Three value-priced picks to consider over the weekend’s racing

With plenty of jumps racing to sink your teeth into over the next two days, punters will be scanning the race cards in attempt to hunt down some nicely-priced selections.

Here are three picks that could hint some value over the weekend.

Lord Du Mesnil (2.40 Haydock, Saturday) – 8/1 (Bet365)

A thorough stayer, last season’s National Hunt Chase runner-up could return to form with success in the Grand National Trial at Haydock.

Richard Hobson’s gelding is a well-known course specialist, landing the Tommy Whittle and Last Fling Handicap Chase in quick succession.

He finished a respectable ninth in the Welsh Grand National in January and it may have been higher if he hadn’t hit the fence three out.

Now only 2lbs higher when coming second in this contest last year, Lord Du Mesnil could be of some interest with an 8/1 price tag.

Bennys King (3.35 Ascot, Saturday) – 11/1 (Bet365 + Coral)

Dan Skelton’s progressive chaser could well be considered the ‘best of the rest’ in the Ascot Chase, but the 10-year-old could benefit from several factors here in this contest.

Market favourite Cyrname has not looked his previous self this season, while Master Tommytucker’s jumping has been the gelding’s downfall on several occasions.

What catches the eye with Bennys King, however, is his Ascot form.

On his three runs at the course, he has won once and placed twice, with his sole victory coming just before Christmas.

He could well be a contender that has flown under the radar here.

Secret Investor (2.25 Newbury, Sunday) – 10/1 (General)

An interesting move from Paul Nicholls, as Secret Investor join the two-team force to represent the Ditcheat trainer in the Denman Chase.

With a storming victory in the Native River Handicap Chase at Chepstow, the nine-year-old underperformed in the Ladbrokes Trophy on his last outing, finishing 11^th.

However, he is in receipt of 6lbs from the two market favourites in stablemate Clan Des Obeaux and dual Grade 1 winner Lostintranslation.

A lover of good ground, Secret Investor could well prove to be worth some each-way value at the very least if the weather holds off at Berkshire.