A stellar afternoon’s action will take place in front of the ITV Racing cameras on Saturday 18th January as Ascot and Haydock Park take centre stage. The Grade 1 Clarence House Chase is the feature race of the day as Jonbon and Energumene do battle, but our in-house tipster Steve Chambers veers away from that epic clash and has four selections from the other live action.
2:15pm Ascot – bet365 Handicap Chase
Unable to land the six-timer in the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton Park over Christmas, MARTATOR can bounce back to winning ways on Saturday in the 2:15pm at Ascot. His winning streak of five race ended with a stunning 11-length victory over Kotmask at Ascot off a mark of 140, and while he has to deliver the goods off 151 in this contest he looks more than capable of starring again. The likes of Scarface, Flegmatik and the aforementioned Kotmask are sure to be notable rivals, but the Venetia Williams-trained Martator can claim yet another victory here.
Join our 20k+ subscribers to receive the latest horse racing news, offers, and expert tips directly in your inbox — 100% free!
2:30pm Haydock – Sky Bet Peter Marsh Handicap Chase
A dual winner of this race, Royale Pagaille will bid for more success in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at 2:30pm at Haydock, but the Venetia Williams-trained star faces a gargantuan. He showed with victory in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase that he continues to produce his best at the track, but he has to give at least a stone to his rivals here and he could be worth taking on. Harry Derham’s IMAGINE was an expensive purchase out of Gordon Elliott’s yard and was well fancied for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but was pulled up that day. He showed when winning at Grade 2 novice chase that he has the potential to be a decent stayer over fences and he’s worth taking a chance on against the track specialist Royale Pagaille, who is 11 years old now.
Matthew Sutcliffe’s Value Punts – Four Top Tips for Ascot & Haydock on Saturday
Saturday promises to be a top day of jumps racing across the country. Matty Sutcliffe also aims to make it a profitable one, with four best bets across the Ascot and Haydock cards. 1:40 Ascot – (1m7f152y) BetMGM Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Warfield Mares’ Hurdle) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) – Ooh…
Fri 17 Jan 20252:50pm Ascot – BetMGM Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle
Nicky Henderson’s ASTON MARTINI failed to run any sort of race in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury last time out, but the Seven Barrows mare can bounce back to form with victory in the Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle at Ascot at 2:50pm. Prior to that she had run well to finish second at Bangor and off a featherweight here she could be a lively outsider. Freddie Gordon will take 3lbs off her back here, which is sure to be a positive, and while the likes of Bo Zenith, Kamsinas and Altobelli will be dangers the Henderson charge could be better than her current mark and can figure strongly in the finish.
3:05pm Haydock – Sky Bet Cheltenham Non-Runner No Bet Handicap Hurdle
Tom Lacey’s TUNE IN A BOX has been knocking on the door of late, so while this has seen his handicap mark creep up slightly he’s one of the only ones lining up here with the potential to improve again. A decent fourth in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham was followed by a second at Chepstow and he can go one better in this event. Given a 3lbs rise for that run three weeks ago, Lacey’s charge can get the better of Dan Skelton’s Punta Del Este in the final race on ITV.
Looking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.