Alan Thomson’s Racing Tips: Rather Be can land thrill of the Chase

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CHELTENHAM is the main attraction on a packed Saturday of racing, with the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase among the highlights.

There's also cards from the likes of Doncaster and Newcastle so good luck with your bets and feel free to add your own picks below.

Newcastle 12.55

WATERSMEET can get the day off to a flier at Newcastle. Mark Johnston’s stayer is a prolific winner on the all-weather and the popular grey holds Higher Power on their Kempton run last month. An easy lead from stall one would make Watersmeet very hard to pass.Newcastle 12.55

Cheltenham 1.55

RATHER BE appeared to have plenty of running left in him when brought down in the BetVictor Chase last month and compensation awaits in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Nicky Henderson’s chaser is right at home around Prestbury Park, having been pipped in the Close Brothers Handicap Chase at the Festival in March. With BetVictor winner Baron Alco penalised 6lb, it should open the door to Rather Be. At bigger odds, Top Gamble should have come on a bundle from his Newbury comeback and rates an each-way alternative.

Cheltenham 2.30

DOUX PRETENDER (2.30) looks up to completing his hat-trick for Nicky Henderson in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, with Aye Aye Charlie the most likely danger.

Cheltenham 3.05

OLD GUARD could be a bit of each-way value if all eight go to post for the Unibet International Hurdle. He is a model of consistency and had We Have A Dream held in fourth when chasing home If The Cap Fits at Ascot. Last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Summerville Boy was a bit disappointing behind Buveur D’air in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, while a similar remark applies to The New One’s effort at Ffos Las. Both are clearly capable of much better.

Cheltenham 3.40

PETTICOAT TAILS hasn’t quite lived up to the hype but there is the promise of better to come following a wind operation. Stamina appears to be her forte, so a positive ride is on the cards, and Petticoat Tails is a dual novice hurdle winner on soft. She is closely matched with Sensulano on Ascot form.

Doncaster 2.10

IRISH ROE (2.10) has a terrific record at Doncaster with form figures of 1-1-2 from three runs, including victory in the corresponding bet365 handicap hurdle last December. She made a promising return at Wetherby, running third to Lady Buttons, before falling at Cheltenham.

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