Saturday tips: two ante-post selections for Haydock and Ascot

Race: 2.50 Ascot. 

Best odds: 12-1 (general). 

It was no surprise contested a Grade One on his fourth start for Harry Fry having won his first three outings in the style of a smart performer, and Fry made it no secret that he holds this seven-year-old in high regard. 

Things didn’t go to plan in that contest, but Altobelli returned to action last season off a potentially lenient mark of 131, and produced eye-catching efforts in defeat in two decent handicaps, including in a valuable contest at this track behind Luccia where he probably found the ground a shade too fast. A slow pace also didn’t help his cause there, and he looked the contender to take out of the race. 

That form has been franked multiple times since, most notably by the winner who finished third in the Unibet Champion Hurdle on her next outing, and it is best to forgive Altobelli’s effort in the Betfair Hurdle, which he was sent off 5-1 for, on his next start as he was not right afterwards and missed the remainder of the season. 

Having endured 308 days off the track, he probably needed the outing on his return to action at Doncaster in December where he looked set to be well beaten before staying on powerfully to finish second, and the lack of a recent run there appeared to take a toll before he found his second wind. 

That performance also hinted that he is ready for a step back up in distance (he has won over 2m3½f before) having been campaigned predominantly over the minimum trip . 

There is a dry forecast ahead of Saturday, and ‘good in places’ is likely to creep into the going description, which is good to soft, at the time of writing, but there should still be some ease underfoot, which will suit the selection. 

With just eight starts next to his name, he should have more to offer this term, and it is wise to believe he remains well handicapped off a rating of 132 based on his best efforts last season, despite being raised 2lb for his latest start.

Although he does hold an entry at Windsor on Friday, Harry Fry advised me on Tuesday that Altobelli is due to run at Ascot on Saturday, all being well. He will hold strong claims if he does line-up here, and rates a decent each-way bet at 12-1.

Race: 3.05 Haydock. 

Best odds: 9-1 (Bet365). 

This eight-year-old looked one to follow when creating a big impression in a novice hurdle at Kelso 12 months ago where he travelled powerfully before effortlessly cruising clear, and it was a similar scenario when he scored on his handicap debut (off a rating of 114) over the same course and distance next time out. 

They may not have been the strongest contests, but his form has been franked on a few occasions since, albeit at a similar level, and was a class apart on both occasions. Those two efforts were also on soft ground, which he appeared to relish, and is likely to face similar conditions at Haydock on Saturday, which is a positive.  

Nicky Richards’ charge is now rated 122 and could only manage sixth off that rating on his seasonal debut at Kelso in December, his first run since February which suggests he may have suffered a setback. 

He certainly shaped as though the outing was needed, too, as he was not given the hardest time under pressure and was also hampered by a hurdle panel mid-race! 

That run will have no doubt blown the cobwebs away and he remains with a huge amount of potential with just six starts under his belt. Based on the manner of his two victories last year, it will be disappointing if he is not capable of achieving a higher rating this season, and he was always going to improve with age, and experience, having not been broken in until he was five. 

At a best-priced 9-1, he is worth siding with, despite the fact he also has an entry in the Sky Bet Club Handicap Hurdle earlier on the card. He should also have no problem staying an extended three miles, especially as he is related to point winners plus was strong at the finish over 2m6½f last season.