Newsboy's Expert Racing Tips for Saturday's Five Major Meetings
Saturday's packed racing schedule features five significant meetings across the UK, with the highlight being the Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter. Our chief racing correspondent provides detailed analysis and selections for the key contests, including fancied runners at Kempton Park.
Midlands Grand National: Aworkinprogress Primed for Uttoxeter Success
Aworkinprogress appears exceptionally well-equipped to secure victory in the prestigious Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National (3.00) at Uttoxeter this afternoon. The Nick Gifford-trained seven-year-old has demonstrated remarkable consistency over fences, triumphing in six of his seven starts in this discipline. His particular affinity for testing ground conditions makes him an ideal candidate for this demanding contest.
After concluding his hurdling career with a victory at Fontwell Park in May 2024, Aworkinprogress embarked on an impressive five-race winning streak over larger obstacles. The Soldier Of Fortune progeny secured victories at Stratford, Lingfield Park (three times), and Uttoxeter between October 2024 and November 2025, with all successes coming on 'soft' or 'heavy' going.
Although his winning sequence concluded at Chepstow nineteen days before Christmas, Aworkinprogress promptly returned to winning ways in the Surrey National back at Lingfield last time out. Ridden by James Davies, who retains the ride this afternoon, he engaged in a thrilling duel with Catch Catchfire before prevailing, with the front pair finishing twelve lengths clear of the third-placed horse.
Despite receiving a 5lb weight rise for that performance, conditions appear ideal for Aworkinprogress to register another victory. His proven stamina and preference for testing ground make him a compelling selection for the feature race.
Uttoxeter Supporting Card Analysis
The Jenningsbet Novices' Handicap Chase (3.35) is expected to go to As The Fella Says, another son of Soldier Of Fortune. James Bowen, fresh from celebrating his first Cheltenham Festival winners this week, partnered Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old when he broke his chasing duck at the fourth attempt at Newbury twenty-five days ago.
As The Fella Says justified his status as the 15-8 favourite by powering away from Major Fortune to score by four and three-quarter lengths. Although the British Horseracing Authority handicapper has responded with a 7lb rise, this progressive type likely has further improvement to offer.
In the JenningsBet Handicap Hurdle (2.25), the remarkably consistent John Barbour is anticipated to deliver another strong performance. From twelve career starts, Yeats's son has only failed to make the frame once, securing the last of his three victories at this venue on New Year's Eve.
John Barbour found only the back-to-form Fiercely Proud too strong over two and a half miles at Ascot subsequently. A first attempt over an additional four furlongs should suit the Fergal O'Brien-trained gelding perfectly.
The opening JenningsBet 200 Shops Nationwide Handicap Hurdle (1.50) could see It's Top benefit from stepping up in distance. Gavin Sheehan's mount made all when winning a novice hurdle at Carlisle at the beginning of last month, showing particular strength at the finish. A first attempt at two and a half miles should unlock further improvement as the bottom weight enters handicap company.
Kempton Park Selections
At Kempton Park, Ryan's Rocket is fancied to gain handsome compensation for his Christmas misfortune in the Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Chase (3.18). The Fergal O'Brien-trained son of Jetaway was sent off the 7-4 favourite for the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase on King George VI Chase day following his comeback victory at Newbury in November.
Everything appeared to be going according to plan until Ryan's Rocket made an error at the eighth obstacle, unseating Johnny Burke. He was travelling comfortably at the time, and it's particularly noteworthy that Thistle Ask, who won that race by ten lengths from a BHA mark of 146, is now rated 160.
Ryan's Rocket has been dropped 1lb to 134, a rating that appears well within his capabilities as he attempts to secure the £31,218 first prize.
Burke could also enjoy success aboard Turndlightsdownlow in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Handicap Hurdle (2.40). Martin Keighley's son of Court Cave scored over course and distance in September on his handicap debut, following up over Kempton's two miles and five furlongs three weeks later.
Although subsequently defeated over longer distances at Sandown Park and Wincanton, returning to this shorter trip and familiar Sunbury surroundings should enhance his prospects significantly.
Finally, after an excellent second to Barlovento here on the King George undercard, Tapley and jockey Izzi Ryder are likely to prove difficult to catch in the Virgin Bet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2.08).
