It’s been a tough week on the P&L — the golf has punished us thus far and Chester didn’t play ball — but Saturdays are made for bouncing back! Four selections today across Ascot and Haydock, including a serious each-way play in the Victoria Cup and a big-priced alternative that could pay for the week if it lands a place.
🏇 VICTORIA CUP — ASCOT, 2:25PM
This is the marquee race of the day and we’re splitting the Victoria Cup between two plays.
TRIBAL CHIEF — 11/2 EACH WAY (6 PLACES) — 1PT
The overnight money has been pointing firmly towards Tribal Chief and it’s not hard to see why. Billy Loughnane takes the ride, which is about as encouraging a booking as you can get in this division right now — he’s riding at a different level to most. The horse itself is a natural closer who loves to pick off rivals late in the day, and the draw is very much in his favour. Coming back to seven furlongs in trip could prove the key — he shaped well in the Lincoln on his return and this looks a logical next step. With six places on offer, an each-way interest at 11/2 looks very fair value. This is the banker of the day.
SO DARN HOT — 33/1 EACH WAY (6 PLACES IF AVAILABLE) — 1PT
At 33/1 this is unashamedly a punt, but it’s one grounded in solid reasoning. The horse has dropped 5lbs since his last winning mark and the ground conditions today should be right up his street. It is not a million miles away from his best form and in a competitive handicap like the Victoria Cup, horses at this price regularly hit the frame. With six places being paid out, a 33/1 shot at a fraction of the odds for a place represents exactly the type of each-way value that can transform a Saturday. Only take this if your bookmaker is paying six places — check before you play.
🏇 HAYDOCK, 1:15PM
TELLHERTHENAME — 9/4 WIN — 2PT
Dan Skelton knows how to place a horse and Tellherthename has been dropped to a mark of 133 which looks very workable on the evidence of recent runs. The going at Haydock today should suit and this looks like a confident, straightforward selection. Two points win — no each-way frills needed at this price.
🏇 HAYDOCK, 3:05PM
JEDDAAL — 2/1 WIN — 2PT
Ed Walker has this horse primed and ready. Jeddaal is operating off a mark that flatters the handicapper rather than the horse — it is genuinely quick and has the ability to dominate from the front or close from just off the pace. On a flat, fair track like Haydock there should be no excuses today. Two points win, straightforward confidence play.
The Day in Summary
| Race | Selection | Odds | Bet | Stake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascot 2:25 Victoria Cup | Tribal Chief | 11/2 | EW (6 places) | 1pt (2 total) |
| Ascot 2:25 Victoria Cup | So Darn Hot | 33/1 | EW (6 places) | 1pt (2 total) |
| Haydock 1:15 | Tellherthename | 9/4 | Win | 2pt |
| Haydock 3:05 | Jeddaal | 2/1 | Win | 2pt |
Good luck today. All selections are tracked live on the P&L dashboard — updated after every result. Full model analysis available to Substack subscribers. Follow along and let’s make Saturday count. 🏇
