A bumper day’s racing is set to take place on Saturday 31 January, but it’s the UK meetings we focus our attentions on and we pick out our GG Lucky 15 tips from the National Hunt fixtures at Sandown Park and Musselburgh.
The Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase is the feature of the day at Sandown, whilst Scottish Cheltenham Trials day lights up Musselburgh. See our four best bets below for Saturday’s racing.
Sandown Racing Tips (Saturday 31 January 2026)
Seven races at Sandown begin at 12.20pm and conclude at 3.42pm, where we will have some competitive handicap hurdles alongside a decent renewal of the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase. Here’s our best Sandown tips here.
1.25 Sandown – Rip Wheeler (1pt win – 6/1)
Gary & Josh Moore’s Rip Wheeler was in superb form during November landing a brace of wins at Huntingdon and Lingfield, but he failed to land the hat-trick last time out when pulling up at Wincanton on Boxing Day. He was hampered through the early stages of that contest and could never get involved, so you can put a line through that form, and he’s certainly worth giving another chance here. He will have to deal with a career high mark of 106 here, but off bottom weight he could well be dangerous, if he can get into a decent rhythm over his fences.
2.02 Sandown – Jax Junior (1pt win – 4/1)
Having trounced Jeriko Du Reponet by 12 lengths in a beginners chase at Kempton back in November, Jax Junior was then sent to Ascot for the Grade 2 Noel Novices’ Chase, but came unstuck against some classy rivals. Fourth that day, he will drop into much calmer waters on Saturday for the 2.02pm at Sandown as he tackles handicap company for the first time. He lines up off 139, which certainly looks workable, if he can build on his recent runs, and whilst the likes of Gunsight Ridge and Kotmask look dangers, Jax Junior can storm to victory.
Musselburgh Racing Tips (Saturday 31 January 2026)
Musselburgh’s Cheltenham Trials weekend can often throw up a few good performers and we pick out our two best bets across the six-race card that kicks off at 1.10pm.
1.43 Musselburgh – Afadil (1pt win – 100/30)
A winner of this race in 2024, Afadil was denied back-to-back wins in the Scottish County Handicap Hurdle by Welsh Charger last season, but the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old is back for another crack, and he can duly regain his crown. The Ditcheat raider is 5lbs lower than the mark he won off two years ago, whilst he’s rated 1lb lower than last year’s event, so he’s very attractively weighted to run a big race. He will also have the benefit of Freddie Keighley’s 7lbs claim, which can prove vital in the closing stages, and Afadil looks a solid pick to reign again at the Scottish track.
2.20 Musselburgh – JPR One (1pt win – 9/2)
Joe Tizzard will make the gargantuan trip north with his top two-miler JPR One and the proven class act can give a mountain of weight away to all his rivals and claim victory in the Scottish Champion Chase at 2.20pm. Last seen finishing second at Cheltenham, whilst carrying 12st, the former Haldon Gold Cup champion has shown he’s capable off top weight, and providing it doesn’t get too soft then can dominate this event with his class. The step up in trip to two-and-a-half miles is a slight concern, but if ground conditions don’t get too soft then he can simply outclass his rivals.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Saturday 31 January
1.25 Sandown – Rip Wheeler (1pt win – 6/1)
2.02 Sandown – Jax Junior (1pt win – 4/1)
1.43 Musselburgh – Afadil (1pt win – 100/30)
2.20 Musselburgh – JPR One (1pt win – 9/2)
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Sandown – first race 12:20
- Musselburgh – first race 13:10
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Steve Chambers provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Saturday 31 January, which includes selections at Sandown & Musselburgh.
Which racecourses run on Saturday 31 January 2026?
Sandown, Musselburgh, Leopardstown, Wetherby, Lingfield & Newcastle.
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 10 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
When were Saturday’s Lucky 15 tips for Sandown & Musselburgh racing tips published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Saturday 31 January at Sandown & Musselburgh were published at 12.05pm on Friday 30 January.
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