Horse Racing Tips: Three To Back On Saturday ITV Racing Card

Royal Ascot is around the corner but before that we have a chance to boost the betting coffers with a busy Saturday spanning Sandown, York and Chester on ITV Racing. After a few winners last weekend on this page, Billy Grimshaw is on hand with his three best bets on the terrestrial channel...

Sandown 14:05 - Listen To BetMGM On TalkSport Handicap

A tricky start to the ITV Racing action at Sandown comes in this 1m handicap, with a host in here who will fancy their chances. Bill Silvers is one I'd be willing to excuse a flop last time out as on his first two runs this season he performed well, while favourite Dancing Magic has obvious claims to finally shed his maiden tag here after some good placed runs so far this seaosn.

In a race as competitive as this I couldn't begrudge anyone backing two or three, and I was very tempted by the claims of Classic for Richard Hannon. My main fancy for the race, however, is drawn right next to him in 15 and those draw numbers are not the sort you want to be going in double handed with, so I'm going to stick with Jamie Spencer and MASCAPONE to hopefully cheese off plenty of the opposition and come with a swooping late run.

David Simcock's charge has it all to do in that box but he has the right man in the plate to keep things calm as the race unfolds, and considering the promise of his fifth placed return at Newcastle last time out - where he understandably needed the run after a big break - I am convinced he is well handicapped enough to get involved here. Obviously we'll need luck in running but there is no one quite like Spencer for threading the eye of the needle and he could be an inspired booking for a horse like this, who will enjoy travelling strongly tracking the pace. Hopefully he's in the mix.

York 14:25 - Sky Bet Proud To Support Macmillan Handicap

I was at Chester on the second disappointing run of the season there from BOARDMAN, but excuses can be made for both of those sixth placed finishes (draw and eventual make up of the race) so back at a track he has won at before and over a seven furlongs trip I'm sure is his optimum, he will be carrying my cash on the Knavesmire.

He is relatively ground versatile which is handy with uncertain forecasts across Britain this weekend, and is dropping back into Class 3 company for the first time in a while. His mark of 90 looks more than workable for Tim Easterby and the veteran eight year old should face less draw related issues here, as well as having a nice strong pace to aim at from stablemate Yermanthere - drawn next to him - amongst others.

Ryan Moore's mount Aalto has predictably been well backed and Ian Williams' charge does have his chance, though I'm not convinced he should be the market leader. I'd be more concerned about New Image of those at the top of the market on the back of his good win last time out as he looks the type who could get on a roll through the summer, but the ticks in Boardman's column outweigh any other claims and he rates a solid each-way proposition.

York 15:00 - Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup Stakes

This looks a real headscratcher of a race and odds compilers clearly agree as there is just one in the six runner field at double figure odds. I'd probably lean toward Klondike if picking between that runner with Ryan Moore booked and the current favourite Relentless Voyager, but there's not much in it, and at the prices I can't resist a small win only play on CHESSPIECE for Simon and Ed Crisford.

The team had a poor start to the season and while not exactly fully firing on all cylinders, there have been signs of late they've stopped the rot. I'm willing to forgive their flag bearer Vandeek at Royal Ascot in the Commonwealth Cup (shameless plug for that piece here) and so will allow Chesspiece his two poor runs this season and focus instead on his brilliant effort for second behind Middle Earth last campaign.

The Crisfords reach for head gear on their horse here which could set some alarms ringing but I am of the opinion they are going to try to steal this race. There is no obvious pace angle and head gear could assist their horse if the plan is to ask Paul Mulrennan to blast off in front and try to gain an all the way success. If these are the tactics he looks no 7/1 shot to me as I think he'll either win or blowout, so a small win only play at anything above 5/1 will do in this trappy affair.