This weekend offers an exciting opportunity for horse racing fans, with two prominent meetings taking place at Aintree and Sandown. Both meetings will feature extensively on ITV Racing, with four races from each venue being broadcast live on ITV 4. The races encompass a mix of competitive handicaps and high-quality contests, ensuring there’s something to pique the interest of every racing enthusiast. Betting on these events is expected to be popular, especially considering the fantastic line-up of races.
The Feature Races: What’s on Offer?
The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Although a couple of the top two-mile chasers are absent from the line-up this year, we’re still in for a thrilling spectacle. Alongside the Tingle Creek, we also have the Henry VIII Novice Chase, another Grade 1 contest featuring rising stars. While these novice horses are still honing their skills, some will likely be contenders for the big races at Cheltenham Festival next March.
Over at Aintree, while the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase holds the title of the feature race, the race that will grab the most attention is the Becher Chase. This is the first officially recognised Grand National trial of the season, where horses take on the famous Grand National fences over a gruelling distance of more than three miles. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a future Grand National winner emerge from this Saturday’s race.
The Grand Sefton Chase, which also takes place over the National fences, will provide more thrills later in the day. These races are sure to captivate those tuning in for a day of top-class racing.
Race-by-Race Predictions
Here’s a detailed look at the standout races, as well as our predictions for Saturday’s action:
1:30 Aintree – Blaklion
1:45 Sandown – North Hill Harvey
2:05 Aintree – Malaya
2:20 Sandown – Crossed My Mind
2:35 Aintree – Definitly Red
2:55 Sandown – Fox Norton
3:10 Aintree – Sametegal
3:30 Sandown – Dancing Shadow
Key Races and What to Watch
1:40 Aintree – Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
This is the first race on the ITV schedule and promises to be a cracker. As a recognised trial for the Grand National, it’s a must-watch. Horses will tackle the famous National fences, making this a race full of drama. Blaklion stands out, having run a great race when finishing second in the Charlie Hall Chase earlier in the season. Last year’s Grand National fourth-place finisher is expected to go even better this time around. Keep an eye on The Last Samuri and Vieux Lion Rouge, both of whom could also feature in next year’s Grand National.
1:45 Sandown – Henry VIII Novice Chase (Grade 1)
This race promises to be one of the most exciting of the day, with several Cheltenham Festival hopefuls going head to head. Brain Power and Finian’s Oscar lead the market, but North Hill Harvey is a tempting bet at a much bigger price. This contest is shaping up to be a thrilling clash, with all five runners likely to reappear at Cheltenham later in the season.
2:05 Aintree – Fillies Juvenile Hurdle (Listed)
Malaya impressed with a victory in a similar contest at Wetherby and looks well-placed to follow up here. While Hillcrest Fire presents an intriguing challenge, especially after a win at Leicester, Malaya’s proven form gives her the edge.
2:20 Sandown – Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
The Irish raider Crossed My Mind makes the trip across the water, and with Barry Gerraghty booked to ride, he’s one to watch. At just five years old, this horse has plenty of potential, and his connections have clearly targeted this race. Crossed My Mind is on an appealing handicap mark and looks set to run a big race.
2:35 Aintree – Many Clouds Chase (Grade 2)
This is a competitive race, but Definitly Red looks the one to beat after a strong third-place finish in the Charlie Hall Chase. The ground is a minor concern, as he performs better on good ground, but if conditions don’t suit, Cloudy Dream is the one to capitalise. However, Definitly Red is the one to side with going into the race.
2:55 Sandown – Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1)
Although this year’s Tingle Creek is missing some of the usual star names, Fox Norton should still take all the beating. He’s consistently proven himself at the top level and needs to win here if he’s to be a serious contender at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
3:10 Aintree – Grand Sefton Handicap Chase
Sametegal has every chance in this, having run an excellent second on his reappearance at Wetherby. After a lengthy layoff, he’s expected to improve further, and with Paul Nicholls as his trainer, a big run looks likely.
3:30 Sandown – London National Handicap Chase
Dancing Shadow is primed for this race, having won impressively last time out. The trip here suits him perfectly, and this has likely been his target for some time. He has the stamina for this extended test and looks to be well-handicapped for the occasion.
Current Betting Odds
For those looking to place bets this weekend, here are the latest odds for some of the key races:
Tingle Creek Chase: Fox Norton is the clear favourite at 8/13, with Politologue trailing behind at 7/2.
Henry VIII Novice Chase: Brain Power leads the market at 13/8, with Finian’s Oscar close at 2/1. For value, North Hill Harvey is available at 7/1.
Becher Chase: Blaklion is currently 3/1 and looks a strong contender for this Grand National trial.
Special Betting Offers
If you’re looking to make the most of your bets, check out these exclusive betting offers:
Betfair is offering 5 places each way on the Becher Chase, one more than any other bookmaker.
For those eyeing the Grand Sefton Chase, Bet365 is offering 1/4 odds on the first three places, making it a top choice for each-way bettors.
This weekend promises thrilling action on both tracks, and whether you’re betting or simply watching, you’re in for a fantastic day of racing!
