A sensational day of racing on Saturday is one for jumps fans to revel in, with the cards at Ascot and Haydock including the Grade 1 Betfair Chase and Grade 2 1965 Chase among others. GG tipster Joe Napier has picked out his best four bets across those meetings as part of our Saturday Lucky 15.
1.15 Haydock – KABRAL DU MATHAN (1pt win – 2/1 Betfred/Ladbrokes)
It has tended to be Dan Skelton’s novices who have been needing the run, which is why new signing KABRAL DU MATHAN is fancied to go in on his debut for the yard. Useful for Paul Nicholls last season, he won on his return with minimal fuss in 2024, then finished second on three occasions, in all of which he fought right to the line over 2m, going down by a short-head in a Grade 3 handicap at Ascot and a neck in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr. He has risen in the handicap, but a step up to 2m3f should bring out more, as could the switch to the Skeltons, while soft ground should be no issue either.
1.30 Ascot – JANGO BAIE (1pt win – 5/2 generally)
The mercurial Il Est Francais is invariably a big danger if in the mood and these conditions should suit him, but it is increasingly difficult to back him with confidence given the off days are becoming more regular. He receives 6lb from Pic D’orhy though, who chases a hat-trick, but the young gun JANGO BAIE might have too much for them both. The six-year-old enjoyed a novice season capped by a remarkable success in the Arkle at Cheltenham in which he was outpaced for 15 of the 16 furlongs, but flew up the hill. He evidently needs at least 2m4f to really be at his best and would have probably have won another Grade 1 at Sandown in the Scilly Isles only to be outbattled in heavy going by a thorough stayer at the trip. A third at Aintree in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase was another respectable effort, he goes well fresh and he can make a statement in open company.
3.00 Haydock – HAITI COULEURS (1pt win – 7/2 generally)
Conditions may get dicey at Haydock and while Grey Dawning has the proven ability, he is up against two up-and-coming mudlarks in HAITI COULEURS and Stellar Story, with the former preferred. A Plus Tard aside, the Irish challenge in this race has tended to be weak, though Stellar Story is probably underestimated in the market, but Haiti Couleurs is progressing quicker, landing the National Hunt Chase and Irish Grand National last season in fine style, while his reappearance success over hurdles at Newbury came when supposedly far from tuned up. Connections have come here rather than the Coral Gold Cup, so clearly think he is ready toll after a short 16-day break and he looks ready to step up to Grade 1 level now.
3.35 Haydock – SALADINS SON (1pt win – 15/2 Hills)
As a winner first time out last season, as well as after a mid-season break, SALADINS SON could have more to offer, as he improved for chasing experience last term. A maiden hurdle winner at Huntingdon this time last year, he was then pulled up on chase debut at Ffos Las, making a mistake over 2m5½f on heavy and paying the price. However, after 58 days off, he won easily at Wincanton when upped to 3m1f, then was left clear for an easy back-up success over that same course and distance three weeks later. The nature of that victory means he is only up a further 2lb for his reappearance and trainer Anthony Honeyball has enjoyed some big weekend winners of late.
GG Racing Lucky 15 Tips For Saturday 22nd November
1.15 Haydock – KABRAL DU MATHAN (1pt win – 2/1 Betfred/Ladbrokes)