ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Cheltenham and Doncaster on Saturday, December 13
It’s a busy time of year for Sport News Blitz’s horse racing tipster Jeff Mexico. He regularly breaks into people’s houses and steals exactly the right amount of Quality Street that will create a blazing family argument.
Indeed, he’s never more happy than when he hears someone shout: “Who has eaten all the strawberry delights?!”
But he’s taking a day off this weekend and casting his net over five big races from Cheltenham, including the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, plus three from Doncaster, where it's Christmas Jumper Raceday … if that’s your type of thing.
Jeff Mexico’s racing tips
The hardest thing about Christmas is all the small talk you have to do with people you’ve spent no time with during the year.
“That’s a nice pair of shoes you’ve got on, Uncle Brian, do you wear them when you are lurking in the bushes near the children’s playground?” – you know, that type of thing.
Luckily for me, I’m so repellent, probably because I smell of stilton left on a radiator, that I don’t get invited anywhere.
Nothing makes me more happy than sitting in my pants in front of the telly eating an entire chocolate orange off my Baileys-filled gut.
I’m living the Christmas dream, people. Enjoy your stupid parties and idiotic cold-cut lunches.
Anyway, enough of that – backs to the gee gees.
My good run continues as last weekend I landed three winners and five places from the seven races on offer.
Simply put, you need to start listening to me or your Christmas will be ruined.
13:15 (Cheltenham) – Quintessentially Handicap Chase
Main tip: She Is For Me Boys
Won impressively for the first time over fences at Kempton last month and going for four wins in a row. 7lb up from Kempton win but should be able to handle step up in class and Cheltenham fences. Yard in good form.
Each-way tip: Realta Liath
Solid chasing debut winner at Fontwell and open to further progression. Sean Bowen on board which adds an extra green tick.
13:50 (Cheltenham) – December Gold Cup (Grade 3)
Main tip: Vicenzo
Ran very well in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and only beaten by a strong mare. Yet to finish outside the first two over fences at this trip and is well-suited to the class. If jumping is on point, then will be hard to stop.
Each-way tip: Jagwar
Handles the course and trip well and is four from five over fences, so is reliable. Toss up between Vincezo and Jagwar on who wins, meaning forecast might be a better odds option.
14:05 (Doncaster) – bet365 Pennine Handicap Chase
Main tip: Docpickedme
Strong recent form. Ran well in competitive handicap chases this season, including a solid third in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle and a notable victory in the valuable Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase off a similar mark. Running over nearly 3m at Doncaster on soft ground plays to his strengths.
Each-way tip: Alcedo
Won a competitive handicap chase at Newcastle, rallying strongly and showing he handles this type of trip. Could outrun current mark if the ground remains testing. Should stay well on soft ground.
14:25 (Cheltenham) – BetMGM Handicap Chase
Main tip: David’s Well
Won first two starts over fences, recently scoring convincingly at Haydock after a break. Fluent jumping style and although up 6lb from his last win, his mark still looks fair on form. Harry Cobden in the seat is another big plus.
Each-way tip: Country Mile
Previous course winner who knows the tricky fences of Cheltenham. Consistent in decent handicap chases. Good each-way value for a Dan Skelton–trained horse.
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14:40 (Doncaster) – bet365 Doncaster Hurdle (Listed)
Main tip: Kateira
String of solid staying hurdle performances, including a win and a good Listed/graded-level showing this season. Should handle the trip well and has proven form at around this 3m distance.
Each-way tip: World Of Fortunes
Consistent over staying trips and has run well in longer-distance hurdles, including a recent second in Ireland. Former Doncaster winner over staying trips and should handle tricky ground.
15:00 (Cheltenham) – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
Main tip: Conman John
Arrives in great form, having won his last two starts over hurdles, including a strong finish at Cheltenham over a similar trip. Though he steps up in grade to Grade 2, he’s shown enough guts and stamina to handle the longer trip and rise in class.
Each-way tip: They Call Me Hugo
Took a notable hurdle win at Ffos Las in November and wasn’t far off in other competitive novice races. Step up in trip should unlock more stamina and improve his chances.
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15:17 (Doncaster) – bet365 Handicap Hurdle
Main tip: Bowmore
Running consistently well in decent handicap hurdles, including a win and solid placed efforts. He’s shown he handles cut in the ground, which will be key in this soft Doncaster contest.
Each-way tip: Lanesborough
Big enough price and consistent enough to sneak a place if he handles the conditions. Recent performances suggest he’s coming back to form.
15:35 (Cheltenham) – Download the BetMGM All Handicap Hurdle
Main tip: Jubilee Alpha
Strong performances in recent starts, including dual Listed winning form as a novice and a very solid second on her latest handicap run over a similar trip. She handles Cheltenham well and can stay this trip on soft ground.
Each-way tip: Siog Geal
Rarely out of the first four in her career and has winning form over staying distances. Her placed and consistent performances should keep her in frame for a place.
Good luck everyone, and remember – never gamble in your pants.
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