The Punt Daily: Tom Collins is two from two with one tip remaining
BANKER
Boasting a stamina-influenced pedigree, Aldrich Bay can be excused for three down-the-field efforts in 7f novice contests last summer, two of which came in ultra competitive events at Newmarket. He then spent 458 days on the sidelines, undergoing a gelding operation in the meantime, before being the recipient of a sustained market support on handicap debut at Kempton last month. Sent off as the 2-1 favourite, Aldrich Bay seemed to relish the step up to 1m3½f but just couldn't get to the similarly unexposed Helix, who got the run of the race. Left on the same mark of 56, he is strongly fancied to make amends.
EYECATCHER
A lightly raced nine-year-old who shouldn't mind the bottomless ground at Ascot, Bennys King boasts a somewhat surprisingly progressive profile and won three of his first four outings for Dan Skelton, including the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Chase on Ladbrokes Trophy day last year. He looked a Graded performer that day and although he has failed to add to that strike in three subsequent performances, he was only narrowly denied by the in-form Domaine De L'Isle at this track in January. Bennys King always needs his first run back and a marked improvement is expected.
EACH-WAY PLAY
Belfast Banter(3.35 Ascot)
It's not difficult to make a case for a number of runners in this Betfair Exchange Trophy, but the best value may lie with Belfast Banter, who makes his handicap debut for trainer Peter Fahey. This looks like something of a plot by the shrewd Irish handler, who kept his five-year-old in novice company last time to retain his current mark. He bumped into some smart sorts over in Ireland and 129 looks lenient, albeit he's running off 5lb higher than his Irish rating.
More Saturday tips from our experts:
Paul Kealy's must-have banker at Haydock on Saturday
Saturday's free racing tips: expert selections from our top team
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