The team assess the live ITV action from Saturday…

Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – Aintree – 12:55

Impose Toi was a notable market mover overnight and the J.P. McManus-owned gelding warrants serious consideration pending sustained support in the betting. Despite the market move, Chasing Fire commands respect in view of a much-improved three-and-a-half length success on latest appearance in a 3m Perth handicap hurdle. With Sean Bowen and Olly Murphy combining to good effect recently, the eight-year-old is capable of maintaining the upward progression off just 5lb higher.

Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap Chase (Class 3) – Wincanton – 13:10

Abingworth boasts a stellar record at Wincanton with two wins from three attempts over track and trip. The seven-year-old underperformed with consecutive unplaced efforts on the flat over the summer but is evidently highly thought of at home with the most recent of these outings coming in Listed company at Beverley. James Owen's 25% strike rate at the West Country track is credible, and Harry Cobden's engagement can only be a positive returning eight wins and ten placed efforts over the past 14 days from 40 rides.

Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Wentworth Stakes (Listed) – Doncaster – 13:25

Montassib looks hard to oppose in this easier Listed assignment. William Haggas' seven-year-old claimed last year's Sprint Cup at Haydock and shaped encouragingly when third on his reappearance in Group 3 company at Newbury in September. He wasn't disgraced when only seventh in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot on his latest outing, but this represents a notable drop in class. With that run under his belt and conditions likely to suit, he can get back to winning ways.

Introducing William Hill Half A Mill Handicap Chase (Class 3) – Aintree – 14:05

Mambonumberfive makes his eagerly anticipated chasing debut and could make a winning start over fences. A Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle winner last season, he ended his campaign with a respectable seventh in Grade 1 company at Aintree and switches to the larger obstacles off a workable mark of 128. Connections have always viewed him as a chaser in the making, and trainer Ben Pauling has expressed plenty of confidence in how he's schooling at home in a stable tour. With the benefit of the four-year-old allowance and his proven class over hurdles, he looks the one they have to beat.

Boodles Rising Stars Novices' Chase (Grade 2) – Wincanton – 14:23

Blueking D'Oroux sets a clear standard in what looks a weak renewal of this Grade 2 novice chase. Despite having to settle for second on his chasing debut at Newton Abbot, he shaped as though the run would bring him on plenty, having been beaten by a fitter rival. A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, he's still learning the chasing game and will need to be sharper at his fences, but his class edge and ratings superiority make him hard to oppose. It is also pertinent to note that Paul Nicholls boasts eleven victories in this contest. Irish raider Cobra Queen arrives in good form following back-to-back chase wins and rates the main danger.

William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (Class 2) – Aintree – 14:40

The first sight of the famous Grand National fences this season comes in the ever-competitive Grand Sefton, and it might be worth siding with Our Power. The Sam Thomas-trained gelding ended last term with an excellent third in the Scottish Grand National and could be spot on for this seasonal reappearance. His yard is in flying form with runners possibly well-handicapped, boasting a 63% strike rate over the last fortnight, and their horses have been ready to go first time out. He shapes as the type to thrive over these unique fences and warrants serious consideration.

BetMGM Elite Hurdle (Grade 2) – Wincanton – 14:55

Rubaud can complete a hat-trick after landing a Listed contest at Kempton last month and looks exceptionally hard to oppose in this small-field Grade 2. Paul Nicholls' seven-year-old has done nothing but progress and arrives in peak form, with conditions underfoot once again in his favour. With the opposition looking thin on the ground, this should prove little more than a formality, and he can provide the Ditcheat team with another success in what promises to be another fruitful campaign.

Virgin Bet A Good Bet Irish EBF Gillies Fillies' Stakes (Listed) – Doncaster – 15:10

Danielle boasts a strong record of a win and two placings from three starts on heavy going and looks poised to go one better than her runner-up finish behind the classy Estrange in this race last year. The four-year-old has held her own in higher company since, producing solid efforts in Group 2 contests before a respectable fifth in the Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot. Dropping back to Listed level, she could simply prove a cut above these and round off her campaign in style.

64th Badger Beers Handicap Chase (Class 1) – Wincanton – 15:30

Eight and seven-year-olds have an impressive record in this contest, with ten winners from that age group since 2006 - including three of the last five renewals - and Scarface fits that profile perfectly. The Joe Tizzard-trained gelding signed off last season with a decisive Class 3 handicap chase victory at Newton Abbot and has since undergone a wind operation. He's likely to improve for the outing, but his strong finish to the previous campaign suggests the gelding could progress this term. The step up in trip is expected to elicit further improvement, and Scarface is selected to emulate Gentleman Jon's victory back in 2016 when sent out by Joe's father Colin Tizzard.

Virgin Bet November Handicap (Class 2) – Doncaster – 15:45

The progressive Master Vintner looks an intriguing contender as he steps into handicap company for the first time. Unbeaten in two starts since joining Ralph Beckett, both in novice company, the three-year-old remains thoroughly unexposed and is open to significant improvement. This represents a stiffer test, but he's in the right hands to keep progressing, and it would be no surprise to see him play a major role in the finish. Heavy going should prove no impediment, having scored at Goodwood on stable debut in similar conditions. It is also noteworthy that the yard landed this last year with Lord Melbourne, who seeks to defend his crown.