ITV Racing Tips: All Eyes On Newmarket And Sandown On Saturday

With the ITV cameras on Saturday being at Newmarket – the home of UK flat racing – and at Sandown for a significant Group 1 event, there will be plenty of exhilarating races to entertain us.

At Newmarket the Lancashire Oaks is one of the highlights at 2.40pm, while at Sandown, it’s Eclipse day, with the big race at 3.35pm – where all eyes will be on the Aidan O’Brien runners.

ITV Racing Tips:

• 1.50 – Words Of Truth (NAP)
• 2.05 – Arc Ole Ole
• 2.25 – Sea Force
• 2.40 – Miss Justice
• 3.00 – Pacific Mission (NB)
• 3.15 – Plage De Havre
• 3.35 – Constitution River

Our horse racing expert Steven Mullington takes a look at all the ITV races:

1.50pm Sandown – 5f Group 3 Sprint Stakes

Asfoora has failed to spark since winning last season’s Prix de l’Abbaye, so I am keen to take her on with the in-form WORDS OF TRUTH (NAP) for Charlie Appleby.

The three-year-old gelding romped home in the Scurry Stakes and simply has the demeanour of a thoroughbred destined for greater success.

At odds of 11/4 in our horse racing betting, he’s a strong pick in what is effectively a two-way go.

2.05pm Newmarket – 1m6f Handicap

ARC OLE OLE was doing all his best work late in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, and was not disgraced when finishing just three and a bit lengths behind the winner.

This Class 2 is much more within his scope and I can see him turning the boosters back on for an authoritative victory under Luke Morris.

2.25pm Sandown – 1m Handicap

SEA FORCE can bounce back from his Dante Festival disappointment where he finished stone last in the Hambleton after being sent off the 7/2 favourite.

At 12/1, punters appear to be a little wary of him after that performance, but his previous Thirsk effort all points towards there being another handicap victory in the offing, and he’s an each-way play at the odds all day long.

2.40pm Newmarket – 1m4f Lancashire Oaks (Group 2)

MISS JUSTICE recently finished a close fourth in a highly competitive Listed event at Chantilly and can do herself justice in this competitive Group 2.

Brian Meehan’s mare faces a quick rematch with Tiffany after their French encounter, and I can see this daughter of Justify leaving her all alone now.

3.00 Sandown – 1m Distaff (Listed Race)

PACIFIC MISSION (NB) enters the Coral Distaff as the clear ante-post sports betting favourite.

Trained by Andrew Balding and carrying the famous Juddmonte silks, she brings solid pattern-class form into this Listed contest.

Dropping back to this level after tackling tougher Group company should be the key to her landing the spoils today.

3.15pm Newmarket – 1m4f Old Newton Cup Handicap

PLAGE DE HAVRE bids to defend his crown in the Old Newton Cup Handicap, which has been transferred to Newmarket from Haydock.

He meets his previous rival Klassleader on 9lb better terms, which for me, makes him a leading fancy on Saturday.

3.35pm Sandown – 1m2f Eclipse (Group 1)

After wonderful performances at both Chester and Chantilly this season, it’s virtually impossible to take on the powerhouse that is CONSTITUTION RIVER in this Sandown feature.

As a three-year-old, he benefits from a crucial 10lb weight advantage over his older rivals which makes him a confident win selection.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*