ITV Racing Preview - 19/01/2019

The first of three Graded races at Ascot and the first on ITV, is the OLBG.com Mares' Hurdle (Registered as The Warfield Hurdle) and Magic Of Light makes a surprise return to timber for the first time since September 2017.

She has been on an absolute roll chasing, most recently bolting up at Newbury in a Mares Chase just before Christmas, with her 3/1 price that day providing a present for many.

Still looks a leading contender now switching back to the lower obstacles, and Harrington may have spotted a gap in the division, with perhaps Laurina and Apples Jade heading other ways.

Solid claims.

Angels Breath misses the Sky Bet Supreme Trial - the first race from Haydock live on ITV, leaving a field of six and we think Nicky Henderson can still pick up the scraps with Mister Fisher, in what remains an competitive affair.

Mister Fisher looks a true contender for the Champion Trainer in the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival, having beat off three big names in the division back in the 32Red Casino Novices Hurdle in Kempton's opener on Boxing Day.

Takes all the beating this time around.

Tom George will be hoping Seddon can get back to his best, in the Grade Three Matchbook Holloway's Handicap Hurdle, after what he felt were two sub-standard efforts at Cheltenham and here latest.

Down the field in last year's Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, he won on his hurdles bow at Stratford on the first day of November.

Despite going off an even-money favourite at Cheltenham, you could argue jumping up to Grade Two company and going on to place in two contests is creditable, so a drop to a Grade Three could go to show his level.

His defeat here last time was to the current Supreme favourite Angels Breath, so actually the form line looks pretty strong, providing Nicky Henderson's 4yo can follow up in another trial at Haydock on Saturday.

This action continues at Haydock with the Grade Two New One Unibet Hurdle - registered as a trial for the Champion Hurdle, and with Brain Power out, Silver Streak can prove his worth for Evan Williams.

Both of his second-placed finishes in a Cheltenham Grade Two and Three not too long ago makes him the one to beat, where he was unlucky not to win in either.

Has conditions in his favour - providing they do not turn on the softer side.

Looking to boost credentials for the big one in March.

In a fiercely competitive-looking handicap steeplechase - incredibly the only non-Graded race on ITV on Saturday, Happy Diva just gets the edge from us.

Her hopes for the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham were ended when brought down four fences from the finish, when appearing to be travelling very well for Richard Patrick.

The 8yo returned to Prestbury Park on New Years Day, finishing two lengths down on Aso in a Grade Three, and she looks in solid shape this campaign.

True contender.

Captain Redbeard has never been outside the first three in six visits to Haydock, and is certainly one for the shortlist ahead of the Grade Two Peter Marsh Handicap Chase.

Unfortunate to part company with his jockey in last season's Grand National, this 10yo gelding has run with credit in his two most recent starts, after a lacklustre display on his seasonal return.

Big field, but holds a chance if upping the ante.

The day closes on ITV with arguably the star name on the card; Altior, who heads a field of three for the Grade One Matchbook Clarence House Chase.

Unbeaten in 16 attempts over hurdles and fences, and is ought to extend his sensational winning run.

A class apart, this should be a simple task for Nicky Henderson's superstar with Nico De Boinville in the saddle, as they look to consolidate their short price for back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chases.

We advise no bet with Altior no bigger than 1/8, so this watch is simply for the pleasure.