ITV Racing Preview: Who will triumph in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot?
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We take a look at the best of Saturday’s races
All eyes will be on the Coral Hurdle tomorrow as the ITV cameras return to Ascot.
There are just three runners confirmed for the Grade 2 race and you can enjoy it live on TV, alongside three more races from the historic course.
ITV will also broadcast four races from Haydock Park, including the Betfair Steeple Chase.
And ahead of the action, we’ve taken a look at the key runners and riders to keep an eye on.
Ascot
14:05 The Chanelle Pharma Steeple Chase (Grade 2)
14:40 The Coral Hurdle Race (Grade 2)
15:17 The Coral Hurst Park Handicap Steeple Chase
15:50 The Coral Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Haydock Park
13:50 Betfair Racing Bettor Handicap Hurdle
14:25 The Betfair Free Bet Drop Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle Race (Grade 3)
15:00 The Betfair Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
15:35 The Better Value On The Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Steeple Chase
Real Steel runs for the first time under Paul Nicholls, having previously been trained by Willie Mullins. He enjoyed a respectable sixth-place finish in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his last outing.
But he could face stiff competition from Imperial Aura, who impressed by winning at Carlisle last time out. He enjoyed a fine novice campaign over fences, ending the season with victory at Cheltenham.
There are just two other runners in this race. Itchy Feet came third in the Old Roan last month, while Black Corton is looking to bounce back after failing to win a race last season.
Laurina will likely head the betting for this three-horse race. She came fourth in the 2019 Champion Hurdle before finishing third in a Grade 3 hurdle in February, but she’s since had wind surgery.
Looking to do one better will be Call Me Lord, who finished second in this race a year ago. He’ll have some momentum having looked promising when running at Aintree two weeks ago.
The third horse looking to claim the Coral Hurdle is Song For Someone. He ended last season strongly, finishing second over course and distance before winning the Kingwell at Wincanton.
Only four horses have won this race since 2011 and Lostintranslation is looking to keep it that way as he targets a second successive victory. He followed up a wind operation earlier this year to finish third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Clan Des Obeaux struggled in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time out but he’s also had a wind op and will be looking to start the season strongly, as he did last year.
Elsewhere, Bristol De Mai is targeting a hat-trick after winning this race in 2017 and 2018. He finished second in this race last year.
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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
