Saturday ITV Racing Tips: Best free bets for Cheltenham and Doncaster on January 25

Storm Eowyn should have passed over the UK by the time we get to Saturday's racing action and we've some cracking cards from Cheltenham and Doncaster to get stuck into.

We have five races from Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day, four of those Grade 2s with the highlight the Cleeve Hurdle at 1535.

Meanwhile at Doncaster there's four races from day two of the Great Yorkshire Chase weekend, with that National Hunt Premier Handicap going off at 1515.

Let's begin with a quick run through of our ITV tips, with the reasons why we've picked them further down the page.

If you fancy a punt or two, check out the Planet Sport race centre which will show you all the live odds, racecards and results.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's latest update)

 

Saturday's ITV tips

13:15 (Cheltenham) East India Dock

13:30 (Doncaster) Nells Son

13:50 (Cheltenham) Imperial Saint

14:05 (Doncaster) Western Knight

14:25 (Cheltenham) L'Homme Presse

14:40 (Doncaster) Kateira

15:00 (Cheltenham) Constitution Hill

15:15 (Doncaster) The Changing Man

15:35 (Cheltenham) Strong Leader

 

13:15 (Cheltenham) East India Dock

East India Dock is currently second-favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and can enhance his claims here.

James Owen's four-year-old made an impression in the G2 Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at this venue during November and could remain unbeaten over hurdles here.

The main danger may come from Sauvignon who is a Paul Nicholls-trained French recruit. Landed a Listed three-year-old hurdle last June and commands respect making UK debut.

Stencil was disappointing among G3 company at Compiegne in Frnace, but looked promising winning both starts prior so shouldn't be totally ignored.

 

 

13:30 (Doncaster) Nells Son

Finishing fourth in this Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase last year, Nells Son bids for a hat-trick following a neck victory in this chase grade last month at Kelso.

General Medrano found success by nine lengths among this company tackling 2m at Newbury two outings back and also has a big chance of scoring.

Calico holds ability having won a 2m handicap chase during October at Cheltenham two runs ago and should be considered along with Stormin Crossgates.

 

13:50 (Cheltenham) Imperial Saint

The progressive Imperial Saint is three from four over fences after a comfortable handicap chase success at Aintree on Boxing Day, so could prove equal to the task in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase.

Last year's Mildmay Novices Chase runner-up Iroko was virtually knocked over when he fell at the first at Ascot, but should still be respected on his handicap debut.

Ginny's Destiny is unbeaten in both starts over course and distance and will be in the mix after finishing third in the G2 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon.

Runaway G2 Desert Orchid Handicap Chase winner Soul Icon cannot be ruled out.

 

14:05 (Doncaster) Western Knight

Western Knight won twice during November prior to a strong 6.5L second tackling the Bristol Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham six weeks ago and will be a leading player in the River Don Novices' Hurdle.

Ma Shantou bids for a hat-trick after a success contesting a novices hurdle at Windsor. This is sharply up in level but this six-year-old could go close again.

Moon Rocket and Jig's Forge are the others that make for appeal.

 

14:25 (Cheltenham) L'Homme Presse

L'Homme Presse finished fourth in the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup last year and showed more promise when third attempting the G1 King George VI Chase on reappearance at Kempton.

The 10-year-old is more than entitled to come on for that run and rates the one to beat in the Cotswold Chase.

It is tough to get away from the form of Gentlemansgame's third-place finish in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Gives main selection 7lb and is rated 3lb inferior on official ratings.

Formerly smart Chantry House won a course and distance handicap chase in style here and might feature back among open company, while drying ground will suit potential front-runner Stage Star.

 

14:40 (Doncaster) Kateira

Kateira holds G1 placed form and has been going well this season with a Listed Kempton success preceding a good fifth attempting the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Drops in grade for the Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle and has a strong chance of success.

Irish raider Jetara is a top-class mare. Ran well last month when third tackling a G3 Leopardstown mares hurdle, and is worth including on your shortlist along with Wyenot and Della Casa Lunga.

 

15:00 (Cheltenham) Constitution Hill

With the absence of Lossiemouth at the final entry stage the Unibet Hurdle could prove straightforward for Constitution Hill.

The Nicky Henderson-trained star hurdler returned from a year off with a commanding success in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and is expected to take this en-route to regaining his G1 Champion Hurdle crown.

Brentford Hope can follow him home on form of his runner-up effort in the G2 Elite Hurdle during November.

 

15:15 (Doncaster) The Changing Man

The Changing Man showed plenty of ability when second among this chase company over the distance at Ascot back in December.

With another second in November, Joe Tizzard's eight-year-old is running well and could go one place better in the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase.

Forward Plan ran well last month finishing a strong third contesting a lower level track and trip handicap chase. Lost out by a nose in this renewal last year. Big chance to make amends.

Tightenourbelts bids for a hat-trick following a 13L success over 3m at Ludlow, so holds strong claims.

 

15:35 (Cheltenham) Strong Leader

Strong Leader disappointed attempting the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot during December, but can bounce back in the Cleeve Hurdle having undergone a wind operation subsequently.

Olly Murphy's eight-year-old may take some stopping on the form he showed when successful in the G2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November.

Crambo battled on bravely to land the Long Walk Hurdle by a head. Obvious danger if this does not come too soon.

Gowel Road produced a bold performance off the front when second tackling the Relkeel Hurdle here earlier in the month and should be on the shortlist.

 

 

READ MORE: Nap of the Day - Today’s best free horse racing tips

 

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