Templegate's Saturday Racing Guide

Templegate returns with a rundown of Saturday's races and recommends his prime selections across the cards. Betting on a horse can be done by clicking the odds below, and the site also promotes its free bet offers alongside Templegate's top bets for day two of the Breeders' Cup.

Ascot - 1.25

JET TO VEGAS looks primed for a strong performance. The seven-year-old showed a return to form when he won well at Market Rasen in his last outing, which was his first race in five months. The handicapper has only raised him by 4lb, and he has prior Ascot experience, finishing second over fences here last November. Lucas Murphy's 7lb claim gives him a further advantage.

Other potential performers include Glynn Brae, who could be a threat on his chasing debut after a 9-length win over hurdles at Uttoxeter, and Dance And Glance, a promising newcomer to fences who has already claimed a valuable Haydock handicap hurdle in April.

Ascot - 2.00

MARTATOR is expected to return to form at his preferred track after winning the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The nine-year-old has previously won three times at Ascot and finished a close second here last November. A 5lb rise is manageable for him, and his proven form on good ground supports his chances.

Vanderpoel, who won over C&D in December and followed up at Sandown, is also a serious contender, while Teddy Blue and Gore Point have shown recent success on the course.

Ascot - 2.33

QUEENSBURY BOY is tipped to secure another big prize for owner Mickey Bowen after a dramatic finish in the Market Rasen handicap in July. The seven-year-old was seen falling short before the final fence, but a late burst saw him win the Summer Plate. Cheekpieces were added to his equipment and made a noticeable difference. He returns from a 105-day break, is 4lb higher, and the step up to three miles should suit his staying ability.

Wetherby - 1.10

PALAMON could recover from an unlucky defeat at Plumpton to win this hot handicap for Dan Skelton. The six-year-old was almost unseated before finishing strongly and has just returned from a 32-length demolition at Southwell. A 2lb rise is within reach, and Harry Skelton is set to ride again.

Other notable entries are Tanking Along, who has won a double with a front-running victory at Perth, and Kahavari, who broke his chasing duck at Sandown in April and should benefit from good ground.

Wetherby - 1.45

KATEIRA is expected to return to winning ways by repeating last year's victory in this race. The nine-year-old is officially rated 8lb above her nearest rival, and her recent comeback at Chepstow was well beaten, clearing any doubt about her form. Harry Skelton will ride her again.

Ooh Betty, a Grade 2 winner at Ascot in January, remains a serious threat, as does La Conquiere, who won a Listed novice hurdle at Newbury and finished second at Ascot in January.

Wetherby - 2.18

STRONG LEADER may defend his West Yorkshire Hurdle crown. The nine-year-old delivered a strong finish on good ground 12 months ago and has since recorded excellent seconds in Grade 2 company at Newbury and an Ascot Grade 1. Sean Bowen will ride him again, and the track suits his style.

Take No Chances is a formidable danger, having finished a close second in this race last year and a runner-up in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Lavida Adiva, who finished second in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, also carries strong claims.

Wetherby - 2.55

PIC D'ORHY has made a high-profile move from Paul Nicholls after a winless season. He was second in this race 12 months ago and is now giving weight away as a handicap. Quickish ground will help him secure the finish, and he could outpace Handstands, who tends to make jumping errors.

The Real Whacker, who won the race in 2024 and followed with a front-running victory at Perth in September, remains a dangerous presence, as does Twinjets, a front-runner who won at Ayr last season and finished second at Newbury.

Wetherby - 3.30

FILIBUSTERING is expected to return to form after a tough Chepstow contest. The five-year-old won at Hexham in May and completed a double with an eight-and-a-half-length win at Cartmel. Although 6lb heavier, he should appreciate the easier assignment and good ground.

Race To Base finished second in a competitive Sandown handicap in April, and Klitschko returned to form with a runner-up finish at Sedgefield earlier this month.

Down Royal - 3.15

BANBRIDGE may return to chasing after a successful Flat victory at Gowran last month. The ten-year-old, trained by Joseph O'Brien, should be well-placed for this Grade 1 race, and the conditions favour a horse who prefers decent ground.

Heart Wood, who won the Ryanair by 10 lengths in March, is a serious threat, while Fleur In The Park arrives in excellent shape after a Grade 2 success at Gowran.

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