The ITV cameras can only catch some of the action on Boxing Day, but the big races will be covered in Britain across Kempton, Aintree and Wetherby. GG’s in-house tipster Joe Napier gives his best bets across the six ITV races.
12.45 Kempton – Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
Paul Nicholls does not actually have an outstanding record in this particular race, but given his proficiency otherwise at Kempton, his charges are always worth considering at this time of year. FIRE FLYER definitely fits the bill as an interesting type in the opener at the Surrey venue, and may be able to claim this if progressing from his chase debut.
The six-year-old won two of his first three starts over hurdles last term before losing his way at the end of the season. He was also pulled up on his return, but showed much better form on his chase debut at Exeter last time out, chasing home an immensely progressive winner, and giving him a decent fright in the process.
He was 13 lengths clear of the third that day and can run off the same mark here. Both of his hurdles wins came right-handed on good or good-to-soft ground, so this should set up nicely for him.
1.05 Aintree – William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
None of the seven runners can be safely ruled out in an intriguing renewal of Aintree’s new Grade 1. Potters Charm brings the stand out performance having bolted up in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham, but his three wins have all been over 2m4f or above, so this drop in trip could catch him out against a speedier rival.
He is taken on with MIAMI MAGIC who could be going under the radar due to being trained outside of the traditional top order. However, you would be in profit for backing all of Stuart Edmunds’ runners over hurdles this season, and his charge here has won by wide margins on both starts over hurdles.
The ten-length runner-up from his Fakenham debut has finished much closer in two starts since, but it was Miami Magic’s 12-length win at Kempton that was most taking under a penalty. This is a leap into the big leagues, but his performances so far have suggested he is capable of holding his own and could be tough to peg back from the front.
1.20 Kempton – Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
THE JUKEBOX MAN was value for a greater winning margin when scoring on his chase debut at Newbury recently and looks worth siding with here even at slightly cramped odds.
Ben Pauling was confident enough to pitch his charge into Grade 2 company for his first chasing assignment, and he coped with it superbly, winning by two decisive lengths from the reappearing Masaccio. He would have won by further had Ben Jones not had a hard time guiding him up the right course to the conclusion at Newbury.
His novice hurdle form continues to stand out, he will cope with this trip, and having jumped well on debut, looks a decent bet to hold this field cosily at bay.
2.30 Kempton – Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1)
Even if just for the number of runners, this looks a very fun edition of the King George. You can make cases for the majority, but keeping it simple could result in success with SPILLANE’S TOWER, whose John Durkan second at Punchestown stands out a mile.
The six-year-old proved a progressive novice chaser for stepping up in trip last season, culminating in a pair of Grade 1 novice successes at both Fairyhouse and Punchestown over 2m4f and 3m1f respectively. He has answered more or less every question asked of him, doing so again when going off 18/1 for the John Durkan but finishing ahead of two-time Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs, among others, in a top-class field.
If he brings that level of improvement to Kempton, he will be the worthy favourite, though the likes of Il Est Francais and Banbridge could easily be capable of more as well.
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.