A huge Saturday of racing sends the sport into Christmas on a high, with the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle a superb headline event during an excellent afternoon of action at Ascot, supported by competitive racing from Haydock too.
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Saturday have been picked by Joe Napier this week, who has selected three top tips from Ascot’s card, and one from Haydock, which can land you a profit on the day.
Ascot Racing Tips (Saturday 20 December 2025)
Ascot’s Saturday meeting may only contain six races, but it is a card packed full of quality, including the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle. Three of our Lucky 15 tips come at the Berkshire venue during Saturday afternoon.
1.15 Ascot – Dixie Mafia (1pt win – 13/2)
The case of following a Christian Williams runner up in trip nearly paid off for those backing Dixie Mafia at Aintree two weeks ago as the six-year-old finished second over 3m½f having raced in maiden and novice events between 2m-2m4f. Williams’ charge was a narrowly beaten second that day behind a Dan Skelton-trained favourite and looked all over the winner only to be reeled in deep inside the final furlong. Had the selection not hit the second half and crushed his momentum before eventually taking the lead, he may have had enough to win and so the slight drop in trip by a furlong, coupled with only a 3lb rise, look distinct positives for a horse who is clearly going to progress over staying trips.
1.50 Ascot – Bad (1pt win – 4/1)
With the ground likely to dry to good-to-soft by Saturday afternoon, the return to a right-handed track can see Bad progress through the ranks once again for Ben Pauling. Still only a six-year-old, the grey took five starts to win last season before doing so twice at Kempton, making it all the more impressive that he won so well on his return at that track off a mark of 138. Kempton remains the only track he has won at in the UK, though he has been a very close second at Ascot over hurdles and there should be enough of a similarity between the two courses to play to Bad’s strengths, especially as he has looked an improved model again this season, with his fifth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup a commendable effort given Cheltenham is unlikely to have suited him nearly as well. Even off a mark 6lb above his last winning one, he should be feared by all.
3.35 Ascot – Alexei (1pt win – 9/2)
A 13lb rise is heady for Alexei, but this remains the time of year to catch Joe Tizzard’s charge and the manner of his Greatwood Hurdle success was so impressive that he can make light of the handicapper’s punishment. A promising novice last term, the five-year-old was disappointing after the turn of the year but has returned a renewed force, finishing a respectable second in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las before a course and distance success at the start of November. Those efforts were just a prelude to the selection’s outstanding success at Cheltenham in which he sprinted powerfully clear up the hill for a six-length success, with the third beaten 13 lengths. It was the performance of a horse who will likely have higher aspirations and connections have chosen this contest rather than going up in Grade immediately, which could be a positive sign in itself.
Haydock Racing Tips (Saturday 20 December 2025)
Haydock’s seven-race card looks set to play host to numerous promising types as well as a flurry of seasoned handicappers. It is in the Listed mares’ novices’ hurdle that our Lucky 15 tip comes at the Lancashire track.
2.40 Haydock – A Path To Ronda (1pt win – 7/1)
An extra emphasis on stamina and a 7b swing in the weights can help A Path To Ronda reverse Exeter running with Supreme Malinas and score for a second time over hurdles for Jamie Snowden. A winner on her hurdling debut at Stratford over 2m6f in late October, she had previously been fourth in a Listed bumper at Sandown last season, but could not back up her first hurdles victory when trying to concede a 7lb winners’ penalty to the above-mentioned rival. However, she may be able to gain revenge opposing here, as Haydock on soft ground may be more of a staying test, which already looks to be her calling card and she was messy over her last two flights at Exeter, ensuring her challenge faltered. If she can get going earlier, she may be difficult to fend off.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Saturday 20 December
1.15 Ascot – Dixie Mafia (1pt win – 13/2)
1.50 Ascot – Bad (1pt win – 4/1)
2.40 Haydock – A Path To Ronda (1pt win – 7/1)
3.35 Ascot – Alexei (1pt win – 9/2)
A Path To RondaGG Lucky 15 Tips – Saturday 20 December
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Haydock – first race 11:45
- Ascot – first race 12:40
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides GG’s Lucky 15 tips on Saturday 20 December from Ascot & Haydock.
When were today’s Ascot & Haydock tips published?
Our Lucky 15 tips for Saturday were published at 11.50am on Friday 19 December.
Which racecourses run on Saturday 20 December 2025?
Ascot, Haydock, Hereford, Newcastle, Thurles & Wolverhampton.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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