Robin Goodfellow’s racing tips: Best bets for Saturday, April 2

The Twiston-Davies operation has found the south west of Scotland a happy hunting ground in recent decades and FANTASTIKAS (Ayr, 3.35) could give the father and son team their first Coral Scottish Grand National victory as a combination.

Trainer Nigel has enjoyed three victories in the race courtesy of Captain Dibble, Earth Summit and Hello Bud, but none was partnered by Sam, who landed the 2016 and 2017 runnings aboard Vicente for Paul Nicholls.

Twiston-Davies senior has sent out 14 horses in the last decade trying to repeat the triumph of Hello Bud and a creditable seven have been placed with Ballyoptic’s defeat by a nose at the hands of Joe Farrell four years ago particularly agonising.

Sportsmail’s racing expert Robin Goodfellow delivers his tips for Saturday’s meetings

In Fantastikas, they boast a contender that follows a tried and trusted path in that he is a promising staying novice with some useful Graded chase form already in the book. Captain Dibble was only seven when he won this race in 1992, while Earth Summit was a year younger two years later when successful, so the son of Davidoff fits the profile of past winners and his yard could barely be in better form.

Unfortunately, the selection must see off a two-pronged attack from Christian Williams who is rapidly becoming a go-to trainer in valuable staying chases. Both Kitty’s Light, unfortunate not to land the bet365 Chase last spring, and Eider winner Win My Wings boast the attributes to launch a big assault on this afternoon’s prize, while the home challenge also looks a strong one.

Cool Mix, fifth last year, has been well backed while fourth-home The Ferry Master is reported to have enjoyed an excellent preparation. Sandy Thomson’s supposed second string, Hill Sixteen, can’t be dismissed either despite a 9lb rise for an encouraging Kelso effort last time.

The presence of Pat Fahy duo History Of Fashion and Stormy Judge muddy the waters even further, with the latter looking like he is coming to the boil judged on his encouraging run at Naas last month.

However, Fantastikas gains the nod and a forecast shower or two in Ayrshire overnight would increase confidence.

NEWBURY

LINGFIELD

Newmarket – 3.05 Dubai Lady (nb); 3.40 Existent (nap).

AYR

Northerner – 1.50 Sounds Russian (nap); 5.15 Magic Wave (nb).

WOLVERHAMPTON

CHEPSTOW