Saturday’s ITV Racing Tips from Cheltenham and Doncaster (Saturday 16th December)

1:15 Cheltenham

We have five races live on ITV from Cheltenham. The first is the 1:15 and it is a handicap chase over the extended 2 miles.

It’s CALICO (9/4) in the opener. He was unlucky to be be reeled in late on by the improving Triple Trade here last time out up the hill. Hopefully with that run under his belt, he’ll strip fitter and will prove tougher to pass. He’s a lovely fluent jumper and should get his own way out in front in this 7 runner line-up. 

 

1:50 Cheltenham

 The 1:50 is the feature, a decent renewal of the December Gold Cup, a handicap over 2m4f.

It’s SO SCOTTISH (11/2) I’ve landed on. JP has two in here and Fakir D’Oudaries carries too weight which gives So Scottish a lovely racing weight of 10’8. He’s had a run to hopefully put him spot on for this as I’m sure this was the main early season target for a trainer Emmet Mullins who knows how to line one up for the big day. He has some strong pieces of form including a victory at Ascot last season where he beat Boothill. That’s a very strong piece of form and I think he’s capable of a bold show. Mark Walsh comes over to take the ride.

 

2:05 Doncaster 

The first of three races from Doncaster is a novice handicap chase over the 2m3f trip.

It’s CERENDIPITY (10/3) I like here. I was really taken by his victory last time out when staying on strongly to win going away at Wetherby. Trainer Sue Smith is in the form of her life and I think her horse here is on a decent upward curve. I think he’s the most likely winner in this contest and looks value.

 

2:25 Cheltenham

The 2:25 is the turn of the staying chasers in a handicap chase over 3m2f.

I like EASY AS THAT (9/2) in this. Trainer Venetia Williams continues in fine fettle after a double here at Cheltenham yesterday. Easy As That finished a decent sixth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup when we last seen him and I think with that run under his belt, and stepping up in trip, he looks sure to go well. Charlie Deutsch gets down to 10’2 for the ride and that has to be a tip in itself. 

 

2:40 Doncaster

The 2:40 from Doncaster is a handicap hurdle over the extended 2m trip.

It’s RARE EDITION (6/1) for me here. He had the potentially to be a top notch novice hurdler last season as he started his campaign strongly which included an impressive victory on Boxing Day at Kempton. He disappointing at Grade 1 level on his final two starts but he’s had a decent break to freshen up since. He’s effectively off 10’7 here with Bryan Roberts’ 5lb claim and if the market vibes are positive, you’d hope he’d have a cracking chance.

 

3:00 Cheltenham

It’s back to Cheltenham for the 3:00 race, the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, a Grade 2 over 3 miles.

It’s SHANAGH BOB (2/1) for me here. He is totally unexposed as this is just his third career start but he does bring a significant amount of potential to the table. A winner on his only point to point start over 3 miles on soft ground, you’d hope he would relish this type of test. He bolted up on his debut for Nicky Henderson at Plumpton over 2m4f and gave the impression this trip would be no issue for him. He could be anything and I’d be willing to take the chance at the prices.

 

3:15 Doncaster 

The final race from Doncaster is the 3:15 race. It is a 3 mile handicap chase.

It’s WHISTLEINTHEDARK (11/2) NB I fancy here. He won four on the spin last season after a pleasing comeback run at Ayr and he again made a pleasing return to action when 8th in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. I felt things where happening a stride too quick for him there and this step up in trip looks a good move. It’s a weaker race and with fitness on his side now, I’m expecting a big run. 

 

3:35 Cheltenham

The final race is a mares handicap hurdle over the intermediate 2m4f trip.

It’s BONTTAY (11/4) NAP for me in this. She was a decent bumper performer two seasons ago and she had a great record here at Cheltenham winning two of her three starts and finishing second on the other. Her novice hurdle campaign was consistent and full of promise and she looked to improve for each outing. She made a winning handicap debut off 5lb lower at Hereford but I think a mark of 123 is well within her reach still. I’m confident this is her day.

 

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