Talking Horses: Big finish in store for Frankie Dettori and John Gosden

Best bets for Saturday’s ITV races

Another stellar year for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori should be capped off with victory in the feature race on British Champions Day, to be provided by Cracksman (3.50). This robust-looking son of Frankel was on the edge of becoming disappointing in the first half of the year, when beaten by unglamorous rivals in both the Derby and the Irish Derby, but things look rosier now.

The turnaround began when he ran away with the Voltigeur, while his French win last month proved he can cope with soft. He has grown up, grown into his frame and looks a strong proposition from a handy draw in stall four.

Barney Roy sets a high standard, though his ability seem to have plateaued in his last three runs. Highland Reel might find this ground on the soft side.

1.25 Ascot Order Of St George gets his ground but has had another long year and short odds do not appeal in a hot race. Big Orange and Stradivarius might both prefer a drier surface, so a chance is taken on the improving Desert Skyline, who stormed home in the Doncaster Cup last time.

2.00 Ascot The best form on offer is Harry Angel’s demolition job at Haydock last time but it’s asking a lot for a three-year-old to keep producing performances at that level and there is no twang in his odds. Quiet Reflection has had an easier year but looked close to her best in her prep-race in Ireland and should get involved at 7-1.

2.40 Ascot Since moving to France, Bateel has improved significantly and it is hard to see how Journey can turn around their form from Chantilly last month.

3.15 Ascot From the Andrew Balding stable that shocked Ribchester in the Sussex, Beat The Bank seems on a strong upward curve and odds of 11-2 underplay his chance. A dirty scope after the Jersey Stakes explains the only blip on his record and he is proven on soft. Here Comes When and Zonderland may also outrun their odds.

4.30 Ascot Carrying a penalty for a strong-finishing win in the Pontefract mud, The Grape Escape looks a big player here.

Tips for all Saturday races

Ascot
1.25 Desert Skyline 2.00 Quiet Reflection 2.40 Bateel 3.15 Beat The Bank (nb) 3.50 Cracksman (nap) 4.30 The Grape Escape

Market Rasen
1.10 Cabaret Queen 1.40 Not That Fuisse 2.15 Demon D’Aunou 2.50 Shrubland 3.25 Red Rising 4.00 Capitaine 4.35 Shake It Up 5.05 Grand Sancy

Catterick
1.50 Immortal Romance 2.25 Crotchet 2.55 Desert Ace 3.30 Tylery Wonder 4.05 Mr Sundowner 4.40 Showboating 5.10 Our Cilla

Ffos Las
2.10 Angels Antics 2.45 Eragon De Chanay 3.20 West Approach 3.55 Red Riverman 4.25 Clyne 5.00 Jonagold 5.35 Cereal Killer

Stratford
1.55 Sky Of Stars 2.30 Litterale Ci 3.00 Romain De Senam 3.35 Capeland 4.10 Wish In A Well 4.45 Desque De L’Isle 5.15 Mr One More 5.45 Sandy Cove

Wolverhampton
5.40 Connacht Girl 6.15 Kodicat 6.45 Master Singer 7.15 The Throstles 7.45 Navajo Star 8.15 Born To Reason 8.45 Joyful Dream 9.15 Haldaw