Joe Logue’s Saturday ITV Racing tips
13:15 Cheltenham – East India Dock
13:30 Doncaster – Nells Son
13:50 Cheltenham – Il Ridoto (each-way)
14:05 Doncaster – Ma Shantou
14:25 Cheltenham – Gentlemansgame
14:40 Doncaster – Kateira
15:00 Cheltenham – Constitution Hill
15:35 Cheltenham – Strong Leader (NAP)
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
13:15 Cheltenham – East India Dock
East India Dock is the second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle and we’re all expecting him to win this – and his price is probably right. Sauvignon and Stencil could be useful and I’m happy to watch the race.
13:30 Doncaster – Nells Son
I’m on Nells Son for Nicky Richards. He’s 10 years old but he hasn’t race a ton. He’s only ran over two miles twice but he’s won on both occasions. His form when winning ahead of Matata last time out at Kelso is very strong and he’s only gone up 5lbs in the weights.
13:50 Cheltenham – Il Ridoto (each-way)
It’s probably right that Ginnys Destiny is at the top of the market but I find it hard to decide on these races. I’ve landed on Il Ridoto as an each-way shout for Paul Nicholls. He’s a tricky horse as he doesn’t finish his races as well as he should. Freddie Gingell takes the ride again and he’s claiming 3lbs. He impressed when winning over course and distance in November. He’s 2lbs lower than his last run in December and he shaped well. He can hit the frame at least.
14:05 Doncaster – Ma Shantou
Western Knight is short enough in the betting and he could go and win this but I’ll take a chance on Ma Shantou. He’s on a hat-trick and stepping up in trip to three miles might see a little improvement in him. It’s not a strong fancy but he could be a value pick against the fav.
14:25 Cheltenham – Gentlemansgame
LHomme Presse is very talented but I’ve never really warmed to him. You can pick holes in the form and I can’t have him at the price. I’m taking a chance on Gentlemansgame. It’s a tentative pick as he has to give weight away but he’s a fair price. I’m not steaming into it as it’ll be a tactical race but I’ll keep Darragh O’Keeffe and Mouse Morris on side.
14:40 Doncaster – Kateira
Jetara wasn’t disgraced last time out but I don’t like the fact that Jessica Harrington hasn’t had a lot of runners. I’m siding with Kateira for the Skelton’s. She’s a really good mare and she stays well. She’s back in mares’ company and she has a great chance.
15:00 Cheltenham – Constitution Hill
This is a racecourse gallop for Constitution Hill as his short price shows. He’ll go and win this, then it’s full steam ahead to the Festival in March. He won’t be under pressure here and hopefully he travels well and jumps well. I can see his price drifting on the day in the Champion Hurdle. He could maybe go off 6/4 rather than odds on.
15:35 Cheltenham – Strong Leader (NAP)
I really fancy Strong Leader and he should be the favourite. There isn’t a lot of depth in this race and I’m keen to take on Crambo. He doesn’t really back up his runs and I would have gone straight to Cheltenham with him. Strong Leader’s form is solid and his last run was too bad to be true. He’s had a wind op and it’s his race to lose.
Joe Logue’s ITV Racing tips
13:15 Cheltenham – East India Dock
13:30 Doncaster – Nells Son
13:50 Cheltenham – Il Ridoto (each-way)
14:05 Doncaster – Ma Shantou
14:25 Cheltenham – Gentlemansgame
14:40 Doncaster – Kateira
15:00 Cheltenham – Constitution Hill
15:35 Cheltenham – Strong Leader (NAP)
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change.
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