Rory Delargy provides today's preview and tips and he has selections at Sandown and Aintree.
Racing betting tips: Saturday December 6
1pt win Knickerbockerglory in the 14:25 Sandown at 11/4 (General)
1pt win O’Connell in the 15:35 Sandown at 3/1 (General) - min 5/2
1pt win Val Dancer in the 14:40 Aintree at 10/1 (General) - min 9/1
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13:20 Sandown – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
Turndlightsdownlow is untested at three miles but looks the type to relish it. He’s already won twice at 2m5f, beating the in-form Sun Joy last time despite running green late on. Raised 19lb but still on bottom weight, he needs another win to book a Cheltenham ticket and looks progressive. His dam Jennies Jewel was a strong stayer, and he’s shaping the same way.
14:25 Sandown - Bet At Your Best With Betfair Handicap Hurdle
Rain will make this a slog, and that suits Knickerbockerglory. He won this race first time up last year on heavy ground and has twice run well in the Imperial Cup here. Fresh after missing the Greatwood, he looks primed to go again despite a 6lb higher mark.
15:00 Sandown - Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1)
The chase track won’t be quick, but neither will it be bottomless if Friday is anything to go by. Il Etait Temps brings the Celebration Chase form but is short enough in the market. The value, then, may lie with L’Eau du Sud, who looked a different horse when winning the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham. He travelled strongly and put the race to bed in smart fashion, suggesting he’s improved again. Last year’s Henry VIII winner, he’s proven at the track and deserves more credit than he’s getting.
15:35 Sandown – Betfair Exchange London National Handicap Chase
O’Connell looks the one. He won on testing ground last season and shaped well on his Carlisle return when the yard’s runners were still short of fitness. With the stable now flying, this sound-jumping stayer can take advantage in a race that isn’t as strong as it first appears.
14:05 Aintree – William Hill Wirral Juvenile Hurdle
Soft ground form looks essential here and Bibe Mus ticks that box. He made a winning start over hurdles at Gowran on testing going and backed that up at Down Royal, with the form boosted since. He’s still unexposed and conditions will suit. Treasure Planet has a lofty rating but earned it in a poor Ludlow contest on good ground, so looks vulnerable. The danger could be Edelak, now with Dan Skelton after winning on the Flat for Johnny Murtagh – he’s likely well-schooled and could be the one to worry about.
14:40 Aintree – William Hill Becher Handicap Chase
Usually a wide-open affair, but two stand out. Bioluminescence is the right type for the Becher – bold jumper, proven in testing ground, and already a Grade 2 winner. The concern is Gavin Cromwell’s yard form, with just one winner from 60 runners in the past fortnight. Val Dancer, last year’s Chepstow marathon hero, looks better handicapped and should come on plenty for his Carlisle reappearance. Mel Rowley’s team had a winner at Wincanton this week, suggesting fortunes may be turning, and he looks worth chancing.
Preview posted 10:20 GMT on 06/12/25
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