Top quality National Hunt racing continues on Friday 27th December as eight races take place in front of the ITV Racing cameras from Kempton Park and Chepstow. Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers picks out his best bets for the action, which includes a pick in the Welsh Grand National at 2:50pm.
1:55pm Kempton – Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase
Two heavyweights of the National Hunt sphere collide in a mouth-watering clash in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Friday. Last year’s imperious Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle winner Ballyburn will do battle with Triumph Hurdle winner Sir Gino a real battle between the British and Irish in the 1:55pm contest. The pair can hardly be split in the betting, but it’s SIR GINO that makes most appeal on his chasing debut. A facile winner of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last time out, he switches to fences for this encounter and he may just have a bit too much speed for Ballyburn, who may just find this two miles on the sharp side.
Join our 20k+ subscribers to receive the latest horse racing news, offers, and expert tips directly in your inbox — 100% free!
2:30pm Kempton – Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase
Both emphatically beaten by Jonbon in the Shloer Chase, Edwardstone and Boothill are well fancied to bounce back to form in the Desert Orchid Chase at 2:30pm. However, it’s hard to fancy both of those contender at such short prices and it’s worth taking a chance on last year’s hero EDITEUR DU GITE, who looks the value play. Gary & Josh Moore’s 10-year-old has been horrendously out of form and was pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last time out, but this could be a contest right up his street as he can set a fierce gallop from the outset and maintain his advantage, as it could be hard to close in the final furlong.
Matthew Sutcliffe’s Value Punts – Five Selections for the 27th Including in the Welsh National
With racing everywhere, Matty Sutcliffe has got to revising early. He has five best bets for the 27th December, all available at double-figure prices. 1:05 Chepstow – Coral ‘We’re Here For It’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) – Can You Call 16/1 1pt WIN Connections won this with Golden Whisky in 2021 and…
Mon 23 Dec 20242:50pm Chepstow – Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase
A hugely competitive field line up for the Welsh Grand National at 2:50pm, but the one to side with is IRON BRIDGE, who can land the prize for Jonjo & AJ O’Neill. Runner-up in the race 12 months ago off a mark of 142, the Jackdaws Castle inmate will take his chance off 136 this season, so if he can replicate his performance from last season then he has to be a player. A promising third at Carlisle last time out, he can use that race as a springboard to success in this event.
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.