This Saturday, 5th December 2025, brings a thrilling double-header of top-class National Hunt action, with major meetings at both Sandown Park and Aintree. The feature races are the prestigious Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and the famous Becher Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree.
Expert Selections for a Blockbuster Saturday
Racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has analysed the cards and delivered five recommended bets for punters. His selections span the key contests across the two venues, utilising the best odds available from leading UK bookmakers.
The headline act is the Tingle Creek Chase at 3:00pm at Sandown. A fascinating three-way clash is anticipated between last year's winner Jonbon, his recent conqueror Il Etait Temps, and the improving L'Eau Du Sud. All three boast winning form at the track and relish the expected soft ground.
Doidge has put forward Il Etait Temps as his primary selection. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old is the favourite, priced at 5/6 with William Hill. He arrives in superb form, having defeated Jonbon by over five lengths over this course and distance in April, and followed up with an impressive victory at Clonmel last month. "He has speed, stamina, course form, soft ground form and is still only seven," notes Doidge. "I think he will take an awful lot of beating."
Further Fancies at Sandown Park
Earlier on the Sandown card, the Bet At Your Best With Betfair Handicap Hurdle (2:25pm) features another strong tip. Knickerbockerglory is fancied to defend his title in this race. The nine-year-old, trained by Dan Skelton, was withdrawn from the Greatwood Hurdle last month due to the ground and returns fresh. He is the pre-race favourite at 11/4 with Bet365 and conditions are expected to suit.
The staying chase division is represented by the London National Handicap Chase (3:35pm). In this marathon test, Tanganyika is the selection at 7/2 with Betfred. The Venetia Williams-trained gelding ran well for a long way at Cheltenham on his seasonal reappearance and should be sharper for that run. The extreme trip and testing conditions are right up his street.
Aintree Action Over the National Fences
Over at Aintree, the spotlight falls on the William Hill Half A Mill Becher Handicap Chase (2:40pm). With the favourite Mr Vango now 17lb higher than last season, the race looks more open. The analysis suggests focusing on horses near the head of the market, and Gaboriot is the each-way pick at 13/2 with William Hill.
Carrying a light weight, the nine-year-old comes into the race after an excellent second in the Grand Sefton over these unique fences. The step back up to a longer trip on soft ground is expected to bring out further improvement.
The day's action at Aintree kicks off with the William Hill Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (12:58pm). Captain Butler makes his chase debut for new trainer Ruth Jefferson and is tipped to make a winning start at 4/1 with William Hill. The seven-year-old jumps well and his stable's decision to run him in a valuable race on his chasing bow is seen as a positive sign of confidence.
A Reminder on Responsible Gambling
As with any betting activity, it is crucial to gamble responsibly. Punters are urged to set a strict budget, never chase losses, and make full use of the tools provided by gambling sites, such as deposit limits and time-outs. Organisations like GamCare and BeGambleAware offer free support and advice.
All odds quoted were correct at the time of publication on Friday 5th December 2025 but are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply to all bookmaker offers.
