Two for Saturday....

Friday, 16th January 2026

Two for Saturday….

In ATC today….

…. I bring you my best picks in Saturday afternoon’s biggest betting heats….

I’m on RICHMOND LAKE in the 2.00 at Haydock – up at 12s….

…. and I’m on HELTENHAM at the general 14s & 12s in the 2.20 at Ascot….

That’s the summary…

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual…

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below….

Read on….

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The racing’s not the absolute best this week….

…. but we must work with what we are presented with….

Nine go to post for the Peter Marsh at Haydock (2.00)….

…. including Myretown, Konfusion, and Johnny Who at the top of the market….

I can’t argue with the market’s assessment….

…. and the winner is likely to emerge from that trio….

…. but one who could turn out well-handicapped is RICHMOND LAKE on his mark of 134….

…. and he’s worth a bet at the general 12s….

That chase mark is now 12lb shy of his hurdle mark – and he’s always been a much better chaser than a hurdler….

…. he’s dropped down the rankings because he hasn’t been performing….

…. and hasn’t managed to log a win since in a dozen appearances since December 2023….

But he did have his wind seen to back in August….

…. and whilst he was well-beaten on season debut by subsequent winner Deep Cave at Bangor….

…. he was considerably better at Aintree and could be running back into himself….

HELTENHAM at the general 14s & 12s is a similar kind of bet in the bet365 Handicap Chase at Ascot (2.20)….

He was rated 142 on seasonal debut at Worcester and he’s tumbled 8lb down the order because he’s been off his game….

But he did have a wind operation back in November….

…. and he’s had time – and two runs – to work that procedure through his system….

Last time at Aintree he was still pitching away when he came down….

He’s down another 2lb for that….

…. and he’s another chaser sitting on a chase mark that is below his hurdle mark….

Sooner or later, he will take advantage….

Whether or not that’s tomorrow is the issue….

…. but he’s a well-treated and nicely priced option in the betting….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back with more next week….

Meantime – contact me at – nick.pullen@spapublishinggroup.co.uk

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd