Saturday Spectacle: Newsboy's Exclusive Horse Racing Picks for ITV Meetings at Cheltenham and Doncaster
Get ready for a thrilling day at Cheltenham as IL RIDOTO aims to dominate the Virgin Bet December Gold Cup (1.50). In what marks his seventh appearance at the track, IL RIDOTO, guided by Bryony Frost, eyes another significant victory. Having been the top pick for the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November, he displayed remarkable form, finishing third behind stablemate Stage Star. Despite facing interference after the third-last fence, IL RIDOTO showcased his prowess against two formidable second-season chasers. Trainer Paul Nicholls' stable jockey, Harry Cobden, takes the reins on Monmiral, leaving IL RIDOTO as the horse for the course, having been dropped 1lb since his last outing.
At Cheltenham, trainer Dan Skelton takes a tactical shift with PROTEKTORAT (2.25), eyeing a triumphant return to handicapping. After a challenging run at Haydock 21 days ago, the Cheltenham Gold Cup fifth aims for redemption in the Betfair Chase. Despite a setback in his previous race, Protektorat, a two-time course winner, looks poised to bounce back and seize the £100,000 handicap chase.
PRINCE ESCALUS (1.15) enters the fray at Cheltenham, leveraging a mark 2lb below his last win. Making his third visit to Cheltenham this season, he aims to capitalize on past experiences and secure victory. Following a decent fourth-place finish in his last outing, Prince Escalus is ready to assert his dominance.
The spotlight also shines on DESTROYTHEEVIDENCE (3.00, nap) at Doncaster, as he steps up a level in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. After impressive wins at Kempton, Destroytheevidence looks to extend his winning streak, showcasing his prowess over a 3m trip.
As the day unfolds, Newsboy's selections promise an exhilarating mix of experience, redemption, and unbridled talent, making Saturday's ITV meetings at Cheltenham and Doncaster a must-watch for racing enthusiasts.
In a Saturday spectacle in front of the ITV cameras, the formidable pair of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero sets the stage for potential glory with WINDTOTHELIGHTNING (3.35). The five-year-old sensation has been on an impressive ascent, notching up four victories in her last five starts and recently securing a Wetherby handicap hurdle triumph with remarkable ease. Having surged 22lb in the ratings, WINDTOTHELIGHTNING exudes confidence and promises an electrifying performance on the big stage.
Another notable contender in the lineup is CERENDIPITY (2.05), whose recent triumph at Wetherby showcased grit and determination. Grinding out a length-and-three-quarters victory, CERENDIPITY remains unscathed by the handicapper at Doncaster, setting the stage for a captivating display of skill and resilience.
NAYATI (2.40) emerges as a sleeper pick in the 2m handicap hurdle. Despite losing a shoe during the last outing at Huntingdon, the eight-time hurdle winner displayed resilience, finishing fifth. With the McCain stable hitting a stride of form, NAYATI shouldn't be overlooked as a contender ready to make a mark.
The spotlight also falls on MISTER COFFEY (3.15), a Nicky Henderson-trained talent aiming to break new ground over fences. Despite a challenging outing at Cheltenham last month, where errant jumping led to a well-beaten finish, MISTER COFFEY carries the potential for redemption. As the Grand National participant enters his third campaign as a novice, hopes are high that today's race will mark a significant milestone in his fencing career.
As the narrative unfolds on the turf, the dynamic duo of Greenall and Guerriero, alongside a cast of promising contenders, promises an enthralling Saturday of racing action, with WINDTOTHELIGHTNING leading the charge.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an exhilarating Saturday of racing action, with the dynamic duo of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero spearheading the charge with the impressive WINDTOTHELIGHTNING. The five-year-old's remarkable ascent, having surged 22lb from winning four of her last five starts, adds an air of anticipation to the ITV cameras' spotlight.
CERENDIPITY's recent gritty victory at Wetherby showcases the resilience that promises a compelling performance at Doncaster, while NAYATI, despite losing a shoe in the last outing, remains a sleeper pick with eight hurdle victories under his belt and the McCain stable in top form.
The spotlight also falls on MISTER COFFEY, a Grand National participant in his third novice campaign over fences. Despite a challenging outing at Cheltenham, hopes are high for a redemptive performance that could mark a significant milestone in his fencing career.
As these narratives unfold on the turf, Saturday's racing promises not only the thrill of competition but also the potential for remarkable achievements and comebacks. The blend of seasoned contenders and rising stars ensures that the dynamic duo's quest for triumph will be complemented by a rich tapestry of racing narratives, making it a day to remember for enthusiasts and fans alike.
