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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ascot, Haydock & Taunton Tips

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Haydock 12.10 – Handicap Chase

I’m going to go with No No Tango (SP) here.

He was good on his return at Wincanton when Patrick Mullins rode him and I think he could still be ahead of the handicapper.

I know he’s come out of that race extremely well and I’m hoping he can continue to progress.

Megan’s Tip: No No Tango WIN

Ascot 12.30 – BetMGM Juvenile Hurdle

There has obviously been a lot of talk about Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba (1/2 fav), who will go off a short price on his stable debut here.

There’s also been plenty said about Mondo Man (11/4), who was highly rated on the Flat.

However I’m going to stay loyal to Viyanni (17/2), who won nicely on his first start for Harry Derham at Market Rasen – I’m hoping they’ll be a bit of pace on which should suit.

His trainer is very confident he’ll run really well and this will tell us a lot about where his future lies.

Megan’s Tip: Viyanni EW

Taunton 12.55 – Maiden Hurdle

I don’t want to give up on Noahsgreatrainbow (SP), who ran too bad to be true on his hurdle debut at Sandown.

This horse showed a good level of form in his bumpers and he bled last time so there were excuses for his poor reappearance run.

He’s back in rude health now and I think he’s got a massive chance in this.

Megan’s Tip: Noahsgreatrainbow WIN

Ascot 1.40 – BetMGM Mares’ Hurdle

We’ve got another short-priced favourite here in the form of Willie Mullins’ Kargese (4/7 fav) and in all honesty I find it hard to see her getting beat.

Her form is very solid having finished second to Majborough in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and then second to Sir Gino at Aintree.

She also won the Grade One at Punchestown last season and I expect her to prove her tough to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Kargese WIN

Haydock 1.55 – Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle

I think it’s pretty fair to say Dan Skelton has a talented pool of novices this season and one of those is Royal Infantry (8/15 fav).

He looks very smart and I can’t see him getting beat. He was very impressive over course and distance last time and on ratings his rivals have a lot to find.

Megan’s Tip: Royal Infantry WIN

Ascot 2.15 – Handicap Chase

The one I like here is Kotmask (7/2 joint-fav).

He was a winner at Ascot last time showing he likes the track. I think he could improve by stepping up to 2m 5f and I just prefer him to the likely favourite Martator (7/2 joint fav).

At a bigger price I’ll take a chance on Hitman (8/1). He’s very frustrating and doesn’t win that often, but he’s been running consistently in better races than this for a while now. He might have just snuck down to a competitive mark and might just go well at a nice price.

Megan’s Tip: Kotmask WIN; Hitman EW

Haydock 2.30 – Peter Marsh Handicap Chase

I absolutely love that Venetia Williams has thrown Royal Pagaille (2/1 fav) into a handicap.

He’s obviously got a huge weight which means a load in here having very little weight to carry, but this is a Haydock specialist who loves this sort of ground.

He’s a multiple Grade One winner and while the big weight makes his life tough, I do think he’s the one to beat.

The each-way shout could be Trelawne (4/1).

He didn’t run too badly at Ascot last time and a return to this track could play to his strengths.

Megan’s Tip: Royal Pagaille WIN; Trelawne EW

Ascot 2.50 – BetMGM Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle

How frustrating is Altobelli (4/1)? He didn’t jump well enough last time at Doncaster and looked like he was going to be well beaten but he still managed to fly home.

He’s very frustrating but I am going to stick with him as I think he’s the most talented horse in the race. I think the first time cheekpieces might just help him concentrate too.

Megan’s Tip: Altobelli WIN

Taunton 3.15 – Handicap Hurdle

The one I like in here is Paso Doble (SP).

He didn’t run with any sort of disgrace on his return after a huge lay-off at this track last time. He was only beaten five lengths and he’ll really have improved for that.

Paso Doble gets in off a feather weight and could go close.

Megan’s Tip: Paso Doble WIN

Ascot 3.32 – BetMGM Clarence House Chase

Then we come to the highlight of the day, the BetMGM Clarence House Chase.

I’m a big fan of Energumene (2/1) and I was pretty impressed with his comeback at Cork. He won easily but that obviously doesn’t tell the whole story as Banbridge unseated at the last when in contention.

That form has obviously had a big boost with Banbridge winning the King George.

I really think Energumene is a bit of a monster and I’ve always held him in really high regard.

I’m pretty confident he’ll serve it up to Jonbon (4/6 fav), who we all know is very talented too.

Jonbon has been really good this season but I do think he’s beatable. He’s been beating good horses but not anything like the calibre of Energumene.

The one worry I have with Energumene is if he bounces having not run for so long before the Cork reappearance, but if he doesn’t then I fancy him to win this.

Megan’s Tip: Energumene WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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