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Mercedes star George Russell reveals how he LOST over £100k during his first season in F1 due to tiny salary

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Mercedes star George Russell reveals how he LOST over £100k during his first season in F1 due to tiny salary

GEORGE RUSSELL has revealed he lost more than £100,000 during his first season in Formula 1.

The Mercedes driver, 26, is now the joint-fifth highest earning driver on the grid, raking in £14million per year.

George Russell spent three seasons at Williams before being promoted to Mercedes

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George Russell spent three seasons at Williams before being promoted to MercedesCredit: Alamy
He has revealed he lost more than £100,000 during his debut season in 2019

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He has revealed he lost more than £100,000 during his debut season in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

But prior to his move to Mercedes in 2022, he spent three seasons with Williams.

The Brit’s debut year in the sport – 2019 – saw him finish 20th in the drivers’ standings without a point.

And he has now opened up about the tiny base salary he was earning at that time.

Russell was discussing new regulations which mean offences such as crossing the track could now carry fines of up to €1million – a significant increase on the €50,000 punishment Lewis Hamilton received last season.

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Speaking as the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, Russell said: “I think it’s pretty ridiculous that a driver could be fined €1m.

“In my first year of F1, I was on a five-figure salary and actually lost over six figures in that first year from paying for my trainer, paying for flights, paying for an assistant.

“And that’s probably the case for 25 per cent of the grid.

“We’re doing what we love, so we’re not complaining about that.

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“But if you take a year one driver who probably by the end of the year is losing over €100,000 because of the investments he has to make, you fine them a million, what’s going to happen?”

Williams were in a dire financial position in 2019, before Claire Williams sold the team to Dorilton Capital the following year.

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Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto are their current drivers, but Carlos Sainz is leaving Ferrari to join Williams to complete their 2025 line-up.

Meanwhile, Russell sits seventh in the drivers’ championship, 12 points behind team-mate Hamilton.

He has one victory in 2024 and was stripped of another after his car was found to be underweight during a post-race inspection.

Next season, he will have a change of team-mates when Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, replaces Hamilton as the seven-time champion joins Ferrari.

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Motorsports

Williams working to get Colapinto on the F1 grid in 2025

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Williams team principal James Vowles has revealed he has spoken to more than one of the team’s rivals as he “actively works” to get Franco Colapinto a Formula 1 drive next season.

Colapinto has impressed since he replaced Logan Sargeant from the Italian Grand Prix onwards and, in his five races so far, he has scored five points and never finished below 12th.

Despite his eye-catching performances, there is no room for him at Williams next season, with Alex Albon remaining and Carlos Sainz, who won the Mexican Grand Prix last time out, joining from Ferrari.

Speaking recently at an Autosport Business panel in Austin, Vowles said he wanted to see Colapinto on the grid in 2025 – even if it meant he was driving for a rival team that would take points away from Williams.

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There are two empty seats remaining for next year, with RB and Sauber yet to firm up their driver line-ups and, with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner conceding Colapinto’s outings have been turning heads, Vowles has revealed talks have taken place with some teams over a possible move for the 21-year-old.

“The best I can really tell you is we’re actively working with teams that are interested to try and find the right arrangement that helps Franco, that protects Franco as well and protects all parties,” said Vowles.

“It is never straightforward between Formula 1 teams, because you’re fighting on track and you’re trying to find a solution for a career of a young man.

Franco Colapinto, Williams FW46

Franco Colapinto, Williams FW46

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

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“We are exploring possibilities with a number of teams that are interested at the moment and beyond there, it would be wrong to do anything more than speculate here. There’s nothing to really communicate beyond that point.

“When there is I’ll happily talk about it, because he’s an exceptional driver, and I really mean that – go look outside, and there were tens of thousands of individuals here to support a driver that’s been in our championship for five races.

“He’s doing an outstanding job on track, and as I’ve said from the very beginning, earn your position and elements will come your way. But beyond there, I think especially when we look at the fact he’s a 21-year-old, my responsibility is also towards him and making sure we do the right thing. I want to make sure that when we have news [we will] come to the world, but there really isn’t much to talk about.”

The possibility of Colapinto being loaned to another team is something else that has been mooted in recent days, although that is something that Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko believes is a non-starter.

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Vowles would not be drawn on whether a temporary switch away from Williams could be an option as he aims to do the best for both Colapinto and the Grove-based squad.

“It’s the same conversation I just had,” he replied when asked if any deal would include a “bungee” back to Williams.

“In any circumstance, I want to make sure we understand what others are interested in and then we’ll form our basis as to what’s the best solution for everyone.

“He’s earning his place. He needs to do more on track to keep earning his place as a result of things, but he’s shining, and that’s why there’s interest from teams and our responsibility in that, as I have responsibility both towards him and Williams, and hopefully we’ll have some great news to be able to talk to everyone about but today that isn’t available.”

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Ruben Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela as Gyokeres shows why Man Utd must get him too

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Ruben Amorim begins Sporting farewell tour with 5-1 thumping of Estrela as Gyokeres shows why Man Utd must get him too

RUBEN AMORIM is heading to Old Trafford – and now Manchester United should sign Viktor Gyokeres.

On the night Amorim started his three-game farewell tour at Sporting, former Coventry striker Gyokeres maintained his stunning record at the club with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes before grabbing the fourth in the second half.

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a dominant win

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New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a dominant winCredit: PA
Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who's been linked with a reunion with Amorim at Man Utd, scored four past Estrela

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Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s been linked with a reunion with Amorim at Man Utd, scored four past EstrelaCredit: PA
Gyokeres is one of the hottest strikers in Europe

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Gyokeres is one of the hottest strikers in EuropeCredit: Reuters

The red-hot forward, a £20million bargain from the Championship, has now scored 20 goals in 16 games this season on top of his 43 strikes in 50 matches last term.

How United, the third lowest scorers in the Premier League, would love someone like the Swedish international.

Gyokeres’ opener was well placed from an acute angle while the next two – the third being a penalty – were just raw power.

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His fourth in the 70th minute was a brilliant individual effort oozing with self confidence.

That was before Maximiliano Araujo made it five for the hosts minutes before full-time.

Yet United fans will hope their team do not defend under Amorim like the moment Sporting allowed Rodrigo Pinho to pull one back for 2-1 with an easy header.

As you would expect, the announcement of Amorim’s departure has been mixed here.

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Outside the stadium, there was a banner which read: “Amorim, this is not your home anymore, thank you.”

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New Man Utd boss Amorim received applause but also some whistles and jeers

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New Man Utd boss Amorim received applause but also some whistles and jeersCredit: PA

Other fans, though, took flags into the ground declaring their love for the coach who led the club to two titles.

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When Amorim’s name was first read out 30 minutes before kick-off, there were whistles and jeers followed by applause.

Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrong

But when the 39-year-old came out of the tunnel for the game, he received a standing ovation and applauded the fans.

Gyokeres said about Amorim and reports suggesting he could follow him to Manchester: “We’re sad to see him go. He did an extraordinary job here. We all wish him the best.

“Follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”

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Speaking after the game, Amorim ruled out a move for Gyokeres, or any Sporting player in January.

And the incoming Red Devils chief even put his own very lofty price-tag on the Swedish striker.

Amorim said: “Gyokeres costs 100 million (£84m) and it’s very difficult.

“I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.”

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Another player who enjoyed a good reception from the home supporters was former United winger Nani.

He started his career at Sporting and the 37-year-old came on as a second half sub for Estrela.

Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man Utd

WHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.

Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.

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But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.

Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.

He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. 

The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.

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And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.

Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.

Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.

United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”

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And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.

For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.

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Motorsports

Eckes and Gray clash for the win and at Victory Lane in wild NASCAR Truck finish

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Christian Eckes was a dominant force in Saturday’s NASCAR Truck race at Martinsville, but a rash of late yellows completely changed the complexion of the finish. Several drivers chose to pit for fresh tires, rapidly cutting through the field and one of them had his sights set on the Championship 4.

Taylor Gray drove all the way to the back bumper of Eckes and powered into the race lead. Moments later, Eckes ran into the back of Gray and shot him up the track. While Gray’s title hopes shattered into pieces, more drivers with fresh tires were still charging.

Ben Rhodes, who was already eliminated from the playoffs, then forced his way into the lead. Eckes did not let that stand either, performing yet another bump-and-run to retake the position with three laps to go. He went on to win the race, securing his place in the Championship 4 alongside Grant Enfinger, Corey Heim, and Ty Majeski.

Rhodes finished second in the race, Chase Purdy third, Gray fourth, and Nick Sanchez fifth. Layne Riggs, Corey Heim, Tyler Ankrum, Grant Enfinger, and Stewart Friesen rounded out the top-ten.

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“Like I told everybody, I wasn’t going to let us lose this race,” said Eckes as boos erupted from the stands. “The truck was too good. The 17 [Gray] was just hard racing. I feel bad about the 99 [Rhodes]. I just got way too loose entering the corner. Everybody’s (not) really happy with me, but I don’t really care.”

While he was giving his winning interview, an irate Gray was marching down pit road, flanked by NASCAR security and several reporters. He walked all the way to Victory Lane and shared an expletive-filled exchange with Eckes.

“Do you know how many chances I had to ship you into the f****** fence?” asked Gray.

“You should have, I guess,” replied Eckes.

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Gray then appeared to say something about next week before shoving Eckes and walking off. Obviously, Gray was still livid.

 

“I get shipped to the fence when I raced him perfectly clean in (Turns) 1 and 2,” Gray told FOX Sports. “What comes around goes around. I have to race him next year all year long, so I guess he’s got that one for him.”

Gray was eliminated from the playoffs alongside Sanchez, Rajah Caruth, and Tyler Ankrum.

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Ruben Amorim: New Manchester United head coach speaks for first time since appointment

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Ruben Amorim: New Manchester United head coach speaks for first time since appointment

Ruben Amorim says he wanted to take the Manchester United job at the end of the season but accepted a mid-season appointment after being told it was “now or never”.

Amorim, 39, was confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach on Friday and will complete his move to Old Trafford from Lisbon club Sporting on 11 November.

Speaking after Sporting’s first match since that announcement – a 5-1 league victory which maintained their perfect start after 10 games – Amorim explained his only request following United’s approach was to see out the current campaign, which he had already informed the club’s president would be his last.

But the Portuguese coach was told that would not be possible as the Premier League club sought an immediate replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.

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“The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club’s interests,” Amorim explained.

“I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible.

“It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life.”

Amorim, who has agreed a contract until June 2027, is the sixth permanent manager United have appointed since Sir Alex Ferguson’s illustrious 26-year reign ended with his retirement in 2013.

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He has established a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising managers, leading Sporting to two league titles – including the club’s first in 19 years – but said he only wanted Manchester United as his next move.

“I’ve had other opportunities – the president and [director of football] Hugo Viana can confirm this. It’s not the first or the second time that I have been requested by another team and I don’t want another team,” said Amorim.

“After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.

“There’s a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what happened. It was harder for me than to any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this.”

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He added: “Now I go home happier because I have explained. People say ‘it’s about the money’, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester.

“It was the best phase of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows. I understand the disappointment of the fans but today is not the farewell. We still have two important games against Manchester City [in the Champions League] and Braga [in the league] to maintain the lead.”

United, 20-time English champions, are 14th after nine Premier League games this season, with Ruud van Nistelrooy set to oversee the next three fixtures – two in the league and one in the Europa League – as interim boss prior to Amorim’s arrival.

Van Nistelrooy’s future at the club remains unclear and Amorim stated his desire to take his current staff with him to Old Trafford, having worked with the same coaches since starting his first job at Portuguese club Casa Pia in 2018.

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“I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia,” Amorim said.

He also insisted he would not return to buy Sporting players in the January transfer window, after watching in-form Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres score four goals on Friday.

“Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult. I’m not going to pick up any Sporting player in January,” said Amorim.

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FA Cup first round: The EFL sides in danger of an upset

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FA Cup first round: The EFL sides in danger of an upset


Burton Albion are yet to win a single game in League One and are rooted to the foot of the table, seven points adrift from safety.

The Brewers are on a run of eight straight defeats in all competitions and their only victory so far this season came against Leicester City’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on 20 August.

Two months and 11 games of football have passed since then and despite being three divisions lower, Scarborough Athletic will surely smell blood when they arrive at Pirelli Stadium.

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Burton do have a recent history of succumbing to lower league opposition, losing 1-0 away at Barnet, who were two tiers below in the National League, in the first round in 2020-21. They were also knocked out by League Two Grimsby Town in the third round in 2023.

Meanwhile, their National League North visitors have won five of their past eight matches in all competitions.

The Seadogs, led by former Manchester United, Middlesbrough and West Brom player Jonathan Greening, will believe they can inflict yet more misery on the managerless Yellow and Black Army.



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Horse racing tips: Templegate’s NAP can exploit a handy mares’ allowance for the in-form Skeltons

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Horse racing tips: Templegate's NAP has Ryan Moore in the saddle and can help land 40-1 treble

TEMPLEGATE tackles a simply monster Saturday of racing confident of smashing in some winners here, there and everywhere!

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KATEIRA (2.22 Wetherby, nap)

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Gets a handy 3lb weight allowance from the boys and she can make the most of it. The Skeltons’ daughter of Kayf Tara finished last season with an impressive big-field win at Aintree where she wasn’t stopping at the end of 2m4f. This longer trip should be right up her street this season and the yard has won two of the past four renewals.

GOBLET OF FIRE (3.32 Wetherby, nb)

Nicky Henderson has been running this four-year-old on the all-weather with plenty of success and he relished his return to hurdles when scoring at Southwell last time. He needs decent ground so should get ideal conditions here and he has plenty of pace for this two-mile trip. The handicapper has been fair enough with a 6lb rise in the weights and there should be a lot more to come from this improver.

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MASTER CHEWY (2.05 Ascot, treble)

He had a fantastic first season over fences last term, landing Wayward Lad at Kempton’s Christmas meeting before holding his own at the highest level. He was booked for a podium place in the Arkle only to come down two out and he bounced back with a head second in the Grade 1 Maghull at Aintree. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies continues to send out plenty of winners and this seven-year-old can add to his tally.

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Templegate’s TV verdicts and Breeders’ Cup selections

WETHERBY

1.15

TEDLEY left his modest hurdles form behind when winning on chase debut at Uttoxeter 15 days ago. His young rider’s claim accounts for his 5lb rise in the weights and there’s a lot more to come.

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Choosethenews is one to watch this season but he’s already crying out for three miles. He found this trip a bit sharp when running an excellent second on comeback at Hexham last time.

King’s Threshold didn’t do a lot wrong over fences last season, winning over a similar trip to this at Ascot in March. He was a little stretched by three miles at Kempton after that and still looks on a fair mark.

William Cody was a good second in this race first time out last season. He’s 7lb higher in the handicap now but is consistent and looks solid each-way.

Harry Cobden is an interesting booking for Emma Lavelle’s King’s Threshold who is best over this trip.

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1.50

LUCCIA spent much of last season performing well in Grade 1s and should have too much quality for this field.

She was an excellent third in the Champion Hurdle before not quite matching that form in the Aintree Hurdle. She has already won a couple of times in this Listed class and dropping back to two miles is another plus.

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The Skeltons have a solid record in this race and their Take No Chances is fit from a good third in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow last month.

Her best has come over longer trips but she has enough boot to make the forecast spot.

Sweet Fantasy is a decent handicapper on the Flat and he’s won both his hurdles runs – albeit at a lower level than this. You would expect plenty of improvement this season.

Gordon Elliott sends over Royal Eagle who went close in a Limerick Listed contest last time. She stays all day so some rain would suit.

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2.22

KATEIRA can give the Skeltons their third win in the past five runnings of this race.

This daughter of Kayf Tara improved through last season and beat the useful Jango Baie in a hot handicap at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

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That was over 2m4f but she shapes as though this longer distance will suit and she gets some handy weight from largely inferior male rivals.

Dashel Drasher is rising 12 but we know he’ll run his usual gutsy race. He was backed for this race 12 months when he needed the run in third place and he’s likely to fill the same spot again.

Sandor Clegane was competing at the highest level over fences last season and was a solid fourth in the Punchestown Champion Novices’ when last seen.

He was third in the Albert Bartlett as a hurdler and anything like that form would make him dangerous.

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Thunder Rock was hit and miss over fences last year and is one to watch on this first hurdles run for two years.

2.58

BRAVEMANSGAME won’t have a much easier chance to land his first win since the 2022 King George – assuming Grey Dawning swerves this race due to the drying ground.

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Paul Nicholls kept sending the tip to all the big dances last season and he was far from disgraced when fifth in the Gold Cup as his stamina gave way in the final quarter-mile.

He was out of sorts at Aintree after that so missed Punchestown. He won this in 2022 and was second last season so we know he likes the track.

Should unforecast rain arrive and Grey Dawning runs, he’ll be hard to beat judged on his Turners win at this year’s Cheltenham Festival – but it seems unlikely.

Conflated has a decent engine but he makes far too many mistakes including when unseating on comeback at Punchestown 17 days ago.

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The Real Whacker isn’t out of this given his liking for the trip. He was going well in the Kerry National in September before unseating and he could fill the forecast spot.

French Dynamite won the Punchestown Grade 3 Conflated unshipped his rider in. His trainer Mouse Morris won this last season and he’ll try to nick it from the front.

3.32

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GOBLET OF FIRE looked the real deal when winning on hurdles debut at Southwell ten days ago.

He tanked along on good ground and James Bowen barely needed to shake the reins in landing the win. A 6lb rise for that is more than fair and he should get his ideal ground again.

Williethebuilder was pitched into some hot contests last season and looked more at home in this handicap class when beaten in a photo here on comeback.

It turned into a bit of a sprint finish and he’ll come on for that experience.

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V Twelve has run well here before and has had a little nudge down the weights since his comeback third at Carlisle. He’ll need more to take this.

Spirits Bay has won two of this past three and ran another decent race at Fakenham latest. This is tougher but there’s more to come.

ASCOT

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1.30

BHALOO can strike on this chase debut for Nicky Henderson. He has a couple of hurdles wins under his belt and ended last season with a close second at Warwick in May.

He looks the type to make a nice chaser and is on a fair handicap mark.

Leader In The Park was an impressive Irish point-to-point winner so could well improve on this chasing debut.

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He has no trip or ground issues and Favourite columnist Ben Pauling is in excellent form. His opening chase mark of 121 looks on the skinny side.

Samarrive was leading this race two years ago before hitting the deck and he was last seen finishing second over fences here a year ago. He would be a threat if cutting out the errors.

Bad is another Ben Pauling runner who hasn’t shown his best on the track yet. This is his chase debut and it would be no surprise to see him better his relatively modest hurdles form.

What Path has left Willie Mullins and would probably prefer a longer trip.

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2.05

MASTER CHEWY was last seen going down in a head-bobber for the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase on Grand National day at Aintree.

He led two from home, was headed and then nearly got up again on the line which is a good sign. He ran well before falling in the Arkle too and looks hard to beat in handicap company.

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Martator finished last season with three wins including an impressive effort at Sandown by seven lengths. He’s up the weights for that has won here before and should be right in the mix.

Saint Segal has fitness on his side thanks to a solid comeback fourth at Chepstow last month. He tends to make mistakes which explains his modest win strike-rate.

Matterhorn was going the right way last season with four chase wins in a row before a couple of errors stopped him at Newton Abbot in August.

Nico De Boinville gets on well with him and he could easily bounce back.

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Madara found the Grand Annual too much last time but was progressive earlier and is still only a five-year-old.

3.15

SECRET SQUIRREL loves going right-handed as he showed when winning at Kempton and Taunton last season.

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He ended up going off favourite for the big novices’ final at Sandown where he was a solid fifth. That was just his fifth spin over timber for Hughie Morrison so there’s more to come.

He goes well fresh and right-handed Ascot should be ideal.

Stream Of Stars hasn’t had much to beat in winning twice at Fontwell but he’s done it nicely enough. He’s going up the weights but should have more to offer for in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Fiercely Proud was behind the tip at Sandown when trying to come from too far back. He has a good engine and won his first two starts last season.

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Watch the betting for clues about Rightsotom having his first run for 546 days. He was fourth in an Aintree Grade 1 for Thomas Mullins last year and looks on a fair handicap mark.

Tapley had lots in the tank when scoring at Plumpton and deserves this crack at stronger company.

3.45

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HIGHSTAKESPLAYER likes Kempton so should be right at home around Ascot too. He was a fair hurdler but took his form up a few notches jumping fences last season.

He was value for further than the half-length winning margin at Kempton in April where his jumping was foot-perfect. Tom Lacey’s chaser goes well fresh and looks capable of better.

Chianti Classico is best when fresh and trainer Kim Bailey is aiming him at the Grand National in April.

He was impressive when winning the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival but is 9lb higher after that.

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Two For Gold saves his best for this course and distance. His form figures here are 2122. He stays well and looks solid each-way.

Mylesfromwicklow is rarely out of the frame and went close on comeback at Market Rasen last month. He goes from the front and could box on for a place.

Neon Moon scored on return at Chepstow three weeks ago. He is hard to catch right but a 4lb rise for that seems fair.

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DOWN ROYAL

2.40

GERRI COLOMBE was a good second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last season before going one better at Aintree when Galopin Des Champs wasn’t around.

He kicked off last season by winning this race and can repeat the feat even without Jack Kennedy on board.

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Envoi Allen isn’t the force he was when winning this in 2022 and he tried different trips last season with mixed results. His best form still gets him the forecast spot though.

It wouldn’t be a shock if Hewick wins given his stunning King George victory last season.

He stays well but the other two would have to be below par for him to take this.

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DEL MAR

7.41

A FAST start is more important that the draw even on this tight track so BRADSELL is no forlorn hope from stall 12.

The widest gates have fared little worse than anywhere else here so far this season and Hollie Doyle’s mount has plenty of early speed.

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He ran a cracker on unsuitably soft ground at Longchamp last time and these quicker conditions will be ideal for this triple Group 1 winner.

Cogburn is the obvious danger and he’s led from the stalls on his past two outings. He’s won all five starts over this minimum trip but his best speed figures have come over a bit further.

It’s hard to come from behind so slow starter Starlust will have to run the race of his life for Ralph Beckett.

George Boughey’s Believing looks to have a better chance under Ryan Moore. He was up with the pace throughout when winning a Curragh Group 2 on quick ground in July.

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Motorious did well to win here last time but he’ll need luck as he’s isn’t the quickest out of the stalls.

9.01

SHAHRYAR ran a cracker to finish third in what was arguably a stronger renewal of this race 12 months ago.

He’s had his season built around this race and finished strongly into fourth over 1m2f last time. This extra quarter-mile is ideal and he can run another good race at big odds.

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Rebel’s Romance ran the race of his life when winning this in 2022. He kicked off this season with a big win in Hong Kong and was last seen landing a cosy Group 2 win in Germany.

His stall 11 draw isn’t ideal but he has every chance albeit at a fairly skinny price.

Emily Upjohn isn’t quite the force of old but she ran her best race for a while when a close-up third at Longchamp last month. Her finest hours have come over this distance and fast ground holds no fears.

No offence to Kieran Shoemark but Frankie Dettori is a big upgrade in the saddle too.

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Far Bridge has landed smooth successes at Grade 1 level on his past two outings, both over this trip.

He did particuarly well at Aqueduct last time in what was a rough race. He likes quick ground and is another to consider.

The ground is likely to be too lively for Luxembourg although he should be fine on this track having won the Coronation Cup at tricky Epsom.

9.41

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CITY OF TROY can win a Breeders’ Cup Classic that doesn’t look a vintage renewal.

Aidan O’Brien says he’s the best he’s ever trained and the Derby winner was better than ever when taking the Juddmonte International at York last time. He likes this trip and has improvement to come.

This is his first run on dirt but he’s by American sire Justify who has a fine record on this surface. His low draw is ideal for a horse that likes to be prominent and he won’t lack for stamina.

Fierceness has been in flying form with back-to-back Grade 1 wins. If he gets on the front, he’ll be hard to beat but he’s never won when turning into the straight behind other horses.

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Ushba Tesoro is getting on a bit but was a bit unlucky in this last year and is solid each-way.

Tapit Trice clocked a fast time when scoring at Aqueduct latest and is another with place claims.

Templegate’s tips

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