ITV Boxing Day horse racing tips and best bets for Kempton, Ascot and Wetherby on Friday, December 26

Boxing Day has always been the traditional day for a full programme of football action, so typically the Premier League has stuck two fingers up at that tradition and scheduled just one match, which means many will turn their attention to one of the biggest days in the National Hunt calendar instead.

Sport News Blitz’s horse racing tipster Jeff Mexico has been camped outside Kempton Park since last Tuesday, dressed in his usual festive gear – a pair of camouflage shorts, a boob tube and some winklepickers. He likes to emit ‘stay well clear of me’ vibes.

On top of four races from Kempton, three of those Grade 1s, he has also picked selections from the G1 at Aintree and the G3 at Wetherby. Good luck.

Jeff Mexico’s racing tips

According to a recent survey, 51% of people claim to have sex on Christmas Day.

Lies. Who has the time for all that kerfuffle? It’s a busy enough day already.

“Yes, Grandma, I’ll get you that sherry. Just give me a couple of minutes while I go and take Mrs Williams, from number 32, up the Gary…”

What is also a lie is that only 55% claim to watch porn over Christmas. That should be more like 85% given some of the quality content that is currently being produced.

I salute the men, women and assorted others in a tough industry. They are the forgotten emergency service over the Christmas period.

Anyway, in between bouts of Fake Driving School and House Humpers, I’ve managed to put on the following six bets for the Boxing Day racing.

12:45 (Kempton) – Ladbrokes Handicap Chase

Main tip: Noble Park

Progressive novice chaser who’s won his first two starts over fences and looks well-handicapped again.

Each-way tip: Barlovento

Has shown promise over fences, including a close second to fellow rival in this race, U Cant Be Serious, and has each-way shout value at bigger odds.

13:05 (Aintree) – William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

Main tip: Mydaddypaddy

He’s won all three career starts (bumper + two hurdles), with the most recent victory at Haydock. Travels powerfully and jumps fluently. The Skelton combo is a big plus too.

Each-way tip: Idaho Sun

Has won both his starts over hurdles and did so with authority, including a wide-margin success at Bangor. His wins haven’t come in small fields against weak rivals, and Aintree’s layout and pace typically suit front-running types like Idaho Sun.

READ MORE: Horse racing news: Il Est Francais given query rating by Timeform

13:20 (Kempton) – Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Main tip: Kitzbuhel

Smart hurdler and has already shown he handles chasing well, having won his most recent start over fences at Punchestown. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, he has the skillset and tactical pacing to cope with the 3m trip.

Each-way tip: Salver

Has already won over fences and landed a Grade 2, showing he can handle a stiffer test than many of his rivals. Competitive at the level just below this, and the step up to Grade 1 isn’t a complete leap in class.

13:35 (Wetherby) – William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Main tip: Konfusion

Has taken a clear step forward since going chasing, landing an eight-runner handicap over this sort of trip on his latest start. He can cope with the stamina demands here, especially in a small field where a strong gallop might suit him. Unbeaten over fences at Wetherby so far and goes well fresh/up from a short break.

Each-way tip: Marble Sands

Got back to winning ways with a decisive success in a competitive Premier Handicap at Cheltenham over a stiff trip. That performance suggests he’s got a bit more in hand than his current mark implies. Has been in the mix in good handicap contests and handles a strong test of stamina.

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13:55 (Kempton) – Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)

Main tip: Sir Gino

Unbeaten in his hurdling career and has already won key Grade 1 races over 2m. Very few miles on the clock at the top level after a year off due to injury. Has already shown he handles Kempton’s flatter, testing hurdles track.

Each-way tip: Celtic Dino

Won a strong handicap at Chepstow and then ran well in a solid Grade 2, showing he’s on an upward trajectory. Proven on British hurdles and has shown he travels well into his races, which could help in tactical Grade 1 fields where a strong gallop can be crucial.

14:30 (Kempton) – Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1)

Main tip: Jango Baie

Has taken big steps forward over fences this season, including a very smart win in the 1965 Chase at Ascot. Has scored at top level and possesses a turn of foot late in races, which is crucial when a strong pace is set at Kempton. If he can hold off Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File, he wins.

Each-way tip: The Jukebox Man

Impressive over fences at Kempton last season (winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase) and handles the right-handed track really well. His seasonal reappearance saw him win readily in a Graduation Chase at Haydock.

Good luck everyone, and remember – never gamble in your pants.

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