Cheltenham on Saturday 28th is the main meeting of the weekend, and they hold a very competitive 7 race card. The card starts at 12.55 with the JCB Triumph Hurdle qualifier, and plenty of pointers can be had from this race regarding the ‘big one’ at the Cheltenham Festival. All are unexposed and looking to improve, so ultra tough to pick a winner, but those in with a chance are Pearl Swan, Hinterland and Sadler’s Risk, with the latter being the selection. Phillip Hobbs was pleased with his debut win over hurdles and he should improve a good deal from it. It’s over 2 miles and 1 furlong, which should be ideal for him, especially with the ground looking to be racing with a bit of cut. Paul Nicholls is mob handed at Cheltenham this Saturday, so it’ll be interesting to see how much prize money he picks up on the way to another Champion Trainer title. He has entries in every Cheltenham race this Saturday and those from his yard that stand out are Hinterland (12.55), Criqtonic (1.30), Aerial (2.05), The Minack (2.35), Rocky Creek (3.10) and Edgardo Sol (4.15). All have win chances and so are worth a look at in the market. The 3.40 race will be viewed by millions, not just from a betting perspective, but for the fact that Big Bucks goes for yet another win. Again Paul Nicholls is the trainer, and if this horse wins, which he should, then to roof will come off the grandstand. It will surely be his final race before he heads of to the Cheltenham Festival in March, so fingers crossed he can win yet another big race. Cheltenham is a left handed, galloping, undulating and testing track, with stiff hurdles and fences. The Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster (2.50) is another race that stands out, and with it being over 3 miles, it’s sure to be a great test of stamina with the ground on the soft side. Nicky Henderson has said in the week that he expects a big run from Shakalakaboomboom , and that’s good enough to invest a bit of hard earned money. He jumps well enough, stays well enough, and should have the race run to suit. It’s another 7 race card from Doncaster, so plenty to divulge, even though it lacks the class of Cheltenham.

Sunday sees Ffos Las (youngest race course in the UK) in Wales hold a meeting, and despite being average racing at best, it’s a great course for those with their heads in the form book. Wise Move will be popular in the 3.00 race, as with being trained by Nicky Henderson, he looks sure to improve again and go well. Leopardstown (jumps) and Sedgefield (jumps) make up Sunday’s action and it’s worth popping over to Ireland to take a look at the 1.55 race at Leopardstown. Jigalo will be looking to end a recent run of seconds with a win, so stick a fiver on him.

The whole of Saturday’s card at Sandown is sponsored by 32Red.com, so it’s gambling all the way for punters. It’s a six race card and with the heavy winds ripping through most of the country this past week, many will be watching the weather before heading off to the track and the winds could actually dry out the ground. Hopefully all will be fine and many can get stuck into the 2.35 race, which sees Judiciary entered to run. He ran a stinker on Thursday and couldn’t ever be fancied to take this against better horses , so he’s one to avoid if taking part. The one who appears to have a decent chance is Magnifique Etoile, and although the price will be on the short side, he’s won his last three races and should go close to making it four from his last four. Charlie Longsdon has his stable firing at the moment and so no reason why he shouldn’t run a very big race. Sandown being a right handed, galloping, testing track will ensure runners need to be at the top of their games. Channel 4 are broadcasting the last four races from Sandown, so along with Racing UK, punters are sorted. Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Donald McCain are all quietly confident of their charges running big races in the 3.10 race, so watch out for Be There In Five, Qhilimar, The Knoxs, Wymott, Master Of The Hall and Neptune Collonges – gun to head time and it would be Neptune Collonges each way for the sensible bettors. The ground is expected to be soft on Saturday, but don’t be surprised if the winds dry the ground out to be racing on the good side of soft. Anyhow, time will tell.

Sunday is quite interesting, with Hereford (jumps), Naas (jumps) and Southwell (flat) taking centre stage, as although it’s not high class racing, it’s still competitive and worth a look. Victor Chandler sponsor the first race on Hereford’s card (1.00), and with Nicky Henderson bringing out Charlie Wingnut again, plenty of punters will be jumping on him to recoup last time’s losses. He should go well, but a competitive little race and not one for big stakes. Horses will need to be very fit with the ground predicted to be heavy, so make sure the form is studied before hand, especially concerning acting of heavy ground. Again the winds could dry it out a little, but Hereford should remain heavy or very soft at best. The Tipper Road Handicap at Naas at 2.10 will be good to watch, as several have chances. Hard job to pick winners at Naas on Sunday, so good luck to anybody taking the plunge. Southwell, as always, will give the lesser lights of the flat world a spin, but again looking impossible to make a profit there, so maybe a trip to Ladbrokes, Corals, William Hill, etc, for a look at their special bets, such as winning distances and how favourites will perform.

Jockeys and trainers have no rest come the turn of the year, but it is quality racing and well worth getting involved with. Newbury and Warwick are the spectacles on New Year’s Eve, with the Betfred Mandarin Handicap at Newbury one of the highlights at 2.35pm. There’s expected to be plenty of cut in the ground on Saturday 31st December and that will suit the likes of Quotica De Poyans and Key Cutter, with the latter being preferred at the prices. Dominic Elsworth rides for Paul Webber and they’re set to have a good season when looking at their fire power. It’s a 7-race card at Newbury, starting at 12.20pm and ending at 3.40pm, so plenty of action for punters to take care of. The Totescoop6 Levy Board Handicap Hurdle should be a cracker at 3.40, with old favourite Celestial Halo trying to concede weight to his rivals. He should put in a solid effort, but you would have to feel he’ll find things quite tough against a few others. Lifestyle, Ubi Ace and Dunraven Storm should give Halo plenty to think about and the feelings are that the winner will come from those three. Several others have chances and top trainers and jockeys take part, so should be a good race. Channel 4 are showing the last four races from Newbury, with Racing UK showing all the races. An interest at Warwick would have to be the 2.20pm race, with Samurai Way and That’s Ben taking the eye at fair prices. Both should run their races and should therefore go well. Bookmakers will be offering ‘Best Odds Guaranteed on all the live terrestrial races, so make sure you take a price early to guarantee those best odds. Warwick is a left handed sharp track, so horses that race up with the pace will have a slight advantage of softening ground. Lingfield (aw flat), Punchestown (jumps), Tramore (jumps) and Uttoxeter (jumps) make up the rest of racing for New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Day sees Cheltenham take centre stage and big crowds are expected. They host a 7-race card, with four of the races being shown live on Channel 4. Invictus and Walkon make plenty of appeal in the 1.05pm race, with Alan King training both and expecting big runs from both. Nicky Henderson trains Solix in the race, but not a good price, despite having every chance and trainer confidence. The Victor Chandler Chase over 2 miles and 5 furlongs is competitive and picking the winner will not be easy. Several have chances, and at good odds, Cappa Bleu could run a decent race. Catterick (jumps), Exeter (jumps), Fairyhouse (jumps), Fakenham (jumps), Musselburgh (jumps), Southwell (aw flat) and Tramore (jumps) make up the cards for New Year’s Day in the UK. Out of those meetings, the 3.00pm race at Musselburgh draws attention, as with top northern trainers having a pop, it should be a cracker. The value appears to lie with Riguez Dancer and Santa’s Son, so both are worthy of an each way bet.

Only one place to start for UK racing this Christmas and that’s at Kempton on Boxing Day (Sun 26th December) for the William Hill King George VI Chase, a Class 1 race over 3 miles. Desert Orchid, the magnificent grey, always comes to mind when this race is mentioned, so let’s hope the race lives up to all expectations. Again Kauto Star takes his place, and after putting Long Run in his place last time, he’s the one to beat. He has won this race before, so the trip and ground is no concern and Paul Nicholls says he expects a very big run. He has even been on record as saying he will come on for last time’s run, so all should be very exciting to watch. Long Run again lines up and will also be better than last time, so although he has to be, it all makes for a very interesting race. Master Minded, Captain Chris and Somersby also line up, so they will be trying their hardest to pull off a surprise. The race is due to start at 3.10pm, so nothing better to wash down that Boxing Day meal with. Another 5 races are on the agenda for Kempton and the Christmas Hurdle at 2.35 takes the eye. It’s over 2 miles and it should give plenty of pointers for the Cheltenham Festival in March. Binocular, Rock On Ruby and Overturn should have the race between them, but picking the winner from those three is no easy task. Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Donald McCain are all upbeat about their chances, so could be a race to watch and enjoy, rather than gamble and wonder ‘what if’. If putting a gun to my head, then Rock On Ruby would be the choice. Channel 4 and Racing UK are screening the racing live from Kempton, so no reason to miss it. Kempton is a right-handed, sharpish, flat track, which ensures a touch of class is always needed to get a win. Down Royal (jumps), Fontwell (jumps), Ffos Las (jumps), Huntingdon (jumps), Leopardstown (jumps), Limerick (jumps), Market Rasen (jumps), Towcester (jumps), Wincanton (jumps) and Wetherby (jumps) make up an action packed Boxing Day in the UK for race fans.

Tuesday 27th December sees many heading to Wales and Chepstow, and they should enjoy a competitive 7 race card. The feature race is the Coral Welsh National at 2.10pm and with the going predicted to be on the soft side, it will be a total slog over 3 miles and 5 furlongs. All the top yards have entries and punters will be keeping an eye on the low weighted horses with the soft going forecast. Taking the eye with a low weight is Any Currency with 10st 3lb to carry. He likes the soft ground, stays well enough and has shown he can jump well, so at around the 20/1 mark, he would be worth a small each way bet in what appears a very open race. What ever the result, it is always a good spectacle and so well worth tuning in to watch on BBC2 or At The Races. Kempton (jumps), Limerick (jumps), Leopardstown (jumps), Southwell (AW flat) and Wetherby (jumps) make up the rest of Tuesday’s action.

The weather is the one thing most punters have their eyes on for this weekend, as with rain and snow forecast, it could be a bit of a wet weekend. However, Ascot hopes to show off a 6 race card, with the last 4 races being screened live on Channel 4. They start at 12.55pm with a novice hurdle, but the race most will be interested in is the Long Walk hurdle at 2.30pm. It’s over 3 miles 1 furlong and with the going looking sure to be soft or worse, punters will be looking for runners with soft ground form that stay longer than the mother-in-law. Those that fit that criteria are the odds on favourite Big Bucks (unbeaten thus far) and Dynaste, who has shown form on heavy ground in France. The odds will be short on Big Bucks, but he should win and many will be hoping he keeps that record intact. Dynaste looks good for the forecast and may just make the favourite work a little harder than expected. Paul Nicholls has said that the favourite remains in top form, so who are we to doubt him. The Silver Cup at 3.05pm should be a good spectacle over fences, and with Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs, David Pipe and Nicky Henderson having runners, it appears that the big guns want the prize. Neptune Collonges is of interest from the Nicholls yard, as although he pulled up last time, he’s much better than that and could hit the frame at fair odds. Ascot is a right-handed, galloping, testing track, with stiff fences that ensure those taking part will need to stay the trip and jump well. Haydock holds a 6 race card on Saturday and another decent crowd is expected, despite the poor weather that’s expected. Buena Vista lines up in the 2.10pm race, and despite his age, he’ll be popular with many and could go well at a decent price. Across The Bay and Drill Sergeant are a couple of decent each way choices, but with many having chances, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see several of them running well and hitting the money. Fairyhouse (jumps), Lingfield (flat) and Newcastle make up the rest of Saturday’s action.

Scottish racegoers will be praying the weather relents a little, as it’s looking as though Carlisle will be making its 6 race card into a 4 race card as of the chase course being under water at the moment. That leaves just the 4 races and so a small crowd is expected – Livvy Inn could run well at a big price in the 3.00pm race. Lucinda Russell is no stranger to having winners at Carlisle and this one could go well at decent odds. Kempton holds an all weather card, so unless that gets waterlogged or frozen, it should get the go-ahead without much fuss. Richard Hannon brings out a few runners for this meeting and that always has to be taken note of, so his runners will be worth a second glance. Navan (jumps) is the only other meeting taking place on Sunday.

Only one place to start this weekend, and that is at Cheltenham. They host a 7-race card that brings out some of the UK’s top class horses. The 2.30pm race is sure to be a great spectacle, and Great Endeavour is taken ahead of Medermit to take the glory. Stan James sponsor the 3.05pm race & although it just falls short of a top class field, there are still several favourites lining up. The going is expected to be soft, but with the winds drying out the ground, it could race on the side of good to soft come Saturday. A horse that fits the bill for this race is Menorah, as with being just short of top class, he does have the class to be there at the finish of this race and should take all the beating. The trip and ground suits and he certainly has the heart for a fight. Rated the best horse in the race, he looks the one to side with. Brampour, Overturn and Grandouet can give him most to do. Nicky Henderson was excited about the chances of Oscar Whisky in the week, and although he will not be a big price, he should go very well in the 3.35pm race. He will surely be targeting the Cheltenham Festival and can take this en route. He fell last time when looking booked for first or second, so if he doesn’t think too much about that tumble, the others will struggle to beat him. Doncaster’s juvenile hurdle at 2.45 will be of interest to many, as it sees many ex-flat recruits trying to cut the ice over hurdles against those that were bred for the job. Hinterland will be popular with punters, being 2 from 2, and with things seemingly in his favour again on Saturday, he should be a tough nut to crack. However, the price will be quite short and it might be more wise to go with a value outsider. Looking through the field, it’s Crafty Roberto who looks worthy of a small ach way bet, as with having just 4 runs on the level, he showed enough to suggest he can win races over hurdles, be it on Saturday or in the future. Lingfield (flat), Navan (jumps), Southwell (flat) and Wolverhampton (flat) make up the rest of Saturday’s action.

Punchestown takes centre stage on Sunday, with their feature race being the Grade 1 chase at 2.05pm. Rubi Light and Joncol are sure to be popular and should run well, but Cooldine at around the 10/1 mark can run them close and looks worth a bet. Willie Mullins is no stranger to winning at this track and he has already been quoted as saying he expects a big run. Ladbrokes sponsor the 2.35pm race and Willie Mullins will be looking to win this race also, with Allee Garde. He has the experience and goes well on a soft surface. Cork (jumps), Hereford (jumps) and Southwell (flat) make up the rest of Sunday’s action.

Aintree, the home of the Grand National, holds a 7 race card on Saturday 3rd December, and many spectators will be interested to see how the course is looking a few months prior to the big race itself. As always, the groundsmen will have the track as good as they can get it, and so the predicted wet weather shouldn’t get into the ground too much and we can see some competitive racing. Bookmakers Betfred sponsor 6 of the 7 races and their feature race would be the Becher Handicap Chase at 2.10pm. Plenty of runners are in with a chance, but many punters will be interested in Always Waining, who loves a good test of stamina. However, despite this, he does tend to leave his best races for Cheltenham and can be a very hit and miss performer, so the percentage call is to ignore his single figure odds and look elsewhere. Nicto De Beauchene looks sure to run a decent race, as with liking the good to soft ground and surely staying this demanding 3 miles and 2 furlongs, he also comes into the race after a recent run, so fitness shouldn’t be too much of a worry. Should also improve a little on that recent run and therefore looks a solid each way bet. Paul Nicholls, Alan King and David Pipe have runners in the race, so not easy to select a winner. The 3.20pm race is another competitive race on the card, and interesting that Always Waining is entered to run in this race, too. However, the same make up applies and, although he will almost certainly go for the 2.10pm race, he couldn’t be backed if going for this race either. It’s a 2 mile 5 furlong chase, and several have chances of landing the main prize. Nacarat would be the class act lining up, so with him being fit and ready after a couple of runs already this season, he looks the one to side with. The Sawyer and Fine Parchment are also of interest and should run their races.

Sandown hold a 6 race card, with the Tingle Creek at 3.05pm being the race everybody will want to be watching. Ireland’s Sizing Europe would hold a strong chance of taking this race, as he has the form in the bag, jumps well and has won over the distance. He will be the favourite for the race, but deservedly so and should take all the beating. Gauvain would appeal to each way punters at around the 12/1 mark. Chepstow (jumps), Fairyhouse (jumps) Wetherby (jumps) and Wolverhampton (evening flat) make up the rest of Saturday’s racing action.

A quiet day for racing on Sunday 4th December, with Kelso, Warwick and Fairyhouse holding meetings. The ground at Fairyhouse is expected to be heavy, so finding winners should be a tough ask. If taking an interested, then finding runners with form on heavy ground is a must. The 2.30pm at Kelso looks a good betting heat and many will be placing a few quid on Ballyfitz running the 4 mile race in the fastest time. An out and out stayer and should run a big race for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Only one place to start, and that’s Newbury on Saturday for the Hennessy Gold Cup (3.10pm) over 3 miles and 2 furlongs. Many trainers and owners will hoping the rain stays away, as the current good ground is ideal for the majority of the runners. 18 horses line up for the £85,450 first prize and the favourite at this stage is the Paul Nicholls trained Aiteen Thirtthree. He has an obvious chance as he stays and jumps well, but in such an open race it wouldn’t be too wise to take odds as short as 9/2, so it’s worth looking elsewhere for a bit of value. Sarando comes into the race after a recent win, and although he has a 4 pound penalty to carry around with him, he still has every chance in context and the current odds of around 14/1 are tempting for each way punters. Another t decent odds would be Carruthers, as with him liking to hit the front early and generally being a good jumper, he could burn many of the runners off and be fighting out the finish. He’s available at around 20/1 and would be another value each way bet. Whatever the outcome, it’s sure to be an entertaining race, as always, and so well worth watching if you’re betting or not. The rest of the Newbury card is decent, and many eyes will be on the Sportingbet Handicap Chase (3.45pm), which sees the likes of Nicky Henderson, David Pipe and Paul Nicholls as the trainers fighting it out for the money. Nicholls has two chances in the race with Fistral Beach and Hold Fast, and although both would hold chances of hitting the frame, it has to be Nicky Henderson’s Aigle D’or for many punters. Hardly lived up to expectations so far over the jumps, he’s sure to come good sooner rather than later, and this season could see him achieve better things. Newbury is a left-handed galloping track, with stiff fences. Bangor (jumps), Newcastle (jumps), Towcester (jumps), Gowran Park (jumps) and Wolverhampton (aw flat) makes up the rest of Saturday’s action. Newcastle would be by far the most interesting meeting out of those, and the Sportingbet Long Distance Hurdle (2.35pm) will be well worth watching. Big Bucks will be a very short price indeed, probably around the 1/6 mark, but he’s a class act and well worth watching to see if he can continue his long unbeaten run over hurdles. Petitfour may be the one to chase him for forecast backers.

Sunday sees the meetings at Carlisle (jumps), Leicester (jumps), Navan (jumps) and Wexford (jumps) take the limelight, and the 2.25pm race at Carlisle takes the eye from a betting perspective. Horsham Lad comes into the race in fine form, and if he doesn’t run another big race, it will be a shock to all involved with the horse, so he’s well worth a bit of interest. His dangers include Hennessy, Victory Gunner and the quietly fancied Lockstown. Carlisle is a right-handed, galloping, undulating and testing track, so runners will need to be fit and alert.

Ascot and Haydock take centre stage in the UK on Saturday, with plenty of well known horses turning up to do their stuff. The main races on Saturday would be the Coral Hurdle at Ascot and the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Both races will be popular with punters, and both are live on Channel 4 for armchair racing fans. The 2.45 at Ascot (Coral Hurdle) sees plenty of favourite horses line up, and none more so than Celestial Halo, Kachit and Lough Derg. All of these will be popular with punters, but they’ll all have to go some to beat Oscar Whiskey. He’s won 3 out of his last 4 races and looks sure to run his race and be involved in the finish. The trip and ground are both perfect for him and Nicky Henderson has been on record saying he expects a big effort from the horse. Ireland’s Barry Geraghty gets the leg up, and there’s no better jockey riding at the moment that Barry. He’s a short priced favourite, but is well deserved of his tag. The 3.05 race at Haydock (Betfair Chase) is worth £112,540 to the winner, so all are sure to be fit and ready to go. Most of the top jumping trainers have an interest, and Paul Nicholls shows off his old favourite Kauto Star. This horse is getting on a bit now, but still retains plenty of ability and should give his fans plenty to cheer about. It’ll be a great performance if he wins. Long Run is the obvious choice after last season’s exploits, so he’ll certainly take all the beating and should win to be honest. Weird Al and Time For Rupert should give him most to think about. Ascot is a right handed, galloping, testing track, with stiff fences, and Haydock is a left handed, galloping chase track with stiff fences and a sharp hurdles track. The other meetings that make up Saturday in the UK are Huntingdon (jumps), Lingfield (flat), Punchestown (Irish jumps) and Wolverhampton (flat).

Sunday has a much quieter feel about it, with Towcester and Exeter being the main meetings, and Punchestown and Cork making up the day with racing from Ireland. The ground looks sure to be soft at Exeter, so punters will be going through their race cards looking for soft ground performers. A few soft ground lovers lining up at Exeter are Minella Stars (1.30 race), Baseball Ted (2.30 race) and Rimini (3.30 race), and all of these would be fair prices and worthy of a little betting interest. Towcester is a track that isn’t too kind to favourites, and it has the worst record for winning favourites in the country, so beware favourite backers. The 1.45 race will be of interest to many, with 13 runners lining up to race over 3 miles. Paul Nicholls has entered Curtain Razer, and he should run a big race and finish in the frame, at least.

Cheltenham takes centre stage on Saturday 12th November, with a 6-race card featuring some old favourites. The Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase is the main attraction, and with a win prize of £84,425 it’s sure to be competitive. Dave’s Dream will be popular with the punters, as on his day he can run a very big race and trainer Nicky Henderson knows how to get them spot on for the big races. Dave’s Dream is well worth an each way bet at around the 12/1 mark and the fact Barry Geraghty rides puts even more ticks in the right boxes. Plenty of good horses line up and so it should be a cracking race whoever wins it.

Long distance races are normally full of thrills and spills over fences, and punters should be excited about the Rewards4racing Handicap Chase at 1.55, that’s over a testing 3 miles and 3 furlongs. Chicago Grey lines up and will love the trip and ground, so with being tuned up coming into this race, he’d be well worth a bet. Another closely contested race, and another that should excite no matter who wins. Cheltenham is a left-handed, galloping, undulating and testing track, with stiff fences and hurdles, meaning runners and riders will need to be at their best.

Lingfield (flat), Naas (Irish jumps), Uttoxeter (jumps), Wetherby (jumps) & Wolverhampton (evening, flat) are the other meetings taking place on Saturday, and the interesting races from those fixtures come from the flat at Lingfield. The 2.15 and 2.50 races are Listed events, and both are being shown live on Channel 4 Racing. Suits Me should run a decent race in the 2.15, with Five Star Junior looking the each way bet in the 2.55.

Sunday 13th November brings another 6-race card from Cheltenham, plus racing from Fontwell (jumps, and Limerick and Navan in Ireland. Again Channel 4 is showing live racing from Cheltenham, and the feature races are the Greatwood Handicap at 2.20 and the Paddy Power Mobile Intermediate Handicap at 2.55. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a few runners in the 2.20 race and Domtaline appears to be the most interesting runner. He races off a mark of 140, and although that’s 10 pounds higher than for his last win, he should still be more than capable of running a big race at around the 12/1 mark.

The 2.55 race is a wide open contest over 2 miles and 5 furlongs, and to pick a winner is a tough ask. Several come into the race in good form and so it may be worth siding with a big priced horse to finish in the frame. With that in mind, Akula is the selection for trainer Mark Tompkins.

Channel 4 have decided to show just the one race from Fontwell, the 3.15, and with it being another wide open handicap, it cements the tough ask for punters this weekend. The figure of 8 track at Fontwell isn’t the fairest of tracks for big fields over long distances, so siding with a runner that likes to race prominently could be the key to success. The race is over 3 miles and 4 furlongs, so to add to the excitement there should be plenty of thrills and spills. Aldertune likes to race up with the pace, and as an added bonus, comes into the race being fit and from champion Paul Nicholls’ yard.