🏇 Saturday Racing Preview: Doncaster & Cheltenham

12:55 Doncaster – Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle (3m+)

The Sam Thomas-trained ROCKING MAN (9/2) looks made for this stamina test. A solid bumper horse, he impressed on hurdles debut at Chepstow, beating Carlenrig who has since won. Still totally unexposed, this longer trip should bring out more improvement.

1:15 Cheltenham – Handicap Chase (2m4f+)
BOOSTER BOB (7/2) NB appeals as one of the most solid options in the field. Winner of the Greatwood Gold Cup last season, he returned with another strong Newbury success in November. Up 9lb, but the form stacks up and he looks firmly on the upgrade.

1:30 Doncaster – Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle (3m)
At a price, LAVIDA ADIVA (9/1) is worth chancing. Her listed win here last time looked a career-best performance and she deserves her shot at this level. In an open race, she should be competitive again.

1:50 Cheltenham – Cross Country Handicap Chase
FINAL ORDERS (4/1) NAP was hugely impressive over this unique track and trip last time, jumping well and winning with plenty in hand. The rise in the weights is a concern, but Keith Donoghue is back on board and a repeat looks possible.

2:05 Doncaster – Great Yorkshire Chase (3m)
I really like GRAND GESTE (3/1) after his authoritative Tommy Whittle win at Haydock. He jumped superbly and won with ease. A 10lb rise looks fair and he shapes like a staying handicap chaser still going places.

2:25 Cheltenham – Grade 2 Cotswold Chase (3m1f+)
Hard to oppose GREY DAWNING (8/13). His Betfair Chase Grade 1 win is comfortably the standout piece of form and he’s been kept fresh for this. A previous Cheltenham Grade 1 winner, the track holds no fears and he should take care of this small field.

3:00 Cheltenham – Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle (2m1f)
I can’t see past SIR GINO (4/9). A classy performer, he showed his ability is intact when winning the Christmas Hurdle after a lengthy setback. He’ll strip much fitter here and looks a cut above his rivals.

3:35 Cheltenham – Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle (3m)
A competitive finale, but STRONG LEADER (5/1) looks overpriced. A Grade 2 winner on reappearance, he’s twice finished close behind Impose Toi since. A stronger stamina test should suit him better, and he’s likely to be right in the thick of it again.

Read the full preview on our ITV Racing Tips page.