ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Ascot and Haydock on Saturday, December 20

Sport News Blitz’s horse racing tipster Jeff Mexico nearly drowned this week. His local swimming pool is currently playing Christmas hits over the PA system and after hearing Shakin Stevens’ hit “Merry Christmas Everyone” for the umpteenth time, Jeff decided not to come up for air after his 27th length of punishing but elegant butterfly.

Luckily Jeff got a life-saving kiss from a nearby unspecified gendered lifeguard. It was the most action he’s had since 2001.

To celebrate another weekend on this mortal coil, Jeff has tips for the six races on offer this Saturday afternoon – four from Ascot, including the Grade 1 Long Walk, and two from Haydock to keep the northerners happy.

Jeff Mexico’s racing tips

If you are one of those numbskulls who still eats turkey for Christmas dinner because it's ‘traditional’, then you need to take a long look at yourself in the mirror.

How many times do you eat turkey during the year? I’m going to guess it’s only once. Nobody has turkey as a Sunday roast, because it’s essentially the most boring and driest of all the meats. Chicken is rather dull too, but at least you can flavour that up with lots of spices, etc.

It’s too late for this year, but next year pick a much tastier meat – beef, lamb, pork … fecking guinea pig (big in South America), anything but sodding turkey. Be creative, you dull clowns.

Now, talking of turkeys, I’ve certainly backed a few at the racecourse, but at the moment I’m still in a bit of a hot streak. From last weekend’s meetings at Cheltenham and Doncaster, I picked up three winners and nine places from the eight races on offer.

Let’s see if we can stuff some more cash in the stocking before we get stuck into all that exciting Boxing Day racing in a week’s time.

13:50 (Ascot) – The Howden Handicap Chase

Main tip: Bad

Has performed well in competitive contests this season and proven to stay trip and deal with soft ground. Well-handicapped dropping back to Class 2 and trainer Ben Pauling has a strong strike-rate in similar handicaps.

Each-way tip: Issam

Has taken well to fences and has already scored over similar distances, winning at Wetherby on his last outing in mid-November. He stays this sort of distance and should be handy enough to be in the mix.

14:05 (Haydock) – The Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap

Main tip: Top Of The Bill

Returned to action with an impressive victory over a similar distance at Haydock recently, travelling well and winning by a clear margin. Soft ground was no issue and this race will be run under similar conditions. The nine-year-old will have the experience and stamina for this extended three-mile test.

Each-way tip: My Silver Lining

Dropped into an attractive handicap mark and shapes as though the trip will suit. Ran well over a similar range last time, jumping well and only fading late.

READ MORE: Andre Fabre claims a record-breaking fourth win in the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase with Sosie

14:25 (Ascot) – The Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1)

Main tip: Honesty Policy

Has developed into a very smart hurdler, winning multiple races and proven at extended distances. Handles good to soft ground and the Gordon Elliott and Mark Walsh combo also appeals.

Each-way tip: Impose Toi

Handles a similar staying trip and has often made the frame a higher level. In a big field like this, that experience can translate nicely into a place finish.

14:40 (Haydock) – The Betfred Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Main tip: Supreme Malinas

Well-fancied in the early markets and typically runs prominently on this type of ground. Has the form to win a listed mares’ novices’ hurdle like this one.

Each-way tip: La Zoubida

Progressive hurdler who won well last time and could be in the mix for a place or better.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Hong Kong heroes Romantic Warrior, Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble star at Sha Tin

15:00 (Ascot) – The Howden Silver Cup Handicap

Main tip: Why Blow Your Wad?

Finished third at Ascot at the start of November, which is essentially the same trip. He stayed on well late and was beaten by only a few lengths. He has regularly been placed or in the frame at high-level handicaps and comes here off a workable mark.

Each-way tip: Johnnywho

Step back up in trip benefits Johnnywho’s staying power, and his recent form suggests he can compete in a top handicap like this.

15:35 (Ascot) – The Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle

Main tip: Alexei

Arrives with some really solid recent form. He landed a notable handicap hurdle success recently over similar trips, including a convincing win at Cheltenham in a competitive handicap. Also proven over this kind of distance and ground at Ascot.

Each-way tip: Mondo Man

Relatively lightly raced hurdler but has shown good ability and improvement. Has placed in two of four starts over the timber but is yet to break his duck.

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

HORSE RACING CALENDAR: What are the dates for the UK’s top jumps races in the 2025/26 National Hunt season?