Horse racing tips and best bets for ITV racing at Sandown and Aintree on December 6
Is your Christmas tree up yet? This is something Jeff Mexico will never say as he doesn’t believe in the festive season after he was beaten to a pulp by a drunken Santa Claus and a pack of rabid elves on a winter’s eve in the 1990s.
Santa was never caught but continues to break into people’s houses and leave presents in a sock every Christmas Eve, so Lord knows what the police are doing at that time. He’s right there – catch the bastard, you lazy clowns.
This weekend, the Sports News Blitz horse racing oracle casts his net over five big races from Sandown, including the Grade 1s Henry Novices Chase and the Tingle Creek Chase, plus three from Aintree.
Jeff Mexico’s racing tips
This week, the word ‘rage bait’ became Oxford’s 2025 Word of the Year … FFS.
For a start, it’s two words!!!
I had also been heavily campaigning for the word ‘nincompoop’ to win, but those pointy-headed bastards in that University town never listen, do they.
Too busy with their long scarves, punts, round spectacles, and push bikes to consider the real people like us, with our two GCSEs in woodwork and home economics.
You should see my apple crumble.
What’s this got to do with horses? Well, the last thing you can call me is a nincompoop after last week’s selections, where I landed two winners and four places from the seven races on offer.
So, let’s keep the good times going with Saturday’s tips.
READ MORE: From Van Dijk to Zidane, which racehorses are named after famous football legends?
13:20 (Sandown) – The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
Main tip: Absolutely Doyen
Paul Nicholls–trained five-year-old has impressed recently and the step up in trip appears to suit. He’s handled Sandown well and appeals going for four wins in a row. Harry Cobden on board also helps.
Each-way tip: Turndlightsdownlow
Lightly raced and arrives off the back of two wins. Low weight and if he can handle the stiffer stamina test, he could be in with a place chance or better.
13:50 (Sandown) – The Betfair Henry VII Novices Chase (Grade One)
Main tip: Lulamba
Taken to chasing very well after winning on debut over fences by a comfortable margin. Connections of the four-year-old already believe the step up to Grade 1 is justified and the allowance is another big tick.
Each-way tip: Be Aware
Lightly raced six-year-old has shown promise over fences, including a Grade 2 second in mid-November at Cheltenham. If he can continue his fluent jumping, he could go well again.
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14:05 (Aintree) – The Wirral Juvenile Hurdle
Main tip: Treasure Planet
Class horse in a small field. Won by a large margin last time out at Ludlow. Nicholls-trained with Freddie Gingell in the seat. Ground should suit and he could cruise this if he jumps well.
Each-way tip: Edelak
Light-raced three-year-old who has switched to hurdles after some useful form on the Flat. Potential improvement on second hurdle run if he can cope with step up in class and pace.
14:25 (Sandown) – Betfair Handicap Hurdle
Main tip: Knickerbockerglory
Won this race on reappearance last year and Team Skelton knows how to get him ready for this contest. Familiar ground and conditions make the nine-year-old the safest bet in a tricky handicap.
Each-way tip: Glynn Brae
One of the youngest horses in the race, he has been in decent form and could still improve for this step up in class. Relatively light weight could help him outrun his odds if conditions suit.
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14:40 (Aintree) – The Becher Handicap Chase
Main tip: Mr Vango
A real staying-chase specialist and at nine years old is thoroughly battle-hardened. Carries top weight but has proven stamina, especially with the Midlands National under his belt already this year on his last outing. The expected soft ground should play into his favour.
Each-way tip: Bioluminescence
Lightly raced seven-year-old mare over fences, she has shown good form over stamina-testing trips in Ireland and may relish the testing conditions here. Off a fair weight and with room to improve over the big Aintree fences.
15:00 (Sandown) – The Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade One)
Main tip: Il Etait Temps
Strong winner of the recent prep race and already proven over Sandown’s fences and at this distance. The Willie Mullins–trained seven-year-old ticks all the boxes and all point to him thriving to claim a fourth G1 victory.
Each-way tip: L’Eau du Sud
Another French-named horse just to add to the commentators confusion. Has been very impressive in recent starts and chasing form is on an upwards curve. Rain and softening ground will help and he could run a big race.
15:15 (Aintree) – The Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle
Main tip: Bear Market
Light-raced, low-weight, and proven at Aintree and also won at Southwell last time out. A dropping mark and a test over 2m4f should suit staying-hurdling style.
Each-way tip: Wellington Arch
Progressive six-year-old who won at Aintree earlier in the year amongst a big field. Returns from summer break off a workable mark and is part of Team Jonjo O’Neill.
15:35 (Sandown) – The Betfair Exchange London National Handicap Chase
Main tip: Ask Brewster
Arrives after a comfortable win this season at Chepstow, which followed back-to-back wins at the end of the last campaign. Step up in trip should suit in smallish field, and having Cobden on board is a big plus.
Each-way tip: Tanganyika
Gutsy chaser who won twice in February last season, before an impressive second in the Midland National. Primed for this contest.
Good luck everyone, and remember – never gamble in your pants.
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