ITV Racing tips: one key runner from each of the eight races on ITV on Saturday
1.20 Cheltenham
Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase (Grade 1), 2m½f
Last year's race was a spellbinding showdown between Energumene and Shishkin and the Willie Mullins-trained runner-up returns in a bid to go one better this time. Arkle winner Edwardstone is his chief rival and comes to the race following an impressive victory in the Tingle Creek, before unseating Tom Cannon last time out at Kempton.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Energumene
Ready winner of last season's Champion Chase; highly talented; top rated in this field
1.50 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase, 2m4½f
Fugitif is up 10lb for this handicap contest following success over Christmas under Gavin Sheehan, who won this race in 2015. Cheltenham regular Coole Cody returns to his most successful track alongside Il Ridoto and topweight Brave Seasca, who both were last seen here on New Year's Day.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Fugitif
Impressive at Chepstow last time; still unexposed at this sort of distance; respected
2.05 Doncaster
Sky Bet Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m½f
Champion Hurdle winner Epatante sets the standard in this mares' hurdle and is a warm order to return to winning ways after finishing runner-up to Constitution Hill in two starts this season. Martello Sky and Galice Macalo both sport first-time headgear in a bid to land a blow but face a formidable task against the multiple Grade 1 star.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Epatante
Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up who stands out as the one to beat here
2.25 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (Grade 2), 3m1½f
Gold Cup hopefuls come to the fore in the Cotswold Chase, with five of the six runners holding entries for the festival feature. Leading the charge is Protektorat, who was last seen storming to success in the Betfair Chase, with Grand National winner Noble Yeats and 2019 scorer Frodon also likely to feature.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Noble Yeats
Beat two of these at Aintree latest; emerging as a contender for top Graded-race honours
2.40 Doncaster
Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2), 3m½f
£305,000 purchase Stay Away Fay made a winning start for Paul Nicholls in November and steps up to Graded company for the first time, where he will take on the more experienced Grand Soir, who is on the hunt for a four-timer. Consistent performer Twig and Challow third Idalko Bihoue are also of note in what looks like a fascinating novice contest.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Stay Away Fay
Won in good style on rules debut at Newbury and he's an exciting prospect for his top yard
3.00 Cheltenham
Dahlbury Stallions At Chapel Stud Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2), 3m
Paisley Park bids for his fourth consecutive success in the Cleeve Hurdle, having pulled off a remarkable last-to-first victory in the race last year. He faces Gelino Bello, who returns to hurdles for a confidence boost following a fall last time out, while the dependable Dashel Drasher is sure to be involved.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Paisley Park
Won the last three runnings of this (2019, 2020 and 2022); number four is calling loudly
3.15 Doncaster
Sky Bet Handicap Chase, 3m
Ga Law makes his first start since winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and shoulders top weight in his first try over three miles ahead of a possible tilt in the Ryanair. The main danger comes from Tea For Free, who has progressed up the ranks and is unbeaten in four starts since May.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Tea For Free
4-4 over fences; up in grade today but could still be ahead of the handicapper
3.35 Cheltenham
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m4½f
Last-time-out winners Henri The Second and Pembroke clash in this intriguing novice hurdle, won in the past by subsequent Grade 1 winners Yanworth and Santini. Rock My Way is also worth noting after being denied on his rules debut here on New Year's Day by the highly regarded Weveallbeencaught.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Can You Call
Steady improver; easy winner at Uttoxeter; up in grade but high on the list
ITV7 tips and predictions
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Race 1, 1.50 Cheltenham: FUGITIF
Race 2, 2.05 Doncaster: EPATANTE
Race 3, 2.25 Cheltenham: NOBLE YEATS
Race 4, 2.40 Doncaster: STAY AWAY FAY
Race 5, 3.00 Cheltenham: PAISLEY PARK
Race 6, 3.15 Doncaster: TEA FOR FREE
Race 7, 3.35 Cheltenham: CAN YOU CALL
Read Saturday's previews:
1.20 Cheltenham: key quotes and analysis for huge Energumene v Edwardstone clash
2.25 Cheltenham: 'It's his biggest test' - Skelton and Mullins on their Cotswold Chase stars
3.00 Cheltenham: can Paisley Park make Cheltenham history in the Cleeve Hurdle?
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Published on inPreviews
Last updated
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- 'He's handicapped to win this well' - David Jennings answers the burning questions on a big day at Cheltenham
- 1.58 Navan: 'He's in great order' - Bob Olinger back to try to repeat his victory of last year under new rider Darragh O'Keeffe
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