ITV Racing Tips for Ascot and Haydock on Saturday 18th January

1:40 Ascot

The first race from Ascot is a Grade 2 Mares Hurdle ran over 2m.

It is hard to get away from KARGESE (4/7) in this who brings top class juvenile form to the table from last season. She chased home the likes of Majborough at Cheltenham and Sir Gino at Aintree which looks exceptional form now truth be told. The Mullins yard have been patient with her this season, similar to Lossiemouth last season which suggests they hold her in high regard. They’d be disappointed if she wasn’t kicking this lot out the way.

 

1:55 Haydock

The first race from Haydock is the Rossington Main Novices Hurdle, a Supreme trial over 2m.

With the ground set to make this a decent test, I like DEDICATED HERO (7/2) for the Sandy Thomson yard. He was a solid bumper horse last season which included two victories. He appeared to learn plenty from his hurdles debut at Carlisle to win well on his second start up at Kelso. That was on soft ground and he will be a strong stayer at this trip which is positive. He gets 3lb from main rival Royal Infantry and at the prices, I’d be happy to take a chance.

 

2:15 Ascot

The 2:15 from Ascot is a handicap chase over the 2m5f trip.

It is KOTMASK (9/2) NAP for me who’s improved this season. He appears to be jumping better and he’s always had the ability to be a top handicapper at the very least. He deservedly got his head in front last time out here at Ascot staying on well to win a similar Ascot handicap. That may just bring his confidence on further and the proven form around here and on this ground has to make him a lively player in current form. 

 

2:30 Haydock

The 2:30 is the competitive Peter Marsh Handicap Chase over an extended 3m1f trip.

The one for me here is MR VANGO (5/2) NB who sneaks into this at the bottom of the handicap. He’ll be racing off 10’2 getting nearly two stone off Royal Pagaille. He relishes deep ground and this stamina test on Haydock heavy could be right up his street. I don’t think he’s finished improving and he can back up his impressive seasonal reappearance victory at Sandown with another bold display here.

 

2:50 Ascot

Next up is Ascot and it is a handicap hurdle ran over just shy of 2m4f.

The front is often the place to be in these trappy handicaps here and that’s why I’m happy to go in on JOSH THE BOSS (9/1) EW. He was an impressive winner from the front at Chepstow on seasonal reappearance and a repeat of that form would see him go close here. He was quietly fancied for the big handicap hurdle at Haydock last time out and he travelled well into that before fading late on. This track and trip will suit him more and he deserves another chance.

 

3:05 Haydock

The last race from Haydock is the 3:05, a wide-open handicap for the staying hurdlers over the extended 3 miles.

The one for me here is TINY TETLEY (7/1) EW. The Hobbs/White yard can’t do a lot wrong at present and in Tiny Tetley, they look to have a solid contender in here. The 7-year-old is progressing nicely and he was a good winner when we last seen him at Taunton where he displayed a willing attitude to get up close to home. I think this test will suit him well and I’d expect a career-best performance. 10’7 is a nice racing weight for this and he’ll do for me in this competitive handicap.

 

3:32 Ascot

It’s back to Ascot for the feature, the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase over 2m1f.

At the prices, it’s ENERGUMENE (2/1) for me. The two time Champion Chaser returned to action with an impressive victory in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork. That form has since been boosted by Banbridge who obviously won the King George. Despite being aged 11, he certainly travelled with enough enthusiasm that day to suggest the ability remains. He had Shishkin all out to beat him in this back in 2022 and Shishkin is a better horse than Jonbon. He’s an assured jumper which is Jonbon’s weakness so if he can put that under pressure early, it may well prove crucial. A great race but the price difference between the pair looks a little too big.

 

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