Six horses to note on Saturday at Leopardstown and Newbury The Savills Chase at Leopardstown is the Christmas highlight in Ireland and we are set for another fascinating rematch as Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File head back into battle. Betting Expert’s racing Editor Stephen Harris has studied Saturday’s cards which also features Grade 1 action at Newbury and reveals six horses worth watching. You can also get €70 in free bets with BoyleSports if you are an Irish Customer. 1.45 Newbury, 2m4f Handicap Hurdle JIPCOT 8/1 (VALUE ANGLE) Jonjo O'Neill’s handicapper has been easy to back and in need of the run in two sighters so far this winter, but those steady run races did not suit at all and he could be a different proposition now tackling this stronger handicap. This flatter track on decent ground should suit (strong traveller), and he can see them all off under a positive ride from Kielan Woods. 2.00 Leopardstown, 2m7f Grade 1 Savills Hurdle HOME BY THE LEE 2/1 Joseph O’Brien’s stayer has now won 4 of his 18 career starts over hurdles, and returned to his best form when comfortably taking a Navan Grade 2 in November. He is a thorough relentless stayer at this trip, and a positive ride on the eased ground should make him very hard to pass up the straight. 2.20 Newbury, 3m Handicap Chase HYMAC (NAP) Harry Fry maintains an excellent strike rate every winter, and his unexposed young chaser is expected to relish the decent underfoot conditions expected at Newbury on Saturday. His stamina ebbed up the Cheltenham hill when third over an extended 3m3f last time out (couple of mistakes in rear not helping initially), and this flat track on better ground can see him back on the winning trail under Bryan Carver. 2.35 Leopardstown, 3m Grade 1 Savills Chase FACT TO FILE Wille Mullins’ very progressive chaser is now 4 from 5 in this sphere, and made a terrific return to the fray when taking the Grade 1 John Durkan at Punchestown in November (showing a tenacious attitude in a tight finish despite thought to just be in need of his first run in eight months). 2.55 Newbury, 2m4f Grade 1 Challow Hurdle BILL JOYCE Jonjo O’Neill’s freegoing novice created a deep impression when winning a Sandown Grade 2 earlier in the month, tanking through the race under restraint and remarkably seeing things out strongly up the sapping final climb to home. This better ground and flatter track can see him in an even more positive light now upped in class, and there is plenty more to come after just two starts so far over hurdles. 3.35 Newbury, 2m6f Handicap Chase THEFORMISMIGHTY Dan Skelton has enjoyed a fantastic December, and his unexposed young chaser can defy the handicapper (upped 10lb) by following up his ready Southwell win 25 days ago (very well backed and drew easily clear turning for home). Please gamble responsibly. 18+. GambleAware.org
