ITV Saturday Preview - 08/12/2018

Blaklion & Missed Approach

The Classy BLAKLION can take the Grade 3 Becher Handicap Chase. He is the rightful favourite and if he is fully tuned up should take all the beating.

He won this race by nine lengths last year and is a previous Grade 1 winner. His last two runs have seen him fail to complete. If he can complete tomorrow he should win.

Our each-way selection for the race is MISSED APPROACH. The eight-year-old has not been seen since April but his performances this time last year would give him a major chance of hitting the frame.

Lalor

LALOR can confirm favouritism in the randoxhealth.com Henry VII Novices Chase. The Grade One has seen some famous winners over the years and this six-year-old can add his name to the list.

His seasonal reappearance was an impressive victory at Grade Two level and he finished off last season by winning an Aintree Grade One.

Whilst likely to be odds-on it is easy to see why as no horse has anything close to the form that the selection has displayed.

Definitely Red

The Betway May Clouds Chase looks somewhat of a penalty kick for DEFINITLY RED. The Brian Ellison trained runner won this race by seven lengths last year.

His return run at the start of November was extremely pleasing and he can confirm his credentials for next year’s Gold Cup with a good run here.

Trotterdown

The next race is a Listed race in the shape of the Jumeirah Hotels And Resorts December Handicap Hurdle. Whilst TROTTERDOWN is upped in grade this front-runner is in fine form and could be hard to pass.

He has won twice from his two starts this season and last time out was a career best performance.

Daniel Hiskett takes off a valuable 5lb and it could make all the difference.

Smiling Eliza

SMILING ELIZA looks to have strong credentials in the Betway Fillies Juvenile Hurdle.

The Irish-raider trained by Gordon Elliott has some of the strongest form in the race and whilst the ground remains a concern she looks to have a major chance.

She hasn’t finished outside of the first two in her last four outings and has a good opportunity on her British debut.

Saint Calvados

The penultimate race of the day is the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1). Altior will take a large chunk of the market in this feature race and we think SAINT CALVADOS is where the value is at.

The Harry Whittington runner has won four of his last five runs including an emphatic win in a Grade 2 at Warwick in February.

Made a pleasing return when winning at Naas and still heading in the right direction. A win here will set up an exciting season for the five-year-old.

Voix D’Eau

The final race of a good card at Aintree is the Betway Grand Sefton Handicap Chase. We are taking a chance on one of the longshots in the shape of VOIX D’EAU.

The eight-year-old has strong form in the book and any return to form would see him involved.

A former graded company winner, if he takes to the testing ground he is majorly over-priced.

Exitas

The finale is the Betfair London National Handicap Chase. EXITAS is likely to be at the top end of the market and it is easy to see why.

The horse is ultra-consistent and has not been outside of the top four in his nine runs since August.

Found Beat That too much to handle when giving away weight last time out but still looks on a handy mark and should go well.