Steve Jones' Saturday Horse Racing Tips for ITV's Final Pre-Cheltenham Card
On the final Saturday before the Cheltenham Festival, ace tipster Steve Jones has identified several each-way selections that could bolster betting coffers ahead of the four-day jumps extravaganza. With valuable handicaps and all-weather action on offer, these picks target competitive races broadcast on ITV.
Wolf Walker: A Stamina Pick for Sandown's Novices' Hurdle Final
WOLF WALKER (1.50 Sandown) is tipped to keep the wolf from the door in the EBF Betfair Novices' Hurdle Final. This demanding handicap at Sandown suits horses with proven stamina, and Wolf Walker fits the bill perfectly. Trained by Clive Boultbee-Brooks, he won three point-to-points on decent ground before switching to hurdles this winter.
His form in novice hurdles over around 2m has been consistent, including a strong second behind Captain Hugo at Haydock over Christmas. That form looks excellent, as the winner later landed the competitive Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. A runner-up as favourite at Wincanton in January, he was merely outspeeded on a sharp track over an inadequate trip.
With drying ground in his favour and Boultbee-Brooks' small team in excellent form, Steve Jones recommends a 1pt each-way bet at 14-1. Most bookmakers are paying out on five places, enhancing the each-way value.
Jack Hyde: Consistent Performer in the Betfair Imperial Cup
JACK HYDE (2.27 Sandown) brings incredible consistency to the Betfair Imperial Cup and might finally have his day in the sun. He won three times last year and ran a fine race when second in a big-field Cheltenham contest on his handicap debut in November.
Returning from a three-month break after a breathing operation, he was runner-up on unsuitably heavy ground at Taunton last month. That effort should have him spot on for today, and tucking in behind a likely strong pace could be key to his success. Jones advises a 1pt each-way bet at 14-1, with several firms offering six places.
Christian David: All-Weather Specialist at Wolverhampton
As the jumps season peaks with Cheltenham, the turf Flat action is just around the corner. A decent all-weather card at Wolverhampton today includes the BetMGM Lincoln Trial, a potential pointer for the Flat season's opening feature.
CHRISTIAN DAVID (2.42 Wolverhampton) boasts an excellent record on artificial surfaces. From just five all-weather starts, he has won twice and performed well in the others. Unseen since overcoming traffic issues to score at Lingfield in December, he has previously succeeded after a longer break at Newbury in September.
His Lingfield victory came when wearing blinkers for the first time, and trainer Richard Hannon has retained the headgear today. Steve Jones suggests a 1pt each-way bet at 14-1, with plenty of firms going four places.
These selections offer value each-way opportunities across jumps and all-weather racing, providing a strategic betting approach before the Cheltenham Festival dominates the racing landscape.
