Saturday's Best Bets: River set to make a 'Big' splash

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Tippin' Jimmy wants to start your weekend off with a few earlier winners.

12:20 Ascot - Palmers Hill (5/2)
I really liked this horse who won really well at Uttoxeter last month, and fully deserves to add a second career success to his name. He jumped very well that day and saw off a good field in very convincing style. This race is another step up, but he is full of potential and will be a very smart horse in the future for Jonjo O'Neill.

12:55 Ascot - Lough Derg Farmer (3/1)
Lough Derg Farmer is a classic example of a horse that will be exceptional when sent chasing and I cannot wait to see what he can do at Ascot. He carries top weight today which isn't ideal but will act on the conditions and ground. Reports from home are very encouraging and he should make a winning debut this afternoon.

1:15 Haydock - Big River (7/2)
I think this one will make into a leading chaser for Lucinda Russell. He'll carry bottom weight which he should utilise here this afternoon. He remains an exciting prospect over fences this season and could run a big race.

1:30 Ascot - Carnspindle (8/1) ew
Warren Greatrex has high hopes for this horse, who does need to improve from her seasonal bow. She always needs her first run but should benefit from the outing. She goes on the ground and I think there is a lot more to come from her.

2:25 Haydock - Robbinhannon (25/1) ew
This is such a very good race and this horse has slipped down the pecking order a bit, but he remains a nice unexposed sort who could sneak a place. He won very well at Worcester, before finishing second to a good rival at Cheltenham. There's more to come and he is on a low weight, he won on heavy before and can out run big odds.

3:25 Huntingdon - French Crusader (Evs)
This is a fantastic example of a horse with a lot of ability but is very quirky and it is going to be hard to know how he will handle his debut today. He is very very well regarded by Nicky Henderson and is his team, from a good family, and providing he handles the occasion well should win.