Robin Goodfellow’s Racing Tips: The best bets for Saturday, October 29

It may only be the embryonic stage of a new National Hunt campaign, but Thistlecrack’s scintillating Chepstow victory this week left jump fans debating his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials.

Trainer Colin Tizzard was understandably delighted his novice emerged from his chasing debut with flying colours and he has the opportunity to strengthen a powerful hand this season courtesy of the admirable CUE CARD (Wetherby, 3.20).

Last season’s bet365 Charlie Hall Chase winner would have taken a hand in the conclusion of the Gold Cup in March but for falling three fences from home when travelling strongly.
 
The sense of anti-climax that day was palpable and the frustration was only marginally eased when Cue Card hacked up at Aintree three weeks later to leave connections musing what might have been.

A subsequent defeat at Punchestown can be attributed to a long season and it will be fascinating to see how the likeable 10-year-old proceeds this term given he is in his sixth year of training at the highest level.

The selection’s yard did a marvellous job with him during last season, a campaign which began with an emphatic success in today’s feature.

Indeed, Cue Card’s record when returning from an absence in excess of six months reads 111341 so he should be capable of arriving at Wetherby ready to roll.

Second-season chaser Blaklion, a comprehensive winner over fences at today’s venue in February, looks one of the chief dangers as he appeared to relish the better ground when grimly landing the RSA Chase in March.

He could well follow home the selection, while a good run should be expected from Virak who has had this race as his target since July and won’t lack for any fitness.

A flat, left-handed track suits Virak well and he could exploit any ring-rustiness in his rivals if they aren’t fully tuned up.

Nigel Twiston-Davies enjoyed notable success on Friday at Wetherby with a 22-1 double and BALLYOPTIC (2.45) could give the Gloucestershire handler further reason to cheer at the course in the bet365 Hurdle.

The progressive six-year-old heads north looking to complete a sparkling five-timer following a cosy comeback success at Chepstow in a warm handicap. Saturday's Grade 2 event will again be a stiff examination.

But he has displayed determination and resolve in abundance in his short career to date, not least when beating Bellshill in an Aintree Grade 1 Hurdle in the spring.
He was reportedly short of condition at Chepstow and can improve again.

ASCOT 
Robin Goodfellow    
1.55 Crimson Ark
2.25 Yorkist
3.00 Ch’tibello (nb)
3.35 Voix D’eau
4.10 Quieto Sol
4.45 Peak To Peak
5.20 Coup De Pinceau
Gimcrack   
1.55 Ballybolley
2.25 Yorkist
3.00 Cloonacool
3.35 Tea For Two (nb)
4.10 Clic Work
4.45 Bagad Bihoue
5.20 Coup De Pinceau
 
NEWMARKET 
Robin Goodfellow    
1.20 Cashla Bay
1.50 Curlew River
2.20 Katebird
2.55 Teofonic
3.30 Father Bertie
4.05 Basem
4.40 C Note
5.15 Harwoods Volante (nap)
Gimcrack   
1.20 Cashla Bay
1.50 Yellowhammer
2.20 Katebird
2.55 Billesdon Bess
3.30 Makzeem
4.05 Baydar
4.40 Murad Khan
5.15 Zacynthus
 
WETHERBY 
Robin Goodfellow  
1.35 Fou Et Sage
2.10 Miss Crick
2.45 Ballyoptic
3.20 Cue Card
3.55 Zipple Back
4.30 Royal Vacation
5.05 Apple Of Our Eye
Gimcrack  
1.35 Double W’s
2.10 Miss Crick
2.45 Ballyoptic
3.20 Cue Card (nap)
3.55 Ozzie The Oscar
4.30 Royal Vacation
5.05 Kalondra
 
AYR 
Robin Goodfellow  
2.05 Vertigo
2.35 Malin Bay
3.10 Halcyon Days
3.45 Impulsive American
4.20 Throthethatch
4.55 Great Fighter
5.30 Formidableopponent
Gimcrack  
2.05 Master Of Finance
2.35 Jet Master
3.10 Supreme Asset
3.45 Indian Voyage
4.20 Throthethatch
4.55 Work In Progress
5.30 Amuse Me
 
CHELMSFORD CITY
 Robin Goodfellow 
5.40 Sunset Dream
6.10 Buccaneers Cove
6.40 First Priority
7.10 Dusty Bin
7.40 Dark Wonder
8.10 Rubis
8.40 Camdora
9.10 Wilsons Ruby
Gimcrack
5.40 Excellent Sounds
6.10 Buccaneers Cove
6.40 Dealer’s Choice
7.10 Fair Selene
7.40 Pick A Little
8.10 Regal Gait
8.40 Lady Bacchus
9.10 Divine Call