Saturday Racing Tips: 10/3 Joyeux can make punters happy

The Cheltenham Festival is over, but the jumps action doesn't let up on Saturday with four meetings - including the Midlands Grand National card at Uttoxeter.

I've got three Saturday racing tips for consideration, featuring a 10/3 shot for the championship-chasing Dan Skelton.

13:55 Thurles - Theatre Native @ 5/4

Henry de Bromhead's string are flying at the moment, which bodes well for THEATRE NATIVE in Thurles' opener on Saturday - a mares' beginners' chase over 2m2f.

The seven-year-old daughter of Getaway showed little as a novice hurdler, but she's come into her own over the bigger obstacles, finishing a respectable third to Arkle runner-up Only By Night on her debut at Tipperary in November before going a place better at Fairyhouse in mid-January, behind Gavin Cromwell's progressive Springt De La Mare.

As far as I'm concerned, that rates the strongest piece of form in this seven-strong field and she remains open to significant improvement.

Ownermate Miss Manzor looks the chief danger, but she's got to take a big step forward to match the selection's latest effort, let alone the improved effort I'm expecting her to post.

14:25 Uttoxeter - Joyeux Machin @ 10/3

Exactly half an hour later, Dan Skelton saddles JOYEUX MACHIN in a 2m7½f handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter worth a cool £52k.

He was firmly on my radar for Wednesday's Coral Cup, so it's fair to say I'm even keener on his chances in this easier contest.

The eight-year-old Saddler Maker gelding was a big eye-catcher over an intermediate trip at Ascot last month, finishing a staying-on second to Harry Fry's progressive Altobelli.

That rival, who was just under four lengths ahead at the line, was raised 10lbs for his victory in Berkshire, whereas the selection was put up just two. I think that's a very generous piece of handicapping.

Joyeux Machin, who's had four outings for the Skeltons after moving from Paul Nolan's yard before Christmas and has progressed each time, looks ready to strike to me.

14:45 Kempton - Aston Martini @ 9/2

Last but not least, I think Nicky Henderson's ASTON MARTINI has an excellent chance in this 2m5f handicap hurdle.

The six-year-old daughter of Getaway has bumped into a couple of well-handicapped types since stepping into open company this season - firstly Might I at Bangor in November, when the selection made a bad mistake at the last that jockey Nico de Boinville to drop the reins, and secondly the aforementioned Altobelli at Ascot in January. He's rated 15lbs higher today than he was in Berkshire.

Henderson's mare has been raised just three pounds for her effort, which I believe is another act of kindness by the handicapper, and she now steps slightly up in trip with cheekpieces fitted for the first time.

She has lots going for her and rates a cracking bet at current prices.

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