There are six races taking place in front of the ITV Racing cameras on Saturday afternoon and the action comes from Ascot and Haydock with the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle the feature race of the day at 2:25pm. Our tipster Steve Chambers previews the action and picks out his best bets across the card…
2:05pm Haydock – Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase
Anthony Honeyball’s CREDO was disappointing when finishing fourth at Haydock back in November, but the handicapper has given the nine-year-old a real chance in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at 2:05pm. Returning to Haydock, he’s been dropped 4lbs to a mark of 125 and having finished third in the race off a mark of 133 in 2023 then he looks to have a terrific chance. The likes of Famous Bridge and East Street will be notable rivals, but Credo is weighted to go very close in what is a competitive renewal.
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2:25pm Ascot – Howden Long Walk Hurdle
A workmanlike three-and-a-half length victory in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury saw STRONG LEADER continue his progression to the top of the staying hurdle division on UK soil and Olly Murphy’s charge can build on that effort and land the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot at 2:25pm. He’s not a flashy performer and he’s likely to be made to work for victory, but he should have too much class for his main market rival The Wallpark, who needs to step up from winning easily in handicap company at Cheltenham. Crambo and Shoot First are big rivals too, but Strong Leader has started to prove himself on the big stage and can land the coveted prize.
Matthew Sutcliffe’s Value Punts – Four Best Bets for Ascot on Saturday
Ascot’s Saturday card is the final big jumps meeting prior to Christmas. Matty Sutcliffe has analysed the form and come up with four top tips 2:25 Ascot – Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) – Crambo 11/2 1pt WIN + Beauport 33/1 0.5pt EW 3 places I think the form…
Thu 19 Dec 20242:40pm Haydock – Betfred Hat-Trick Heaven Handicap Hurdle
Jamie Snowden’s MILLDAM failed to fire last time out when seeking out a hat-trick of wins at Huntingdon, but the six-year-old can bounce back to form on Saturday and defy top weight in the 2:40pm at Haydock Park. A winner at Catterick and Stratford prior to that Huntingdon defeat, he will be looking to put in a better round of jumping in this contest and if he can then he can get the better of the likes of Lune De La Mar and Jilaijone.
3:35pm Ascot – Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle
A fascinating finale will see Dysart Enos and Be Aware look to build on decent runs in the Greatwood, but the former was too free that day and the latter could find this all happens a little quick. One that can down the pair is Hughie Morrison’s SECRET SQUIRREL, who sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap and looks to have huge progression in him over hurdles. Fourth in Sandown’s big novice handicap final last season, he made a pleasing return when third at Ascot and that should bring him on significantly for this contest. Lining up off the same mark of 126, the five-year-old can bound to glory and use this as a potential springboard to the Betfair Hurdle in February.
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