Why this horse can win: free tips for the seven televised races on ITV on Saturday

Weekender and Racing Post tipsters pick out their best bets for Saturday's ITV4 Racing action from Cheltenham and Sandown . . .

Gemirande

1.50 Cheltenham: Nyetimber December Gold Cup Handicap Chase

By James Hill

The same old names came to the fore in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, so while Madara was a definite eyecatcher, I'm not sure it was such a vintage running in the end and I prefer the chances of Gemirande. He hosed up on his reappearance at Ascot, thrashing three last-time-out winners, and a 7lb rise is fair. Venetia Williams' eight-year-old is a good jumper who will be even happier going left-handed.

Gemirande13:50 Cheltenham

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Jky: Charlie Deutsch Tnr: Venetia Williams

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Forward Plan

2.05 Doncaster: bet365 Handicap Chase

By Stuart Redding

Forward Plan had a good campaign last winter, winning this and a valuable Kempton handicap as well as picking up minor honours in big fields here and at Aintree. A comeback fourth at Wincanton was below par but he produced a similar performance in the same race last season before improving to win this.

Forward Plan14:05 Doncaster

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Jky: Ben Godfrey Tnr: Anthony Honeyball

Third Time Lucki

2.25 Cheltenham: BetMGM Handicap Chase

By Graeme Rodway

Shaped well on his first run since joining Fergal O'Brien's yard when second at this course last time and looks certain to improve for that first run in 584 days. He is 1lb lower than when last successful at Sandown and is two from six at Cheltenham. He also finished fourth in the 2023 Grand Annual off a mark 7lb higher than this.

Third Time Lucki14:25 Cheltenham

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Jky: Jonathan Burke Tnr: Fergal O'Brien

Kateira

2.40 Doncaster: bet365 Doncaster Mares' Hurdle

By Tom Park

Has to give stablemate West Balboa 4lb despite being rated just 1lb higher, but these are two mares on different projectories and you sense the Skeltons have a lot of faith in Kateira. She was entitled to need her reappearance over 3m at Wetherby, but she was impressive over 2m5f at Kempton last time and should prove too good here providing she sees out the trip. It is worth noting she has an entry at Cheltenham too.

Kateira14:40 Doncaster

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Jky: Tnr: Dan Skelton

Clondaw General

3.00 Cheltenham: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle 

By James Hill

Skyjack Hijack has been unstoppable recently and may again prove hard to catch, but Clondaw General could be too tough. He won his sole Irish point in January and made a successful start to his hurdles career at Worcester last month, comfortably beating three more experienced rivals despite an awkward leap at the final flight. He cost £150,000 so connections will be hoping he can cope with this tougher opposition.

Clondaw General15:00 Cheltenham

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Jky: Tnr: Kim Bailey

Norman Fletcher

3.15 Doncaster: bet365 Handicap Hurdle

By Stuart Redding

The one I like here is Norman Fletcher. He was second on his return at Cheltenham before winning at Huntingdon last time and has built up a decent rapport with claimer James Turner in the process. He's also in the Class 3 handicap at Cheltenham on Friday, but this event's more valuable. Valgrand tops the market for the Skeltons, but I'd prefer his stablemate Pembroke, who's starting to look well treated.

Norman Fletcher15:15 Doncaster

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Jky: Tnr: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Joyeuse

3.35 Cheltenham: BetMGM Mares' Handicap Hurdle

By Tom Park

Shaped well on her second run over hurdles at Ascot when beaten into third by the talented Celtic Dino. Entitled to come on plenty for that run, it would be disappointing if she doesn't turn out to be better than her mark of 119.

Joyeuse15:35 Cheltenham

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Jky: Nico de Boinville Tnr: Nicky Henderson

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