UK racing Saturday , they are saying crisis

EACH-WAY punters face a lean time of it on Saturday after a staggering 14 of the afternoon's 21 jumps races had to be reoffered on Friday owing to lack of support.

Despite trainers being given the opportunity to reconsider their options, each-way betting to three places will still be available in just eight of the 21 races and six of those eight have only eight declarations and so will be subject to reduced terms in the event of just one being pulled out.

Of the six races set to be broadcast on Channel 4 on Saturday, only the feature Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, which has 12 runners, and the StanJames.com International Hurdle, which has eight, will offer each-way terms on the first three.

David Williams of Ladbrokes painted a gloomy picture for the betting industry when he said: "The reasons for the small field sizes are complex but the impact will be painfully straightforward: recreational punters for whom Saturdays are the biggest day of the week will look elsewhere for their betting entertainment.

"The Cheltenham card brims with quality but there's a clear lack of competitive stuff and only one handicap on terrestrial TV. At a time of the year when there is no shortage of alternative options for customers to enjoy, racing will suffer."

I think there could be even less races with 8 runners or more after scratchings

Shocking stuff

there is a simple solution. Like me, don't play today.

Lingfield past its inspection

Doncaster having a 3rd look at 11am UK time

Get on these,prices taken for guide.
Tramore
12-45 Kalico Kalista 14/1 ew
1-20 Cappacurry Zak 5/1 ew
1-55 Perrie Hill 5/1 ew
2-30 Marmaldeskies 6/1 ew

Plus ew Lucky 15

R6 Wolverhampton Well Owd Mon E/W. Only raised 2lbs for his win here last time and should get the strongly run race he needs. Can make the first three at around 6/1.

Saturday 20 December:

R5 Ascot Polisky E/W. Always runs well here and probably should have won last time. Is out of handicap but promising young rider's 7lb claim will help and can make the first three at around 12/1 in what is not a strong race for the money.

R6 Ascot Gassin Golf E/W. Has good consistent form and his running style (strong traveller who is usually held up) should be ideal for a race like this. Goes well fresh and can make the first four at around 16/1.