Barry Hill - Saturdays Racing Preview & Tips

Bazza loves us few to take a look out across several courses today, including the betting.bet sponsored Eider Chase from Newcastle.

2.27 Kempton

Coral Pendil Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

PEMBROKE - 11/2

None of the runners can be totally written off in what's shaping up to be another packed race this Saturday. But if I had to pick, I'm really liking the look of PEMBROKE (11/2) to keep up the Skelton crew's recent hot streak, especially with the move back to a two-and-a-half-mile race, which seems like a big bonus.

The lad, a son of Blue Bresil, was thought to be sharp enough to run in last season's Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at the Aintree Grand National meet, where he did pretty well to come in fifth behind Inthepocket. Given his build, though, this seven-year-old seemed destined to shine even brighter as a chaser.

And shine he has, taking to fences like a duck to water this season and mostly nailing his jumps. His last race, finishing third against Cheltenham Arkle hopefuls JPR One and Matata, was his best yet, especially since he was lugging around an extra 3lb over a distance that now feels a bit on the short side for him.

Stepping up to two miles and four furlongs this Saturday seems like a smart play, and so does hitting a flatter track, especially since he didn't quite gel with Lingfield's final bend last time. Sure, carrying a penalty isn't ideal, but this race looks to be a touch easier than the Lightning, even for a Grade Two.

3.20 Southwell

BetUK Winter Derby Stakes (Group 3)

LORD NORTH - 11/8

Past Group 1 winner Lord North is back in the game for this Saturday's Winter Derby Stakes at Southwell, and it seems he's the one everyone's got to outdo when the bets start rolling in.

Last time we caught a glimpse of the eight-year-old Lord North was back in March 2023, when he bagged his third win on the trot at the Dubai Turf at Meydan during the World Cup night.

The Gosden duo, John and Thady, have their star horse in tip-top shape. He had his first light workout of 2024 at the end of January, and you can bet he’s going to be in peak condition for this big-money race.

3.37 Kempton

Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

BLACKJACK MAGIC - 9/2

The recent downpours at Kempton are gonna shake things up a bit for this Premier Handicap, and it's looking like BLACKJACK MAGIC (9/2) might just have the upper hand because of it.

A bunch of the runners would much rather be prancing around on firmer ground, and some are even iffy about lasting the distance. But Anthony Honeyball's charge? He's all about that softer, squishier turf and has the legs to go the distance, no sweat.

We've already seen him strut his stuff this season, taking the win at the Badger Beer at Wincanton. That victory's looking even shinier now, what with Threeunderthrufive bagging a win too. Blackjack Magic's last couple of jaunts at Ascot and Sandown were alright; nothing to write home about, but those races were on firmer ground. Come Saturday, with the ground a bit more forgiving, he's expected to find his groove, making his journey smoother and maybe even tidying up his jumps. He's been known to fumble a bit, especially at Ascot and Sandown, but on the whole, he's pretty reliable in that department.

The team's throwing on some headgear for the first time, hinting they reckon he's either been a bit distracted or holding back a bit. That was my take after his last run at Sandown. Though, to give the lad his due, he might've just been maxing out because of the quicker ground.

If the blinkers do their job and give Blackjack Magic an extra edge, he's shaping up to be a key contender, especially since the nine-year-olds have been cleaning up in this race recently.

Chepstow 15:43

Pertemps Network Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

PRINCE QUALI - 10/3

If Chepstow manages to dodge the bad weather, then fingers crossed, PRINCE QUALI at 10/3 will splash his way to victory in the 2m handicap chase. He's got a track record of loving the muck, winning four races back in France on either soft or heavy turf. Since joining Robert Walford's team, he's put in a couple of solid performances. His jumping was spot-on at Plumpton, even though he got pipped at the post by Alto Alto. Stepping up a grade this time means he'll be carrying less weight, which could be a big advantage in the sludgy conditions. Plus, his knack for jumping might just be the ticket at Chepstow, where keeping a smooth rhythm over the fences can make or break your race.

Southwell  18:35

Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap

WISEACRE - 10/1

WISEACRE, at a tasty 16/1, caught my eye a couple of races back when he quietly made up ground late on in his debut for trainer Des Donovan at a Wolverhampton back in January. Wiseacre had switched stables following a stunning 12-length victory at Lingfield, a win so dominant it bumped him up a fair few pounds in the ratings. You'd think such a hefty increase might dampen his chances for a while, but the quality of that race has really shone through since, with four of its runners going on to win next time out. With a return to the mile and a step down in class, Wiseacre's definitely worth another look.