The Timeform experts have their say

Best Bets: Horse racing tips from Timeform Sporting Life team


The Timeform Sporting Life racing experts combine to provide their best bets ahead of Saturday's action.


Racing betting tips: Saturday November 16

1pt win In For The Night in 12.15 Navan at SP

1pt win Ginny's Destiny in 2.20 Cheltenham at 3/1 (William Hill)

1pt win Hamsiyann in 3.30 Cheltenham at 11/4 (General)

1pt win Elegant Erin in 4.48 Newcastle at 5/1 (bet365)

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook


3.30 Cheltenham - Hamsiyann (Greg Spink)

HAMSIYANN went into many a notebook on his handicap hurdle debut when third at Ascot back in March (asked to come from further back than the others in the frame and squeezed out run-in) before running a cracker when finding stablemate and recent controversial Cesarewitch winner Alphonse Le Grande too strong in the Chester Plate when last seen in May.

His fitness must be taken on trust but Hamsiyann looks very much the type to go on progressing now stepped up in distance, so Tony Martin can be back in the headlines for the right reasons this time.


4.48 Newcastle – Elegant Erin (David Johnson)

Plenty of pace on here with King of Stars, Makanah and Our Absent Friends all likely to be forcing it, so a hold up performer looks the way to go and ELEGANT ERIN is the one that appeals most.

Five furlongs on a stiff track brings out the best in her as wins over C&D and Beverley this year testify and she looks in good enough form to strike soon judged on her recent staying-on fifth behind Cover Up last time, having to change course several times having found trouble on her way through.

This looks a bit weaker and if she turns up in that form, she looks to have a leading chance.

12.15 Navan - In For The Night (Billy Nash)

There is some cracking action at Navan on Saturday with a whole host of recognisable names dotted throughout the card.

The best bet on the card, however, may well be in one of the supporting contests, with IN FOR THE NIGHT likely to take plenty of beating in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle.

Des McDonogh's gelding has been progressing steadily this season and won with plenty up his sleeve at Gowran last time.

An 8 lb rise for that win doesn't look excessive, especially as that form is working out particularly well (three of next five home won next time out), and he remains completely unexposed at this sort of trip.

2.20 Cheltenham - Ginny's Destiny (Lewis Tomlinson)

It’s probably not a major surprise that all three of Paul Nicholls’ previous Paddy Power Gold Cup winners have been second-season chasers and I expect that theme to continue with GINNY'S DESTINY in Saturday’s feature event.

Ginny’s Destiny returns to handicap company from a mark of 155, only 8 lb higher than for when winning a typically hot renewal of the Timeform Novices' Chase last season. I'd consider that rating still a shade lenient given his subsequent exploits in Grade 1 company, particularly his bold show in the Turners, for my money the strongest of the Festival novice chases last season, in which he and Grey Dawning pulled some way clear of Djelo and Zanahiyr.

We’ve already seen how well his straightforward front-running style, coupled with his accurate jumping, lends itself to Cheltenham and I’m confident Nicholls’ charge will make a successful return in what is very much a 'home game' for the eight-year-old.

https://m.skybet.com/horse-racing/cheltenham/handicap-chase-class-1-2m-4f-44y/34610500?aff=681&dcmp=SL_RACING

Published at 1612 GMT on 15/11/24 - updated 16.35 GMT


More from Sporting Life

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING