Dave Nevison: my four best bets in the Saturday handicaps

There is a terrific afternoon’s sport on Saturday and racing certainly plays its part alongside Wimbledon, the Ashes Test Match and the build-up to Sunday's British Grand Prix. Hopefully, the quartet below run well in the tough handicaps that each contest.

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2.25 Sandown: Perotto

Perotto might be getting a reputation as a non-winner in recent times and supporters got their fingers burnt again when he was backed into favourite for the Royal Hunt Cup last time.

I haven’t got involved previously so might be more forgiving than some as he made his bid for glory too soon at Ascot and faded into tenth place. It wasn’t a bad run and nor was his previous effort when seventh in the Victoria Cup.

He should avoid trouble here as, as unusually for a big-field handicap, there does not look to be too many who will want to go on. From a good draw in 4, he should be able to adopt a prominent position and maintain that around the bend at Sandown.

He has been dropped a further 2lb and - and 9lb overall since he reverted to handicaps last autumn. He is undoubtedly well in at his best.Roger Varian has his team in terrific form and has replaced the tongue strap with a hood, which hopefully will prove a correct move. Tom Marquand is back on board so hopefully my fingers won’t be among those frazzled this time.

3.15 Haydock: Teumessias Fox

I am rowing in with another Royal Ascot blowout, hoping that a quick reappearance suggests whatever ailed him there has been sorted.Oisin Murphy walked this 9/2 favourite past the line tailed off last time but before that Teumessias Fox had looked a real prospect when strolling home in a good handicap at Newmarket.

I was thinking he was a Group horse in a handicap and with the Ascot run too bad to be true am prepared to overlook that.

He is drawn in 4, which should enable him to hold a prominent position. He was held up too far back and met trouble in a course and distance handicap last season.

He has been dropped 1lb and Harry Davies claims another 3lbs. I often think that in these massively tight handicaps a top claimer makes a big difference.

4.15 Sandown: Yantarni

Ian Williams did us a big favour on Thursday with the well-backed Typical Woman and I’m hoping he will do me an even bigger one if this much bigger-priced runner.

Yantarni went off favourite on allf his starts for Godolphin but only managed one win at odds-on in a maiden. Charlie Appleby campaigned him like a good horse, but he was obviously proved very frustrating. It seems clear Williams is aiming to land a decent handicap with him.

The significant thing for me, which suggests Williams means business here, is the step up in trip to 10 furlongs. It’s a move that looks overdue and on pedigree looks sure to bring about improvement.

There are plenty of runners in this race who are talented but not the most reliable. There is enough possibility of improvement from Yantarni that he is worth a punt a decent odds.

5.17 Leicester: My Delilah

Took a while to get off the mark but was impressive when losing her maiden tag on her ninth attempt at Bath last time.

She has not run since that win in May but hopefully is ready to reproduce her best again here.

My Delilah has been put up 8lb for that win but it was warranted as she quickened in good style. Billy Louchnane keeps the ride, which is another plus, and the stiff Leicester finish should suit.