ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Ascot and Haydock on Saturday, January 17

We thought it would be best to let you know that Sport News Blitz’s horse racing tipster Jeff Mexico is one of those strange people who has no sauce on his bacon sandwiches.

No red, brown, yellow, white or black (Worcestershire sauce, if you were unaware). Just bacon and bread. What a crazy world we live in.

Hopefully, this doesn’t put you off wanting to find out Jeff’s tips for this weekend’s action from the seven races ITV are showing at Ascot and Haydock.

The telly schedule includes the juicy Grade 1 Clarence House Chase from the Berkshire track as well as the Grade 2 Warfield Mares’ Hurdle, while up in the North West there’s a Grade 2 and 3.

Jeff Mexico’s racing tips

This week’s big news in the racing world was Harry Cobden becoming the retained rider of JP McManus.

I’m made up for JP as I was worrying that he might be getting down to his final billion, especially with all that cold weather playing havoc with his heating bills.

Do you know much it costs to heat all those castles, mansions, retreats, cottages and holiday homes? I just don’t know how he was getting by, the poor lamb.

Luckily, Mr Cobden will pilot a few of his top horses home in the big races and everyone will be happy again. Phew, crisis averted and JP can stock up his money tree and gold vaults.

It also means that Cobden will no doubt be appearing in a lot more of my tips too and let me continue my winning run.

Sadly, it was a bit of an icy squib last weekend as Warwick, Wetherby and Fairyhouse were abandoned, and we had a handful of non-runners, although we still hooked in two winners and a place at Kempton.

It’s slightly milder this weekend, so let’s see how we get on.

READ MORE: Horse racing news: Harry Cobden announced as retained rider for leading owner JP McManus

13:25 (Haydock) – Skybet Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Main tip: Old Park Star

One of the more progressive novices in the field, having won both of his starts over hurdles. Shouldn’t be fazed by the big field, testing ground or step up in grade.

Each-way tip: Hurricane Pat

Very strong, unbeaten hurdles profile this season and handled a competitive Listed company race at Sandown with authority, winning with an impressive finish. Ideally suited to this intermediate distance and will appreciate testing conditions.

13:40 (Ascot) – Warfield Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Main tip: Nurse Susan

Arrives off back-to-back wins, including a strong performance in a Listed contest at Sandown. Her experience as a nine-year-old mare will count against several less-exposed rivals in a race she won last year. Trip and conditions won’t be a problem. Team Skelton horse too, so that’s another tick.

Each-way tip: La Conquiere

Unbeaten over hurdles until she stepped up to Listed class and won convincingly at Newbury, pulling clear and showing a good attitude. Her progressive profile and strong finishing style make her a credible place contender.

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14:00 (Haydock) – Skybet Peter Marsh Chase (Grade 3)

Main tip: Konfusion

Been on an upward curve over fences, winning several competitive handicap chases including the Rehearsal at Newcastle and the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby.  Connections have an excellent record in the Peter Marsh, winning it multiple times in recent decades.

Each-way tip: Johnnywho

Running consistently well in strong handicap chases this season, regularly finishing in the mix. Shown he stays this distance and can cope with the pace.

14:20 (Ascot) – bet365 Handicap Chase

Main tip: Vincenzo

Hit the frame on a number of occasions this season, including strong efforts in competitive handicap chases over similar distances. Most wins have come at a shorter distance, but shouldn’t be fazed by this trip.

Each-way tip: Etalon

Won at Ascot over fences last time out just before Christmas, so can cope with the track and conditions. Should be a little fresher than most. Team Skelton again too.

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14:35 (Haydock) – Skybet SuperSub Handicap Hurdle

Main tip: Dalston Lad

Very impressive recent performance in a decent staying handicap hurdle. Stays a marathon trip and should be up for this test, especially if there’s a bit of juice in the ground.

Each-way tip: Both Barrels

Arrives off a recent convincing win in a long-distance handicap hurdle. That staying power will be crucial here and has also shown he’s run well on testing ground before.

14:53 (Ascot) – BetMGM Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle

Main tip: Came From Nowhere

Has put together a string of solid performances in handicaps, including a win and strong finishing efforts in similar staying hurdle contests. Trainer Jeremy Scott has done well with lightly-raced hurdlers stepping into deeper handicaps.

Each-way tip: Surrey Lord

Has won three of his last four starts over hurdles and stays on strong in the closing stages, which is a plus on Ascot’s testing finish. Stepping up slightly in grade, but has enough to get in the places.

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15:30 (Ascot) – Clarence House Chase (Grade 1)

Main tip: Il Etait Temps

Shown he belongs in top-flight company, winning multiple important races over fences, including at the highest level both in Ireland and the UK. Arrives here in excellent recent form, aiming to land a hat-trick of wins this season alone, and has beaten closest rival Jonbon twice at Sandown in 2025.

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend complete this Grade 1 package, so what’s not to like? Shame this isn’t a bigger field, just four in it … boo.

Each-way selection: Jonbon

Defending champion of the Clarence House Chase, so he can handle Ascot’s unique rhythm and jumping demands. Ignoring the defeats to Il Etait Temps, he is remarkably consistent at the elite level but has only won once in the last five, finishing second in the other four.

Harry Cobden’s arrival adds a different slant to proceedings – can his tactical astuteness help him make an amazing start to his JP McManus career?

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

(Selections are correct as of time of publishing, Be aware they are subject to change, horses could be removed from races and meetings may be abandoned due to bad weather.)

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