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1. Tomorrow's Race Tips -
2. Horse Race Tips

Every week we bring you tips of the weeks best horse racing. The tips run every Saturday – hence the name – and cover every race that’s televised on live TV in the UK. Normally there are six or seven races shown on ITV4, although this can vary slightly throughout the year. Tips are added each Friday afternoon.

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ITV Racing Tips for 2nd October 2021 (Newmarket, Ascot & Redcar)

The Flat racing season is coming to an end but there are still some very good weekends to enjoy before attention turns 100% to the jumps. Newmarket and Ascot provide the bulk of the entertainment on Saturday with some competitive racing to light up what looks as though it is going to be a very wet, very grey day. There’s also a trip to Redcar for the Two Year Old Trophy and we have picked out the best betting odds from all eight live ITV Racing contests.

1:45 British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap

Class 2, 1m2f

When Achelois tailed off having looked ready to land a hat-trick at York in August, there were some who felt that the handicapper finally had the progressive three year old in his grip. The Andrew Balding yard are quietly confident that is not the case. Achelois did everything right until the closing stages and it looked as though it was the firm ground that did for her chances of winning rather than her handicap mark of 92.

Raised just a single pound for finishing third and back on the sort of soft ground that she won on at Goodwood in July, Achelois can show that she is still on an upward curve at Newmarket. This won’t be easy and there are some good each way bets lurking in the field for this £25,000 race including Alpine Mistral at 25/1 and The Flying Ginger at 14/1 but it’s bookies’ favourite Achelois who should see this out.

2:05 Oakman Group Rous Stakes

Listed, 5f

The heavy rain across Britain is going to do for the chances of many horses this weekend. Hurricane Ivor, the early bookies’ favourite for the Rous Stakes could be one of those who falls foul of conditions. He’s had only two disappointing runs this season, both of which came on soft ground which does not bode well for the William Haggas-trained charge.

Dakota Gold could be the horse best suited to some cut in the ground for this minimum distance sprint. Indeed, the experienced campaigner showed that fast ground is not to his liking last time out having been outclassed in Group 1 company at York. Expect Dakota Gold to battle away gamely at Ascot and potentially go all the way and win at odds of 5/1.

2:20 £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes

Class 2, 6f

A field of 30 two year olds are slated to contest this valuable sales race, weather and ground permitting. That size of field combined with the inherent unpredictability of juvenile races where horses can improve significantly from previous runs would suggest that punters should be on the lookout for an upset. The first six renewals of the race have provided just one winning favourite but 20 of the field are available at 20/1 or greater and it would be a major surprise were any of them to win.

It would not be a surprise were the clear favourite to win. Fearby has run well at a higher level than this but his third in a low-quality renewal of the Mill Reef Stakes won’t exactly fill punters with confidence. A better option could be Tatsumaki at 6/1. He looked a bit keen on debut over seven furlongs but settled much better when dropped back to six furlongs the next time out. Tasumaki was able to win both of those races and has scope to grow and improve.

2:40 ABF/BGC Cumberland Lodge Stakes

Group 3, 1m4f

The Cumberland Lodge Stakes provides Hukum with a chance for redemption having been beaten when a long odds-on favourite in the September Stakes last time out. In hindsight, there was no reason for Hukum to be such a short price given he was carrying a three-pound penalty and the likelihood that 1m4f on the Newcastle all-weather would be a bit too sharp.

It won’t be as sharp over the same trip at Ascot but it could pay to take Hukum on again. This is a good race that includes the improving Quickthorn at a tempting price of 7/2. The four year old came close to a huge payday for connections when second in the Ebor and back up that positive run with victory in a conditions race last time. The soft ground is a positive as he looks to win over course and distance for the second time this season having won the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot.

2:55 Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes

Group 1, 1m

Tomorrow's Race Tips -

Luck plays a part in the career of every racehorse no matter how good or hardy they are. Mother Earth is a case in point. The three year old is supremely talented and has a huge heart and yet things have not always panned out for her this season. If her luck does level out over the coming weeks and months then the filly could be about to have some tremendous success.

Even before the sad news that Santa Barbara’s injury proved fatal, Ballydoyle had changed plans to send Mother Earth to America. Her engagements Stateside could well include the Breeders’ Cup and Mother Earth can leave for America on the back of a big win in the Sun Chariot Stakes. The wonderful Snow Lantern will take a lot of beating but the 1,000 Guineas winner should be up to the task and is certainly a fair price at odds of 3/1.

3:15 John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes

Group 3, 6f

Marcelo Bielsa is a football manager who likes to do things his own way. The horse named in his honour did likewise in the Ayr Gold Cup last month. While the rest of the field raced in one of two groups either on the far side or the middle, Bielsa went out on his own by the stands’ rail. That proved to be a stroke of genius as he won with plenty in hand like he had been threatening to do for some time.

The next test for Bielsa is to win at a higher level and he has that chance in the Group 3 Bengough Stakes on Saturday. He is up against other hardy horses who have made the step up out of handicaps such as Glen Shiel and Summerghand as well some improving younger horses. Bielsa still has higher heights to scale even at the age of six and it’s clear that Kevin Ryan has found the key to getting the best out of him so back Bielsa to win at odds of 13/2.

3:35 William Hill Two Year Old Trophy

Listed, 6f

The news that Gisburn will not be running in the Two Year Old Trophy has opened things up considerably. As is often the case with this race, there is a whole lot of talent in the field but few – if any – of the horses can be relied upon to give their running.

Vintage Clouds and Chipotle sit top of the betting both having shown glimpses of real quality earlier in the season but they have tailed off lately. If either of them gets their act together they could go on to win but it could pay to go for a speculative option at a bigger price with Roman Dragon tempting at 8/1. He looked to take a step backwards last time out but he should be able to draw a line through that on more suitable ground and lay down a serious challenge for this Listed race.

3:50 Equine Productions “The Fall” Challenge Cup

Class 2, 7f

The live ITV Racing action ends with one of the biggest betting races of the day. A full field of 18 runners has made it past the final declaration stage and many of them have a realistic chance of winning. Escobar is very much among that number despite his lengthy run without a win. It’s been another busy season for the seven year old with no fewer than 11 races in Britain after an unsuccessful three-race spell in Dubai.

He’s been unable to win any of them but his official rating has only fluctuated by four pounds, showing the consistency of his performances over that lengthy spell. That run could finally come to an end on Saturday in a race that looks like a cracking chance for him. Even if he does come up just short, 10/1 is a good enough price to back Escobar each way and collect the place money.

Recent Tips

Saturday Racing Highlights

The hope for many of the owners in racing is that their horse is able to progress up the handicap ratings so they get a run in one of the big Saturday handicaps that take place all year round. Big field handicaps play an important role on the best Saturday meetings on the flat and over jumps as do prestigious Graded and Group level races.

Saturday usually brings the best racing of the week but not all Saturdays are equal. There are some real highlights in the horse racing calendar which we have detailed for you below. There is huge variety in terms of what we see, with the most famous NH contest in the world, Saturday at Royal Ascot and a number of Classics. Saturday racing highlights also include certain trials days, as well as standalone contests that may not have quite the same global appeal as, say, the Grand National, but are really big fixtures in the UK none the less.

Major Saturday Meetings

As you can see from this table, there is a great variety of races and meetings on Saturday for racing fans and punters to get their teeth stuck into. What’s more, with big meetings taking place every single month of the year, the wait for exciting racing should never be too hard to bear!

Festival Trials Day, Cheltenham

The biggest and most prestigious NH festival in the world takes place Tuesday to Friday in March but Cheltenham Trials Day is a major stepping stone towards the big one. This really marks the countdown to the Festival and sees a cracking day of racing.

It is also a great day to keep your racing notebook handy. In 2019, for example, Frodon, Paisley Park and Siruh Du Lac all delivered the goods on Trials Day before doubling up on the third day of the Festival a couple of months later. The card is full of interesting contests but the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial, the Ballymore Classic Novices’ Hurdle, the Cleeve Hurdle and the feature, the Cotswold Chase, are the main highlights.

Clarence House Chase, Ascot

As well as its huge flat meeting later in the year, Ascot hosts some top notch NH racing at the start of the year and Clarence House Chase Day is certainly a brilliant Saturday of jumps horseracing. The feature is the 2m1f Grade 1 that lends its name to the day and is a great indication of who to look out for in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Seven horses have doubled up, including Sprinter Sacre and Altior.

Of course, the rest of the day’s card doesn’t quite live up to that, but the Mares’ Hurdle, a relatively recent addition and a Grade 2, and the Grade 3 Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle are the main supporting cast.

Ascot Chase Day, Ascot

The Ascot Chase is the last of three Grade 1 jumps contests held at the Berkshire course each year. Won by Kauto Star and twice by Cue Card, this is a really classy affair, with winners of this also often taking big prizes at Cheltenham the following month.

As well as the eponymous race, this Saturday, typically in mid-February, hosts a number of other really interesting races as well. The Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, a Grade 2 run over three miles, is a key contest for those hoping to thrive in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. Also, look out for the Swinley Chase, a handicap that is always a great betting heat.

Winter Derby, Lingfield

The Winter Derby is one of the highlights of the year at Lingfield in Surrey. A Group 3, it is run on Lingfield’s all-weather surface and is one of the biggest winter contests for racing fans who like their action on the flat. Run over 1m2f, it was established in 1998 and is one of a very limited number of Group class races not to take place on turf.

Frankie Dettori has won the day’s feature race a record four times and he also has a win in the day’s other major race, the Hever Sprint Stakes. The Italian won that aboard No Time in 2004.

The Grand National, Aintree

The Grand National is the biggest race in all of British horseracing. It is the one race of the year that does more than any other to draw the attention of fans outside of racing to the sport. It is the feature race of the Grand National Festival at Aintree and comes on the final of the three days, always a Saturday.

It isn’t just about the big one though and other big races of the day include three Grade 1s – the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, the Maghull Novices’ Chase and the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle. It’s the marathon four mile two and a half furlong Grand National that draws the fans to the Merseyside track and sees millions tune from around the world though.

Scottish Grand National, Ayr

The Grand National at Aintree isn’t the only prestigious, long distance handicap of the year that takes place on a Saturday. The Scottish Grand National at Ayr follows its equivalent on Merseyside by just a few weeks. Several horses who ran at Aintree also contest the Scottish Grand National but the legendary Red Rum is the only horse to complete the double.

The Scottish Grand National features around 30 horses, all of which have to slog it around the 4 mile 1 furlong circuit (or as far as they can go before falling or being pulled up). It is always a fascinating watch and a race full of each way opportunities for punters.

Jumps Finale, Sandown Park

By the time April rolls around spring is very much in the air, which means racing fans are starting to turn their attention from jumps to the flat. The two-day Jumps Finale meeting at Sandown is a great way to celebrate the National Hunt season with some very big races taking place on Saturday including the Celebration Chase, the Gold Cup and the Select Hurdle.

Big name trainers like to send some of their top string to Sandown for one last hurrah before taking a break over the summer, but the Jumps Finale is also a chance for some improving sorts to lay down a marker for next season.

2,000 Guineas, Newmarket

The build-up to and early stages of the new Flat racing season always revolve around Newmarket in May for the first Classics of the season. The 2,000 Guineas is that first Classic, featuring a selection of the best three-year-old colts in training. Run over 1 mile, this historic race has been won by some of the best horses of all time since its inauguration all the way back in 1809.

The 2,000 Guineas always takes place on a Saturday in May and is followed by the fillies’ equivalent, the 1,000 Guineas, the next day. The day’s racing also includes the Palace House Stakes (a Group 3 sprint) and the Dahlia Fillies’ States (a Group 2 held over 1 mile 2 furlongs).

Lockinge Day, Newbury

The Lockinge is one of the major highlights at Newbury, a Group 1 of around a mile that includes the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Cape Cross and Frankel on the roll of honour. Held in mid-May, this is the clear highlight of the day and is the course’s only top level race on the calendar.

The Group 3 Aston Park Stakes is another one to watch out for on the day though, the one and a half mile race won back to back in 2018 and 2019 by Crystal Ocean. With a nice mix of other contests, including a couple of listed races, this is definitely a great Saturday to make a trip to Newbury.

The Derby, Epsom

The Derby is the second colts’ Classic of the season. Like the 2,000 Guineas, the Derby is open only to three-year-olds but is a markedly different race. For a start, the Derby takes place over 1½ miles so is a significantly tougher test of stamina. Then there are the severe undulations at Epsom that make life all the more challenging for the horses. Having the speed and early season fitness for the 2000 Guineas and then following that up with the stamina to win the Derby is the mark of an absolute star.

The Derby is arguably the most prestigious flat race in the entire world. It is certainly a contest that all owners, trainers and breeders want to have on their CV so it often sees international entries. Each of the jockeys competing in the Derby dream of winning it but they’re also enthused by some of the other races on the June card at Epsom including the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, the Diomed Stakes and the fillies’ Classic, the Oaks, which takes place the following day.

Royal Ascot, Ascot

There is no Flat racing meeting quite like Royal Ascot. It is Britain’s most valuable meeting by far, with over £7 million of prize money given out across its five days. The final day falls on Saturday and is massively popular with the racegoing public and those who prefer to watch on from the comfort of their own homes.

The organisers at Ascot like will often make changes to the schedule of the five days but they always ensure that there are several top class races to bring the curtain down on Saturday. The Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Coronation Stakes and Wokingham Handicap have all played key roles on the final day of Royal Ascot in recent years but whatever the exact lineup, it is always a cracker.

Northumberland Plate, Newcastle

When Newcastle Racecourse decided to rip up its flat turf course and replace it with an all-weather layout there were more than a handful of dissenting voices. It is fair to say the decision has proven to be a wise one though as Newcastle now hosts a string of excellent all-weather contests whilst important historical races such as the Northumberland Plate have been given a new lease of life.

The Northumberland Plate is one of the richest 2 mile handicaps in Flat racing. It is always a hugely entertaining race and the betting is incredibly competitive. That has remained the case with the race taking place on the new Tapeta surface, even if it wasn’t one of those races threatened by unsuitable ground, taking place as it does in either late June or early July.

Eclipse Stakes, Sandown Park

Sandown Park hosts some top class Flat and National Hunt racing. When it comes to the summer months there is no bigger race at Sandown than the Eclipse Stakes (also known as the Coral-Eclipse). Named after one of racing’s early superstars from the 18th century, the Eclipse is a prestigious Group 1 race that takes place over the exact distance of 1 mile 1 furlong and 209 yards. It always hosts a high class field and is supported by a good card including the Coral Charge, Coral Distaff and some valuable handicaps.

Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Sadler’s Wells and Sea The Stars are just some of the equine legends to have landed the Eclipse in its long history. With a handsome purse up for grabs a top class field is guaranteed so this really is an excellent Saturday of racing.

July Festival, Newmarket

The July Festival isn’t at the same level as Royal Ascot but it is still a very important fixture on the Flat racing calendar. It was originally a midweek fixture but has been moved later in the week so that it now ends on a Saturday. The highlight on Saturday for many is the July Cup, a Group 1 sprint which can often throw up a surprise result. Those who prefer the opportunities presented by big field handicaps are also well catered for, with the Bunbury Cup the standout in that regard.

King George Weekend, Ascot

Top level racing makes a quick return to Ascot after the Royal meeting with King George Weekend which is held every July. As the name suggests, the headline of the meeting is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Run over a mile and a half, the Group 1 race is up there with the very best middle distance contests for older horses in Europe, on a par with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France.

The calibre of horses competing in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is always of the highest level. Every winner of this race is one of the best horses around but there is a special place for horses like Enable and Galileo who were able to serve it up to their elders in the July of their three-year-old campaign.

Glorious Goodwood, Goodwood

Like Royal Ascot and the Newmarket July Festival, Glorious Goodwoood is one of the jewels in the crown of the Flat racing season. Set in the picturesque course in the Sussex Downs, Glorious Goodwood is a huge draw for racing fans and includes more than enough high class racing to keep punters busy throughout the five days of superb action which culminate on a Saturday.

The pick of the races on Glorious Goodwood’s Saturday is the Stewards’ Cup, a sprint handicap in which a large field of over 20 horses compete in a mad dash for the line over 6 furlongs. A true cavalry charge, not only is the Stewards’ Cup one of the racing spectacles of the year, it’s also one of the most active betting markets.

Ebor Handicap, York

For many racing fans, the Ebor Festival at York is better than any of the prestigious meetings taking place at Ascot, Goodwood or Newmarket. York Racecourse has a passionate group of fans who always make the trip to the Saturday of the Ebor Festival which includes its feature race, the Ebor Handicap.

For some trainers and owners, the entire season is targeted around the Ebor Handicap. There are few staying handicaps with as much prestige or as big a prize fund as this 1 mile 5 furlong 188 yard contest. With its scheduling in mid-August, the weather even sometimes plays ball, making for a truly brilliant Saturday of racing in North Yorkshire.

Sprint Cup, Haydock

Jumps racing fans know Haydock as a haven for mudlarks. The ground at Haydock quickly becomes incredibly demanding if the rain falls. That doesn’t only happen in the winter months though as the going can often be testing for the Sprint Cup which takes place at Haydock in September. For that reason, this Group 1 sprint can often be won by an outsider, even though top class sprinters regularly head to Haydock for a race that awards the best part of £150,000 to the winner.

Ayr Gold Cup, Ayr

The Ayr Gold Cup is another huge prize in the Flat racing season. It’s an incredibly competitive six furlong handicap which attracts a big field to Scotland for one of Ayr’s most important Saturdays. Competition for a place is such that only horses with a high handicap rating get in which ensures that there are several horses with a realistic chance of winning once the race gets underway.

As if it wasn’t already a tough enough puzzle for punters to piece together, there are always hard luck stories in running in this frantic race. It really is a contest that often demands bravery on behalf of the winning jockey to take advantage of a space as soon as it opens up, so experience and skill in the saddle are a must.

Cambridgeshire Handicap, Newmarket

By the time the Cambridgeshire Handicap comes around in late September the vast majority of the Flat racing season is behind us and thoughts are beginning to turn to the jumps. Oftentimes that means more inclement weather and softer ground, so horses who haven’t had much success over the summer months can often roar back to form. That is, of course, providing that they’ve done well enough to maintain an official rating high enough to get into this 1m1f race which takes place on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.

Horse Race Tips

British Champions Day, Ascot

The anticipation and excitement about certain horses at the start of the Flat racing season doesn’t always translate into success during it. Some horses simply fail to fire as expected whilst others improve seemingly out of nowhere to win massive races. So it is that the stars of British Champions Day at Ascot always include horses who had rather modest ambitions in the spring.

British Champions Day was introduced in 2011 as a way to celebrate the success of the season and create another top class card. There are four Group 1 races during the day – the British Champions Sprint Stakes, British Champions Fillies’ and Mares’ Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Champion Stakes – and a Group 2, the British Champions Long Distance Cup; as well as the Balmoral Handicap to round the meeting off.

Vertem Futurity Trophy, Doncaster

The Vertem Futurity Trophy is the final Group 1 of the Flat racing season. Many racing fans may still call it the Racing Post Trophy, so long was it known by that moniker. Whatever you call it, it is a race for top class two-year-olds to show what they are capable of over 1 mile and has produced a number of top class winners over the years. No fewer than five winners of the Vertem Futurity Trophy have gone on to win the Derby, whilst 2019 winner, Kameko, followed up with victory in the 2,000 Guineas as well.

Kameko’s win also created history as it was the first Group 1 to be held on an all-weather track in Britain after the race was switched to Newcastle after the course at the usual host, Doncaster, was waterlogged. Abandonment of the final day of the Autumn Afternoon Meeting at Doncaster is rare but soft ground certainly is not at this time of year.

The November Meeting, Cheltenham

The November Meeting (formerly known as the Open Meeting) at Cheltenham is the first major meeting of the British jumps season. In many ways this is the start of the winter season of racing and in others it’s a precursor for the Cheltenham Festival.

There are some key differences between this and the Festival in March though. For one, the November Meeting takes place over the weekend from Friday to Sunday. Saturday’s card features many of the highlights of the November Meeting including the BetVictor Gold Cup, a 2½ mile, Grade 3 steeplechase.

Betfair Chase, Haydock

The Betfair Chase is the highlight of the racing calendar at Haydock and this November slog is the course’s only Grade 1. It has been won four times by Kauto Star, with Cue Card successful thrice. Run over more than three miles, it is the first Grade 1 of the NH season and has at times been part of a £1m scheme for any horse that could land it as well as enjoy success in other races.

The Betfair Million has changed format over the years and is now known as the Stayers’ Chase Triple Crown. This contest is the first leg, with success in the King George VI and Cheltenham Golden Cup needed for connections to scoop the million. Aside from this potentially lucrative chase, the Saturday’s racing action also includes the Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle, a Grade 3.

Fighting Fifth Hurdle, Newcastle

It isn’t just chasing that has its Triple Crown and the hurdling equivalent kicks off with the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle at the end of November or start of December. Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham complete the £1m set, the brilliant Buveur d’Air claiming the bonus in 2017/18 as part of a streak of five consecutive Triple Crown titles.

As well as the eponymous Grade 1, Newcastle’s biggest Saturday of racing also typically hosts six other races, with an early start before midday. There is a nice mix of hurdles and chase action, with novices, maidens and juvenile contests all taking place.

Ladbrokes Trophy, Newbury

The Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury is the feature race of the course’s Winter Festival. The event organisers at Newbury do a very good job of putting on an excellent day of festivities for the large numbers of fans who pour through the gates whilst the racing itself is well worth getting excited about.

At 3 mile 2 furlongs, the Ladbrokes Trophy is a proper test of stamina. The Grade 3 race has been won by some top class chasers over the years as they are tested out against other quality competitors. Punters and racing fans always have a keen eye on Newbury for the next Denman, Native River or Many Clouds.

Tingle Creek Chase, Sandown Park

December is a massive month for jumps racing thanks largely to a packed Christmas schedule. Before the King George VI Chase at Kempton it’s all eyes on Sandown Park for the Tingle Creek Chase.

This contest is run over the minimum distance for a steeplechase of 2 miles and is therefore often used by some of the leading hopes for the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Several horses have won both races including Altior and Sprinter Sacre but it has also been won by future Cheltenham Gold Cup horses, including the legendary Desert Orchid and Kauto Star.