Saturday Tips: Ross Millar has four selections worth following in Britain

Horse racing fans will have their attention fixed on the action at the Curragh, but that doesn't mean you should ignore the British racing!

To give you a helping hand, SBK's Ross Millar has provided his best bets from Haydock, Goodwood and Musselburgh.

2.00 Haydock, 2m handicap

Bandinelli is certain to be well supported given his recent form and the fact that he is trained by the red-hot Charlie Appleby. However, he will be running off 3lb higher than when he struck at Kempton in a race that hasn’t worked out (the second, third and fourth have been well beaten since). As a result, I’m keen to take him on.

Miranda, who had a productive time over hurdles during the winter, reverts to the flat after 570 days away from that sphere. She recorded one victory and two places from four starts over hurdles last season - her only poor run came on unsuitably soft ground - and should appreciate the return to quicker conditions.

Her last run on the level produced a fine runner-up finish over 1m6f, which suggested this trip could bring about more improvement. She conceded 13lb to the winner, Land Of Winter, that day. That rival is now rated 90, so Miranda’s mark of 91 looks more than fair.

Selection: Miranda @ 8.6

4.00 Goodwood, 1m4f EBF Fillies’ Handicap

Speak made an impressive racecourse debut last year when she won over a mile at Kempton despite racing freely in the early stages. She was highly tried on her next start in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes, but failed to fire and finished 11 lengths behind Inspiral.

Her seasonal return was solid, if unspectacular, as she crossed the line six lengths behind Maksud over 1m2f at Windsor. She looked to get a little disorganised three furlongs out but made pleasing progress once she found her balance.

This step up in trip can bring about further improvement - half-brother Valley Forge won over 1m6f - and a lot of Andrew Balding’s runners have taking a big step forward on their second start of the season. If she follows that pattern, Speak looks well handicapped off her opening mark of 84.

Selection: Speak @ 7

4.13 Musselburgh, 1m4f Edinburgh Cup Handicap

I was confident that Hilts would show dramatic improvement this season when he was stepped up in trip from the 7f he tried on three occasions last season. 

He travelled noticeably well on his reappearance run over the longer distance, but looked to be stuck in a pocket at a crucial stage and was going to get put in the ‘unlucky loser’ category. However, Jack Garritty miraculously found an escape route and Hilts flew home to win narrowly from the reopposing Zimmerman.

That rival has won since, so happily they meet again with Hilts on 6lb better terms. The extra two furlongs in this race can bring about yet more improvement and, with a clear passage, he’s more than capable of defying his rise in the weights.

Selection: Hilts @ 4.5

4.20 Haydock, 6f Cazoo Edge Green Handicap

Leopold Bloom did remarkably well to make a winning racecourse debut at Thirsk as he showed plenty of immaturity when he hung severely right on the home turn. 

He hasn’t progressed in three subsequent starts, but he was highly tried in Listed company on his second run and possibly didn’t take to the all-weather at Wolverhampton next time. 

His final start suggested that maybe this drop back in trip is what is required - he raced freely at Beverley over an extended 7f and gave himself no chance of seeing the trip out. I’d expect Tom Marquand to make use of his stamina and keen nature and ride a positive race. His mark of 75 is well within his capability.

Selection: Leopold Bloom @ 22

Recommended bets

Miranda (2.00 Haydock) @ 8.6
Speak (4.00 Goodwood) @ 7
Hilts (4.13 Musselburgh) @ 4.5
Leopold Bloom (4.20 Haydock) @ 22