Today’s FREE ITV racing tips: Newbury, Lingfield, Kelso, Doncaster and Chelmsford – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for the racing this Saturday, March 2
Steve Mullen guides you through Saturday's racing at Newbury, Lingfield, Kelso, Doncaster and Chelmsford
HAPPY DIVA can strike Gold for Kerry Lee (2.40 Newbury).
The eight-year-old came right back to her best when winning a Huntingdon Listed race last time with a strong late run.
She was more than a little unlucky when brought down in BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November before a good second in another Grade 3 contest at Prestbury Park.
She’s just a couple of pounds higher in the weights since then and should run another big race.
Paul Nicholls has a brilliant record in this with eight wins including four of the past six.
That means his runners need a close look, with Dolos winning as he liked at Sandown last time.
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He is on the upgrade and can defy a rise in the weights to hit the places at least.
Stablemate Warriors Tale loves it around here with two wins and a second from his past three visits. His finest hour came in the Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree, so he’ll handle the hustle and bustle of this big field.
He was out of sorts last time but could easily bounce back in Berkshire.
War Sound hasn’t enjoyed a couple of visits to Cheltenham but should be happier at this easier track. He won like a nice prospect at Aintree before Christmas and should run well.
SATURDAY SIZZLER Your in-depth preview to Saturday's Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury
ABOLITIONIST can’t be ruled out in the Greatwood Veterans’ Chase (2.05 Newbury).
His last run over fences came when a classy third in the Irish Grand National back in 2017.
Since then, he has joined the excellent Dr Richard Newland who has a deserved reputation for improving horses that come from other yards.
He made his UK debut for new connections over hurdles at Aintree last time and couldn’t have been more impressive in winning by 10 lengths.
It’s fair to say that he took advantage of a much lower mark for the smaller obstacles there but he did it in fine style. The good doctor has wisely given him almost four months off since then so there shouldn’t be any ‘bounce’ factor where he flops after a good comeback run.
Theatre Guide and The Last Samuri come here on the back of encouraging seconds. The former ran on well in the Sandown version of this race and should be boxing on at the finish again.
The Last Samuri has run well on his past two outings and wasn’t beaten far at Taunton last time. His best form would put him right in the mix.
CRACKING FIND (2.25 Doncaster) is looking for a hat-trick after battling victories on his past two outings.
He took the honours on the nod at Wetherby before following up with a little more in hand over course and distance last time. He’s up a fair 5lb for that and should be right in the shake-up again.
Nuts Well was going to push the tip all the way here latest but for taking a rare tumble at the third-last. He has cheekpieces on for the first time today and, provided he’s over that mishap, can run well again.
ROCKY’S TREASURE can strike gold in the Grimthorpe Chase (3.35 Doncaster).
He is taking a step up in distance with a little bit to prove. He made a couple of jumping errors when third at Warwick last time, which was a surprise because he won a Grade 2 here in great style before Christmas.
That was over 3m and there’s no reason why he won’t stay and his handicap mark looks fair enough given the company he’s been keeping.
Dingo Dollar is respected despite being off the pace in the Sky Bet Chase here last time out. He has been in good nick before then, including when a solid third at Newbury in December.
He won’t have any issue with staying this far and can cash in if the selection runs out of petrol.
NEWBURY
1.30 Betameche
2.05 Abolitionist
2.40 Happy Diva
3.10 Crooks Peak
3.45 Antunes
4.15 Molineaux
4.50 Mcfabulous
DONCASTER
1.50 Bordeaux Bill
2.25 Cracking Find
3.00 Danse Idol
3.35 Rocky's Treasure
4.05 Manning Estate
4.40 Empire De Maulde
5.15 Fostered Phil
KELSO
1.40 Pogue
2.15 Tontos Spirit
2.45 Black Corton
3.15 Getaway Trump
3.55 Western Rules
4.30 Orioninverness
5.05 Jet Master
LINGFIELD
1.35 Makambe
2.10 Prominna
2.50 Boom The Groom
3.20 Family Fortunes
3.50 Deep Intrigue
4.25 Antonia Clara
5.00 Le Torrent
CHELMSFORD
5.30 Shanghai Grace
6.00 White Coat
6.30 Stamford Raffles
7.00 Saaheq
7.30 Foreign Legion
8.00 Arlecchinos Arc
8.30 Dont Do It