Newsboy's Expert Selections for Saturday's Premier Racing Action
Esteemed racing tipster Newsboy has unveiled his highly anticipated selections for a thrilling Saturday of National Hunt action, featuring key contests at both Cheltenham and Doncaster. His analysis focuses on several standout performers poised to deliver for punters across a series of competitive races.
Doncaster's Feature: A Repeat Bid for Docpickedme
At Doncaster, the spotlight falls on the Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Chase (2.05), where Newsboy fancies Docpickedme to successfully defend his crown. Trained by Richard Hobson, this ten-year-old chaser is aiming to emulate Ziga Boy by winning the prestigious three-mile contest for a second time. Carrying a British Horseracing Authority mark just 2lb higher than his winning rating from twelve months ago, he appears attractively weighted for his repeat bid.
Docpickedme arrives in excellent form, having secured a victory in Doncaster's valuable Pennine Handicap Chase in December, mirroring his preparation from last year. With a strong record at the track—boasting three wins and a second from five visits—and ridden by Charlie Maggs, he is expected to run a big race in a contest that has favoured seasoned performers in recent seasons.
Cheltenham's Clash: Sir Gino to Assert Champion Hurdle Credentials
Over at Cheltenham, a fascinating duel awaits in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle (3.00). Newsboy selects Sir Gino to consolidate his position as the favourite for the Champion Hurdle by overcoming his rival, The New Lion. Although The New Lion, last season's Turners Novices' Hurdle hero, is a formidable opponent, Sir Gino brings an unbeaten record from seven outings under Rules.
The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old demonstrated his class with an emphatic six-length victory in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. A reproduction of that performance is likely to make him exceptionally difficult to beat in this preparatory race, solidifying his status at the head of the market for the festival's premier hurdling event.
Additional Key Selections Across the Cards
Newsboy's analysis extends to several other notable races on Saturday. In the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle (3.35) at Cheltenham, Impose Toi is tipped to continue his ascent in the staying division. The step up to three miles has seen significant improvement, including recent victories over Strong Leader, with his latest win coming in Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle. Owned by JP McManus, he is viewed as an ideal candidate for this race ahead of a potential Stayers' Hurdle bid in March.
For the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase (2.25), Grey Dawning is selected to justify favouritism despite carrying a 6lb penalty following his success in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, he is expected to be a leading contender.
In the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (1.15), preference is for Booster Bob over the market leader Jagwar. Following a commanding win at Newbury, a 9lb rise may not halt his progress, especially with the in-form combination of trainer Olly Murphy and jockey Sean Bowen.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (1.50) sees a rematch between Final Orders and J'Arrive De L'Est, with Newsboy siding with the latter to gain revenge for his December defeat.
Doncaster's Supporting Card Highlights
At Doncaster, Kicour La is tipped to maintain his unbeaten professional record in the Grade 2 Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places River Don Novices' Hurdle (12.55). Meanwhile, That'll Do Moss is expected to benefit from the step up to three miles in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle (1.30), following promising staying-on efforts over shorter distances.
With a mix of defending champions, rising stars, and seasoned campaigners, Saturday's racing promises high drama and competitive action, guided by Newsboy's expert insights for punters seeking value and winners.
