ITV Racing Preview & Betting Tips – Sunday 18 January 2026
1:20 Windsor – Hampton Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 3m½f)
Tip: Salver (2/1)
Salver looks well placed to return to winning form with a drop in class. Gary and Josh Moore’s gelding ran with credit behind smart rivals on his first three chase starts and wasn’t ideally suited by conditions at Kempton last time. He’s effective in the mud, should relish conditions here, and cheekpieces could help unlock a bit more improvement.
1:50 Windsor – Great Park Handicap Chase (2m)
Tip: Highlands Legacy (4/1)
This improving chaser has solid form in the book and remains open to further progress. A winner on debut over fences before narrowly missing out at Aintree and Newbury, he’s been nudged up 3lb but still looks well treated. Soft ground and this trip should suit.
2:05 Fakenham – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)
Tip: Miss Cynthia (7/2)
Miss Cynthia should come on significantly for her first run for Dan Skelton. A smart performer on the Flat and a useful hurdler, she’s had a wind operation since her reappearance and could be much more competitive back over this trip.
2:15 Thurles – Irish EBF Mares’ Novice Chase (Grade 2, 2m5f)
Tip: Jade De Grugy (2/9)
Hard to oppose. A dual Grade One winner over hurdles, Jade De Grugy has shown promise in two chase starts and now drops into calmer waters. This slightly shorter trip should suit and she sets a clear standard.
2:25 Windsor – Weatherbys Handicap Hurdle (3m)
Tip: Captain Teague (16/1, EW)
A speculative but intriguing each-way play. A former Grade One winner over hurdles, Captain Teague returns to timber after a long absence. He’s lightly raced, well handicapped on old form and boasts a strong record when fresh.
2:40 Fakenham – Queen Boudicca Series Final Mares’ Handicap Chase (2m5f)
Tip: Moviddy (9/1)
Moviddy hasn’t been reliable of late, but a return to chasing could spark a revival. She’s twice gone close over course and distance and now meets old rivals on much better terms. A lower mark and a useful claimer strengthen her case.
3:00 Windsor – Fleur de Lys Chase (2m6f)
Tip: Protektorat (8/11)
Last year’s winner bids to defend his crown. Protektorat ran a strong race on his seasonal return at Cheltenham and should strip fitter now. Back over a more suitable trip, favoured by the race conditions, and effective on soft ground, he looks primed to strike again.
3:20 Thurles – Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (Grade 2, 2m4½f)
Tip: James Du Berlais (4/1)
With Willie Mullins dominating the field, James Du Berlais stands out as the value option. He wasn’t suited by the race setup last time but remains capable of better. Receiving weight from stablemates, he could give the favourite plenty to think about.
3:35 Windsor – Stayers Handicap Chase (3m4½f)
Tip: De Legislator (9/1)
This marathon trip should be right up De Legislator’s street. A lightly raced chaser who’s progressing steadily, he ran a strong race in the Borders National last time and competes off the same mark here. With stamina assured, he looks a major player.
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