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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ascot, Haydock & Wolverhampton Tips

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Ascot 1.50 – Graduation Chase

I’m going to go with Iroko (13/8 fav) here.

I expect him to step forward from that reappearance run at Haydock and the forecast rain will be of benefit to him too.

It’s a bit disappointing that only one English-trained horse has been declared and, although he takes on three talented rivals from Ireland, I’m hoping the trophy stays this side of the Irish Sea.

Megan’s Tip: Iroko WIN

Ascot 2.25 – Long Walk Hurdle

Strong Leader (2/1 fav) looks a worthy favourite in my eyes.

I thought he was good on his first start of the season at Newbury in the Long Distance Hurdle and I liked the way he picked up and was strong at the finish.

He should come on from that and he’ll need to improve against a better field — but I expect him to.

The ground should be fine as long as it doesn’t get bottomless — which I don’t expect it will — and I do think he’s the one they all have to beat.

At a bigger price, I’ll throw a few quid each way on Hiddenvalley Lake (9/1).

He’s lightly-raced but Henry de Bromhead has always thought a lot of this horse. He was a pretty talented novice hurdler until it all went wrong in the Albert Bartlett and he’s now back over hurdles with connections abandoning fences pretty quickly.

He’s still unexposed at this level and ran really well in the Aintree Hurdle behind Strong Leader in the spring. There could still be more to come.

Megan’s Tip: Strong Leader WIN; Hiddenvalley Lake EW

Ascot 3.00 – Silver Cup

Given I fancy Iroko earlier on the card, it would be silly to not like the chances of Trelawne (4/1) here.

I fancied him to run a big race in last year’s Ultima but he fell early on and I still think he’s well-handicapped off a mark of 152.

He showed real guts to hold off Iroko at Haydock last time and, while he’s got to improve again, I do think this is a horse on the upgrade. He’s a bit quirky but is talented and I think he’s got a big chance.

If you’re looking for one at a bigger price then I don’t think Threeunderthrufive (9/1) will disgrace himself.

He’s had a bit of time off, but he goes well at Ascot and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him finish amongst the places.

Megan’s Tip: Trelawne WIN; Threeunderthrufive EW

Ascot 3.35 – Premier Handicap Hurdle

What a race this is!

As this contest always is, it’s fiercely competitive and there are loads in here you can give a solid chance to.

Be Aware (7/2) keeps finishing second and, while some might question his attitude, I don’t agree and I don’t think a win is far away.

We all know how brilliant the Skeltons are at getting one ready for these big handicap hurdles so he’s got to be on the shortlist.

He finished ahead of Dysart Enos (10/3 fav) in the Greatwood last time. The mare was just a bit too keen and didn’t settle having not had much cover. If she can settle a bit better she has to go well, although she is up in the weights.

Kabral Du Mathan (11/2) is a horse my dad, Paul, has always held in pretty high regard. He was really impressive on his comeback at Kempton and steps up in grade here.

He’ll need to improve a fair amount to win this, but that’s certainly not out of the question.

I do find it really hard to split them but, if pushed, I think I’d just side with Dysart Enos.

She’s better off at the weights with Be Aware and that might just swing it in her favour, although I could see any of them winning!

Megan’s Tip: Dysart Enos WIN

Haydock 2.05 – Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase

Venetia Wiliams is having such a good time of it at the moment and I fancy her for another big Saturday winner here with Frenchy Du Large (4/1).

Ned Fox’s three-pound claim is a big help in these handicaps and Frenchy Du Large ran a nice enough race at Ludlow on his return.

I’d like to think that will have left him spot on for this as he looks an ideal candidate for this type of race as he’s a thorough stayer and won’t mind bad ground.

You’ve got to give plenty of respect for last year’s winner, Famous Bridge (11/4 fav), who’s only two pounds higher than 12 months ago.

Frenchy Du Large has that prep run, though, and that just tips it in his favour for me.

Megan’s Tip: Frenchy Du Large WIN

Wolverhampton 6.15 – 1m6f Handicap

Another horse to keep an eye on this weekend is George Boughey’s Alfheim (SP).

Since stepping up in trip and the addition of cheekpieces she’s finished second and first — I think she’s got another big chance here.

Tommie Jakes gets on her with her really well and a rise of three pounds for her win 10 days ago looks fair.

Hopefully she’s nicely handicapped and we can finish the evening with another winner.

Megan’s Tip: Alfheim WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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