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TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for Saturday’s races in outstanding shape, eagerly anticipating good weather to witness some top-quality racing.
You can place a bet on a horse by clicking on their odds below. The day’s main attraction is anticipated to be the Betfair Tingle Creek at 3pm. Good luck!
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ARIZONA CARDINAL (2.07 Aintree, nap)
He clinched a hard-fought victory in the Topham in April and seemed to be a bit out of sorts in his return at Chepstow last time. He still carries a reasonable weight and shows no stamina issues, particularly with his preference for testing ground. He is favored here where he performed well over fences previously.
MONTGOMERY (3.35 Sandown, nb)
He appears ideally suited for long-distance races like this, particularly if more rain falls, as he fares best in soft ground. He enjoyed wins at Bangor and Leicester last season, and trainer Venetia Williams has been in excellent form recently. Although he’s raised in the weights, he still has more to offer.
WILLMOUNT (2.25 Sandown, treble)
He has the potential to thrive under Nicky Henderson. He was the favorite in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle last time but faced a setback due to an injury that kept him sidelined for 12 months. He typically performs well after a break, and his initial mark of 130 seems generous if this six-year-old can fulfill his potential.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
SANDOWN
1.15
DUBROVNIK HARRY was last seen finishing close in competitive company at Sandown. He excels at this distance and has limited racing wear. Harry Fry’s representative performs well fresh and enjoys cut in the ground.
Henri The Second looked rusty after a year off in his last race and encountered traffic issues early on. The Nicholls runner should improve and poses a threat.
West To The Bridge hasn’t won in a while but was only two lengths behind at Bangor recently. He has performed well here before and should be competitive.
Up For Parol consistently finished on the podium last season and has a chance at an each-way finish with his dropping mark.
1.50
L’EAU DU SUD couldn’t have had a better start over fences with a smooth debut victory at Stratford followed by an impressive 11-length win in a Cheltenham Grade 2.
He jumped superbly there, has plenty of pace, and could be on his way to the top.
Down Memory Lane was Grade 1 standard over hurdles and looked like a natural when winning by seven lengths on his chase debut at Navan last month. He should show significant progress from that outing.
Touch Me Not was impressive at Punchestown just 13 days ago. He jumped well and cannot be ruled out.
Rubaud is being put into a challenging race for his chase debut. He excelled over hurdles and is one to keep an eye on for the future.
2.25
WILLMOUNT has the potential to shine under Nicky Henderson. He was deemed good enough to be the favorite for the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle last time.
He experienced an injury during that event, resulting in a 12-month absence. He tends to perform effectively upon returning from a break, and his initial mark of 130 seems lenient if this six-year-old can realize his full potential.
Altobelli has dropped below the mark that saw him finish in the top three at Ascot last season. He could be a contender if trainer Harry Fry gets him ready.
Knickerbockerglory started last season with an energetic win at Ascot, and this might be the perfect time to catch him.
Nemean Lion was a Grade 2 winner at Wincanton in February and should find this race less taxing than the Grade 1s he has been contesting.
3.00
JONBON cruised to victory in this race last year and hopes to continue his perfect record at Sandown.
He arrives in great condition after his win at Cheltenham last month and can handle any ground. It will take an extraordinary effort to defeat him.
Last year’s runner-up, Boothill, is attractively priced for a place. He was just under two lengths behind Jonbon in the Schloer last time, and a repeat of that would ensure a placing.
Edwardstone finished third in that race and could improve with that experience.
Henry De Bromhead is sending Quilixios, who achieved a smooth victory at Naas last month. He will need to improve to outrun Jonbon but has solid place prospects.
3.35
MONTGOMERY appears ideally suited for endurance races like this, especially with more rain expected, as he thrives in soft conditions.
He achieved victories at Bangor and Leicester last season, and trainer Venetia Williams has been in top form lately. He’s been raised in the weights but still has more to give.
Certainly Red secured a solid win at Sandown last month and can also endure the distance. He’s at a career-high mark but should remain competitive.
Unanswered Prayers triumphed in the Southern National at Fontwell, and a 4lb rise for that accomplishment shouldn’t hinder him. This is a tougher race, but he stands a good chance of finishing in the top spots.
Mr Vango is eyeing the Welsh National, so this run might be a necessary step before that, even though conditions will be favorable if the expected rain arrives.
AINTREE
1.32
RICHMOND LAKE claimed victory in this race last year and can replicate that success off the same handicap mark. He performed well in his comeback when finishing fourth here and prefers soft ground.
No Risk Des Flos displayed solid form at Stratford recently and has dropped significantly in weights. He also thrives on soft ground.
Springwell Bay won a Listed event in his comeback but struggled with the distance when finishing third at Cheltenham last time. This trip will suit him much better.
Dr TJ Eckleburg appeared to have plenty left in his tank when winning at Haydock two weeks ago and can make an impact once more despite a 7lb rise.
Grandads Cottage performed well in the Topham but may just need this outing.
2.42
LIAM SWAGGER can keep the momentum going for James Owen.
He has been sending out numerous winners in hurdles with Flat experience, and this three-year-old showcased his ability with a win in Listed company at Wetherby last time. He enjoys this distance and possesses significant potential.
Static was runner-up to this horse in Yorkshire before matching that form when finishing closely in a Cheltenham Grade 2. They should be very closely matched again.
Quantock Hills won in France and secured his first victory this side of the Channel at Fontwell three weeks ago.
This represents a fair step up in class, but he has more to offer for Warren Greatrex.
Melon achieved modest success on the Flat at Haydock in September, but this looks like a tall order for his hurdles debut.
3.17
CHOCCABLOC won on debut last season and has the potential to repeat that success for Nicky Henderson.
He improved throughout last season and finished with a solid second over this distance at Ayr during the Scottish Grand National meeting.
He starts handicapping at a reasonable mark. Getalead has been active this season, winning three of his last four outings at lower levels.
This distance suits him, and he partners well with his rival today, who offers a useful 7lb allowance. He’ll need to elevate his performance, but he has every chance to do so.
Pyramid Place won convincingly at Kempton last month. He triumphed on his last visit here in May and remains competitive despite the weight increase.
Olly Murphy’s stablemate, Tamar Bridge, enjoys this track and will benefit from being fitter after his return from a two-year break at Uttoxeter.
Santos Blue thrives in muddy conditions, so the more rain, the better for his chances.
Templegate’s tips
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