ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton on Saturday, February 14

Sport News Blitz’s horse racing tipster Jeff Mexico is an old romantic at heart, having been married eight times, with his last to a young lady he met in a Philippine bar just after the Covid pandemic.

Unfortunately, the marriage ended on the wedding night not long after he discovered she had a huge penis lurking in her underpants.

It wasn’t the penis that caused the divorce as Jeff has no problem with such things.

Rather, it was the amount of cushions and pillows that she needed on the bed. Anything more than one pillow is a deal-breaker for Jeff.

Talking of romance, ITV has nine races on offer this Valentine’s Day afternoon, so you can boost your coffers before blowing it on a below-par meal at a shonky high-street Italian restaurant in the evening.

Jeff Mexico’s racing tips

Sir Jim Ratcliffe didn’t do himself any favours this week with his opinions about immigration, but we shouldn’t be surprised – he likes cycling, yachting, Manchester United, and probably wears brown shoes with a dark suit.

The great thing about race horses is they don’t offer their opinions on thorny political matters.

They are also all Ipswich fans, mainly because of the badge and former striker Shefki Kuqi, for some mysterious reason.

So, next time you are sitting in your office looking at the talentless people who run that business – after all, 92% of all senior leadership teams are talentless, and you only have to look at most football clubs to confirm that stat – just think, is my boss better than a horse?

The short answer is no, apart from when Constitution Hill tumbles over again after I’ve just lumped a grand on him.

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13:15 (Ascot) – Betfair Novices’ Hurdle

Main tip: Mondouiboy

Strong staying hurdle form, winning his latest over 2m5f at Ludlow. Stepping back to 2m3f on soft ground looks favourable, especially with the weight concessions he gets to some of the older rivals.

Each-way tip: Kildinan Prince

His hurdling debut over a much longer trip saw him just touched off after finishing strongly. He isn’t a regular winner but his profile is more lightly raced compared with others here, so could have the potential to improve.

13:35 (Wincanton) – BetMGM Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2)

Main tip: Secret Squirrel

Four-horse race and it’s hard to see past clear favourite Alexei. However, Secret Squirrel might cause an upset. Hasn’t run for around a year, which might explain why he’s overlooked. He previously ran well off a mark that looks quite fair for this level. His overall profile suggests he’s better than his current mark might imply once fully fit.

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13:50 (Ascot) – IJF Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)

Main tip: The Jukebox Kid

Another four-horse race, so slim picking again. The Jukebox Kid arrives here after a convincing win over course and distance last time. That was arguably the best performance so far, but he can still improve. Soft ground and stamina over almost three miles should play to his strengths.

14:05 (Haydock) – ZYN Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2)

Main tip: Kabral Du Mathan

He has been running at a very strong level in recent starts, consistently performing in good races, so he is cut out for top-end staying hurdle like this and has the stamina for it.

Each-way tip: Lavida Adiva

A lower official rating than most in this field, but has shown she can stay well in soft conditions up to extended trips. Lightly exposed and can improve race-on-race.

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14:25 (Ascot) – Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle

Main tip: Captain Teague

Boasts a good hurdle profile, but last run was a bit disappointing. Dropping back to a handicap hurdle on soft ground (his preferred surface) should suit him much better this time.

Each-way tip: Lightningupourdays

Carries significantly less weight than a few of the bigger names in the field, which might help in this big field. He finished third on his latest start over this trip, which suggests he is not outclassed in Class 2 handicaps.

14:40 (Haydock) – Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Main tip: Reckless Spending

Progressive novice who has taken well to staying hurdles, winning his latest over a similar trip at Kempton impressively by 15 lengths. Soft ground and distance should play to his strengths. Looks the most complete horse in this staying novice heat.

Each-way tip: Skuna Bay

Has been placed in his last couple of starts, including finishing a good second to Ubatuba on heavy ground. Is sitting on a mark where he can be competitive.

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15:00 (Ascot) – Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Main tip: Nocte Volatus

Arrives in strong order, with a recent victory in a decent staying handicap chase at Sandown over 3m. Trained by Tom Lacey, who has been in great form with similar staying types, and looks well prepared for this typically wide-open Ascot handicap.

Each-way tip: Montregard

Won over this trip at Ascot last season and ran a very solid second over a similar trip recently. Shown he can handle testing going, and in a race that will likely peter out into a stamina test, being lightly weighted and proven at Ascot gives him each-way appeal.

15:15 (Haydock) – William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Main tip: Deafening Silence

Third in the Coral Welsh Grand National last time, staying on strongly over well-beyond three miles and keeping close to the pace with one of the stronger recent staying chasers. Dan Skelton has targeted this race with him since that run and believes he will handle soft ground and the trip.

Each-way tip: Neo King

Arrives off a credible recent win over this sort of extended trip on soft ground. He’s not overly tested by top weights and is a solid each-way place chance in what should be a gruelling test.

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15:35 (Ascot) – Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1)

Man tip: Jonbon

Proven top-class chaser with a phenomenal Grade 1 record and has never finished outside the top two in more than 25 starts under rules. Won the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January. First attempt beyond two miles at this level, but the extra furlongs should suit rather than stretch him.

Each-way tip: Edwardstone

Competitive at the top level, with recent form including a win in the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton. Isn’t carrying an abnormally high burden and could be poised to pick up placings if the favourites don’t fire.

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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