Chris Loader rolls four of his tips into this each-way Lucky 15, covering races at Cheltenham and Doncaster on Saturday 25th January.
I’m returning to the EW Lucky 15 today with Racing Tips. My selections come from Cheltenham and Doncaster where I am hoping we have can have a Super Saturday.
Saturday’s Each-Way Lucky 15
Champagne Court has been in my thoughts all week since I saw the entries for this race. I believe that he is looking to take the same path as Mister Whittaker who won this race in 2018 before going on to score in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Festival on his next start. His form so far has been rock solid which saw him rack up wins at Sandown and Plumpton which has left him unbeaten over fences. Furthermore the course shouldn’t be an issue has he finished fourth in the Martin Pipe. With a clear round of jumping I expect him to be in contention up the famous hill.
This eight-year-old has had a big race in him for the whole of his career and deserves to get his head in front. He arguably ran a career best to finish in third at Kempton on Boxing Day just getting outstayed in the closing stages. I visited Chris Gordon’s yard on Wednesday and he’s confident that dropping back in trip will be the right move. Furthermore the drying out ground will help Highway One O One too. When taking in his record at Cheltenham it’s perfectly respectable as he’s made the frame on 2-4 career starts, with the other two occasions having valid excuses. Being a prominent racer should suit him today and I’m praying today can be his day as he is one of my favourite horses in training.
On paper the Skybet Chase looks an open contest with some classy types in the field. However a chance is taken with the veteran Chidswell who goes well at Doncaster. The eleven-year-old won the Grimthorpe Chase at the Yorkshire course last season for connections beating Dingo Dollar very comprehensively. He’s on a mark of 133 which looks workable where stamina and course form could be key two attributes this year. With potential Champion Jockey elect Brian Hughes booked for Nicky Richards I think Chidswell can be a lively outsider.
Ainchea was an exciting prospect before his fall at Sandown almost two years ago. Colin Tizzard’s gelding had some decent for in novice company and was never going to be involved on his return at Sandown a couple of weeks ago when he was racing off 138. He travelled into the race smoothly last time out but failed to pick up hinting that he really need that run. The handicapper dropped him 5lb and his new rating looks fair and has scope for potential If he runs a good race he has the potential to possibly be a contender for the County Hurdle.