-time tongue strap. His previous win over Big Ticket at Ascot is noteworthy, building on his third-place finish at Cheltenham. Harry Cobden and Joe Tizzard's charge may have more to offer.
13.35 Wincanton – Rubaud: In the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle, Rubaud is expected to give a good account, despite a 1lb deficit in adjusted official ratings. Paul Nicholls's eight-year-old is a seasoned winner, with three victories at Wincanton, including three Elite Hurdle renewals. Sam Twiston-Davies aims to secure the prize.
13.50 Ascot – Thomas Mor: A lightly raced horse, Thomas Mor is favored by Chapman for the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase. He impressed at Ascot on his seasonal debut, defeating Lucky Place, and followed up with a strong showing at Kempton over Christmas. Right-handed courses at this distance suit him best, but his age, nine, is a minor concern. Harry Cobden will be in the saddle.
14.05 Haydock – Beauport: The Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle is a highly anticipated race. Kabral du Mathan is the talk of the town, but Beauport, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and Toby McCain-Mitchell, could be a surprise contender. Pulled up in the Long Walk, Beauport was second in this race last year and is still capable of competing at this level over hurdles, despite the Aintree Grand National being the primary goal.
14.25 Ascot – Act of Authority (each way): In this handicap hurdle, Act of Authority isn't the top-rated horse, but his recent form and staying power make him a reasonable choice. Lewis Saunders' 5lb claim will be beneficial after a fourth-place finish at Windsor. Act of Authority looks like a solid each-way bet, aiming to stay closer to the pace this time.
14.40 Haydock – Reckless Spending: The Prestige Novices' Hurdle, another Grade 2 race, features Reckless Spending, who showed promise at Ascot in November but struggled at Cheltenham. Returning to Kempton, he won impressively, proving his staying power at this distance on tight tracks like Haydock. James Bowen and Nicky Henderson could be in for a good ride.
15.00 Ascot – Montregard: In a handicap chase, Montregard stands out despite not being the most exciting contender. He demonstrated his ability on soft ground, finishing second over course and distance behind The Jukebox Kid. Up 6lb to 128, he faces challenges, but many rivals are either older, out of form, or untested at this distance. Tom Lacey and Jonny Burke's charge carries a favorable weight of 10st 2lb.
15.15 Haydock – Git Maker: A handicap chase over an extended 3m4f, Git Maker, once fancied for the Welsh National, had a poor run and was pulled up before the 15th. Dropping 4lb, he wears first-time blinkers for Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan. It's a speculative bet, but one worth considering.
15.35 Ascot – Jonbon: The day's highlight is the Grade 1 Ascot Chase. Jonbon, rated 166 after Grade 1 success at Ascot, should outclass Pic d'Orhy. He may excel at this distance, and stamina hasn't been an issue at Aintree. Nico de Boinville reunites with Jonbon for Nicky Henderson.
Chapman's selections offer a mix of seasoned winners and potential surprises. And this is the part most punters ponder: will these picks deliver the goods, or will the racing gods have other plans? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let the racing debates begin!
