As the festive season reaches its peak, racing fans are set for a thrilling Boxing Day of action on ITV, featuring top-tier meetings from Kempton and Aintree. Ace tipster Steve Jones has scoured the cards to unearth value each-way selections for the holiday highlight.
Kempton Park Selections for King George Day
The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase day at Kempton offers a stellar programme, and Jones believes QUEENSBURY BOY (12.45) can deliver a knockout blow in the opening novices' handicap chase. This horse showed immense promise last season, winning his first two hurdles starts for trainer Harry Derham.
Although he found the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown a step too far, his potential was clear. After a modest return at Chepstow in October, he was sold and joined Micky Bowen's Welsh stable. His chasing debut at Cheltenham last month was promising, as he was staying on well before being hampered by a faller at the final fence.
Jones argues the form is better than it appears and that the faster ground at Kempton will suit. He recommends a 1pt each-way bet at 10-1.
Derham's Jus De Citron Ready to Shine
Later on the Kempton card, Jones highlights another from the Harry Derham yard. JUS DE CITRON (3.40) made a winning debut at Doncaster last Christmas, despite his jockey dropping the whip. A subsequent third over this course and distance was slightly disappointing, but he was conceding weight to more experienced rivals.
This run follows a breathing operation over the summer, which may have affected his stamina. With an excellent pedigree and a potentially lenient handicap mark, he represents strong value. Jones advises a 1pt each-way wager at 8-1.
Aintree's Festive Feature Attraction
Over at Aintree, a quality card is headlined by the William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle. While the Grade 1 contest is tricky, Jones finds an opportunity in the following race.
He sides with DEDICATED HERO (1.40), last season's Grade 2 novices' hurdle winner. This Sandy Thomson-trained horse ran creditably in the competitive Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and is expected to improve significantly for the step up to 2m4f.
With his trainer's form picking up after a quiet autumn, an enhanced performance is anticipated. Jones suggests a 1pt each-way investment at 12-1.
These carefully selected tips offer racing enthusiasts a strategic guide to the Boxing Day action, combining proven form with potential for improvement at attractive prices.
