Our star daily duo Rory Delargy and David Massey mark your card for today's racing and have five selections.
Racing betting tips: Saturday December 20
1pt e.w Just Typical in the 18:30 Newcastle at 9/1 (Paddy Power - 1/5 1,2,3, min 15/2)
Earlier selections:
1pt e.w East End Girl in the 13:38 Hereford at 7/1 (Bet365 - 1/5 1,2,3,4,5, min 13/2)
0.5pts e.w Beauport in the 14:25 Ascot at 20/1 (Bet365 - 1/5 1,2,3,4, min 16/1)
0.5pts e.w Welsh Charger in the 15:35 Ascot at 20/1 (General - 1/5 1,2,3,4, min 16/1)
0.5pts e.w Jacks Parrot in the 14:05 Haydock at 7/1 (General - 1/5 1,2,3,4, min 13/2)
The unexposed Counting Cards is a strong favourite for this handicap and that’s understandable, given a couple of solid placed efforts on his last two starts but there was a year’s gap between them, and he didn’t look entirely straightforward when second at Southwell in October, hanging quite badly when hitting the front, and he’d not be one to be having the turkey money on.
Just Typical tends to run his race here more often than not, with four wins and four places from ten starts here and he might well have added to the tally last time, his rider sitting last two furlongs out and having to check before coming with a run up the rail. He was beaten half a length, and was getting there with every stride. That run signified a return to form at a venue he clearly enjoys his visits to, and he looks tremendous each-way value against the favourite tonight.
13:50 Ascot - Howden Handicap Chase
Venetia Williams’ team took time to warm up this winter, but Ascot is her happy hunting ground and The Famous Five looks the one to side with. He only went chasing last season, winning at Newbury and steadily improving thereafter, finishing a fine second to Rath Gaul Hill in February. That form has worked out well, with subsequent winners in behind, and he still looks on the upgrade. He gets the nod over Bad, who travelled strongly in the Paddy Power Gold Cup but failed to see out the trip.
14:25 Ascot - Howden Long Walk Hurdle
The staying hurdle division is wide open, but we think Strong Leader looks poor value given his flop in this race last year and preference for left‑handed tracks. We prefer to throw a few quid at a couple of potential outsiders here.
Beauport ran the race of his life here 12 months ago when only giving best to Crambo late on. He returned with a solid effort at Cheltenham in November, has a strong right‑handed record, and is a proven stayer. At around 25/1, he looks a cracking each‑way play in a race lacking a standout.
Doddiethegreat is the other. He looks as good as ever and has run two solid races at Wetherby and Newbury this year, not far behind Strong Leader on either occasion. It’s taken time but he’s finally going the right way and there’s no reason he won’t run his race again here.
Last year’s winner Fiercely Proud is hard to catch right but has a chance on a going day, but the more interesting option is Welsh Charger at bigger odds. He shaped well in the Greatwood Hurdle, making the running and rallying late for fourth behind Alexei. His Musselburgh win last season showed he’s no one‑dimensional front‑runner, and he tends to improve for a second run after a break. Off 1lb lower than his Scottish Champion Hurdle effort, he looks capable of narrowing the gap with Alexei on much better terms. His right‑handed record at around two miles (212141) makes him a live player.
14:05 Haydock - Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (3m1f125y)
Jacks Parrot was second in this last year as a raw five‑year‑old and returns off the same mark. He needed his prep run at Bangor, just as he did before this race last season, and his yard is showing signs of revival. More rain would help, but he travels and jumps well and looks set for a productive campaign, with regional Nationals likely on the agenda. My Silver Lining is the danger, back to form in the Berkshire National and a strong stayer if the ground turns very soft.
13:38 Hereford
Low-grade stuff and it looks pretty open, but I’d be willing to give East End Girl a chance to improve on her comeback effort at Ludlow last month, one that came off the back of a 484-day absence and hinted she retains a bit of her ability.
Given a positive ride from the front there, she understandably got tired from two out and wasn’t given a hard time once beaten. Nevertheless, she beat a few home and wasn’t disgraced in getting beaten twenty lengths.
She should strip fitter for that, and her one try around Hereford resulted in a win from a 3lb higher mark, so she does have her plus points. After some absences on her CV, her trainer will be keen to make the most of her if she’s now over whatever was ailing her, and this looks a suitable opportunity to showcase her talents.
Preview posted 09:05 GMT on 20/12/25
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