Three different tracks will have races broadcast on Saturday. The jumps finale at Sandown is the highlight, but both Haydock and Leicester will be shown on ITV.
Matty Sutcliffe has analysed the TV cards for the day. He has selections at all three tracks.
Sandown Racing Tips (Saturday 25 April)
It is the jumps finale at Sandown on Saturday. Matty has two best bets at the Surrey track, including a 16/1 chance in Graded company.
1:45 Sandown – bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) – Kocktail Bleu 12/1 1pt EW 5 places
Horses beaten in graded company earlier in the season have a good record in this race which bodes well for Kocktail Bleu, who was second to the improving Klub De Reve in the Dovecote at Kempton in February.
That was his third second in a row, but one of those came when two lengths behind the subsequent Supreme fourth Baron Noir, and he didn’t appear all that in love with the heavy ground when second at Kelso in a qualifier for this.
He belatedly added to his maiden hurdle victory when a winner at Newbury last month, making all in good style and never really looking in danger. The balance of his collateral form would suggest a mark of 125 could very much underestimate him for this handicap debut, and his best form has come on this sounder surface.
2:20 Sandown – bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2) (For The Menorah Challenge Trophy) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) – Teddy Blue 16/1 0.5pt EW 2 places
A very underwhelming renewal of this Grade 2 can go the way of the enigmatic Teddy Blue, who has bundles of ability when putting it all together. He pulled up in the Topham last time out, but all of his best form has come right handed such was the case when getting up by a neck to record a career best RPR at Kempton on his penultimate start.
He looked to be going backwards four out, but he rallied remarkably well under Paul O’Brien to come home strongly and beat Blueing d’Oroux, who was second in the Grade 1 Manifesto Chase next time out. The third won well next time out, as did the sixth who landed a valuable pot at the Aintree festival.
His form when going right handed over fences reads 5111751 (4-7) and with a strong pace likely to be set by Matterhorn and Mahon’s Glory, he’s likely to be there rallying at the finish if on a going day in a very winnable contest.
Leicester Racing Tips (Saturday 25 April)
One of Leicester’s biggest racedays occurs on Saturday. Matty’s selection at the track runs in a class 2 handicap.
2:05 Leicester – Caffreys Black Stout King Richard III Cup Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105) – Prince Of India 9/1 1pt EW 4 places
Prince Of India had form figures of 21211 in handicaps last season and while he hasn’t been disgraced in four runs in listed/group company since, this drop back into handicap company can see him return to the winners enclosure.
He’s only 4lbs above his last win which came off top weight in the Shergar Cup sprint, and that form has worked out nicely with the third and fourth both taking valuable contests at Goodwood and Bahrain since.
Drawn in stall ten with pace angles around him, he should get the strong toe into the contest that he generally thrives off, and all of his best form came on a quicker surface last season including a second only C&D. He was only beaten four lengths in the Abernant Stakes, and if he can recapture last season’s form then he’s one of the very few potential group horses in a handicap here.
Haydock Racing Tips (Saturday 25 April)
Haydock only has one race live on ITV on Saturday. Matty has an each-way tip in that race.
2:35 Haydock – William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+) – Caburn 8/1 1pt EW 4 places
A wide draw isn’t obviously ideal for Caburn, but wide stalls took this in 2023, 2022 and 2019 which suggests we shouldn’t be entirely put off and while was prominent for his last win, he ran a career best effort last time out when held up in listed company at Doncaster so he’s a tactically versatile sort.
Caburn was third to Aramram when a 25/1 shot in the Cammidge returning from an 86 day layoff, and the winner backed that form up when second in the Abernant next time out. The fifth also won next time, beating the 15/8 favourite he was 14lbs worse off with.
He clocked the largest stride length and the second fastest finishing speed percentage in a strongly run race there, which suggests this step up in trip on a galloping long straight will surely suit.
The cheekpieces appear to have given him a lift, and given he was only beaten three lengths in a Gimcrack as a two year old, this revised mark of 100 could underestimate him dropping back into handicap company on turf.
Matty Sutcliffe’s Best Bets
1:45 Sandown – bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) – Kocktail Bleu 12/1 1pt EW 5 places
2:05 Leicester – Caffreys Black Stout King Richard III Cup Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105) – Prince Of India 9/1 1pt EW 4 places
2:20 Sandown – bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2) (For The Menorah Challenge Trophy) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) – Teddy Blue 16/1 0.5pt EW 2 places
2:35 Haydock – William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+) – Caburn 8/1 1pt EW 4 places
Teddy BlueMatthew Sutcliffe’s Best Bets – Saturday 25 April
FAQs
What are today’s racing tips?
Matthew Sutcliffe provides his best bets for the racing at Sandown, Leicester & Haydock on Saturday 25 April.
When were Matthew Sutcliffe’s tips published?
Matty Sutcliffe’s racing tips were published at 11.25am on Friday 24 April
Who is Matthew Sutcliffe?
Matthew Sutcliffe is GGs newest contributor, often providing a value angle for his tips. He writes weekly columns for the weekend’s racing, as well as taking aim at ante-post markets at the Cheltenham Festival. Follow him on X: @MattySutcliffe
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