Saturday's best bets
Saturday's best bets

Saturday February 16 Bets of the Day: Free tips including racing, football and rugby union


We compile the Sporting Life team's best bets for Saturday February 16.


RACING

Ben Linfoot

MAGIC SAINT can thrive when dropped in trip to two miles in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Chase at Wincanton on Saturday. Paul Nicholls’ French import has run well enough in two starts for his new trainer, both times over trips around two-and-a-half miles, but a race over a good gallop now dropped in distance looks likely to suit.

With Gino Trail and Bigmartre set to go forward, this could be set-up perfectly for the five-year-old.

David Ord

Worthy Farm - 4.30 Ascot

He wouldn’t be Paul Nicholls’ highest-profile runner on Saturday but WORTHY FARM looks a good bet for the Best Racing On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle at Ascot. The six-year-old disappointed at Cheltenham last time, having been sent off favourite, but that can be explained by a change of tactics.

With a more restrained ride expected here, he can resume his previous progress and there was a lot to like about his win at Taunton in November. He travelled like a well handicapped horse there and would have been a ready winner but for wandering after the final flight. He’s a work in progress but appeals as better than a 123 hurdler and can underline that point here.

Simon Holt

REIKERS ISLAND is fancied to take advantage of a light weight against some more exposed rivals in the Keltbray Swinley Handicap Chase. Just a six-year-old, Richard Johnson's mount would surely have won the Mandarin Chase at Newbury last time but for jumping persistently right on the left-handed course as well as making a serious blunder at the final fence.

Considering how he did everything wrong, it was still a promising effort to be edged out in a bunch finish. He can make amends on Saturday.


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FOOTBALL

Paul Higham

Recent results have dragged Brighton back into the relegation scrap in the Premier League, so Hughton may be tempted to tinker here, but Brighton's home form is pretty solid, so all things being equal it'll be the Seagulls going into the hat for the next round.

Tom Carnduff

Vaulks had a direct impact in Rotherham's goal against Wigan last Saturday, earning what could prove to be vital as May approaches.

The Millers are a side who are strong when it comes to set-pieces in their favour and they'll be particularly looking to utilise that in the remainder of their home games. While it will provide Vaulks the opportunity to get the ball into the box, there will also be chances for a direct strike on goal. He is a player with the ability to find the net with chances such as that.

Not only are set-pieces crucial, but his impact from open play is noticeable. Despite often lining up in a more defensive role of midfield, he does have the freedom to play in advanced positions when possible.

Ipswich look a certainty for relegation, but it has to be said that performances have improved under Paul Lambert's leadership highlighted by their draw with Derby.

Stoke have won just two of their 16 games on the road this season, and while Ipswich's home form isn't much better, they have picked up points in three in their last five in front of their own supporters. Ipswich have everything to fight for, knowing they have to start winning now for any chance to stay up, while Stoke seem to have very little motivation and performances reflect this.


MATCH COMPANION

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Sporting Life EFL ACCA

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Preston (to beat Nottingham Forest) are one of the Sky Bet Championship's form sides with four wins in their last five, that includes victory over title hopefuls Norwich last time out.

Coventry (to beat Walsall) have been decent in front of their own supporters in recent weeks with just one loss in their last five at the Ricoh Arena. Walsall have seen seven of their last eight games in all competitions end in defeat.

Scunthorpe (to beat Gillingham) are another side who were boosted by a strong transfer window. Scunthorpe have won six of their last eight, with one draw alongside that.

Grimsby (to beat Cheltenham) have hit form in recent weeks with three consecutive wins. Their last two have also seen them score three goals in each and seven of their last ten at home have been victories.

RUGBY UNION

Gareth Jones

Harlequins sit third in the Premiership, with Worcester 11th, but the league is so tight that the difference between the two sides are just two points. They've won away at Leicester and Stade Francais this season and they beat Harlequins at home 20-13 in November.


Odds correct at time of publishing

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