As always, there’s plenty of great racing to enjoy this weekend, with Wincanton’s feature day headlined by the Badger Beers Handicap Chase, the season’s first race over the Grand National fences at Aintree in the competitive Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, and some high quality flat action at Doncaster.
1:45 Wincanton – JUBILEE ALPHA (7/4 generally)
As is often the case at Wincanton, Paul Nicholls looks set to field some very strong contenders, none more so than JUBILEE ALPHA, who sets a clear standard in the third race.
Rated 137, she brings the standout form to the table. She was highly effective in bumpers, winning on debut at this track before finishing a fine second in the competitive Grade 2 Mares’ Bumper at Aintree, with several subsequent winners in behind. Since then, she has progressed impressively over hurdles, winning three times, including a listed novice at Cheltenham, again beating a number of future winners.
She has shown she can go well fresh, having won on debut and run a solid race at Newbury on her reappearance in 2024. With the excellent Harry Cobden taking the ride, she looks the one to beat and can defy top weight here before stepping up in grade.
Bethpage is an admirable mare who scored nicely at Stratford but will need to find a bit more to match the Paul Nicholls’ favourite.
2:40 Aintree – KING TURGEON (7/1 generally) Each Way
Always one of the most entertaining races to watch, the Grand Sefton is typically a tricky puzzle to solve, with plenty arriving with strong claims. Our Power and Johnnywho are major players, but the one I’m siding with is KING TURGEON.
Last year’s winner is sure to have been primed for this and has an excellent record fresh, having won first time out at Chepstow last year. He won this by three and a quarter lengths last season, travelling comfortably when accounting for a couple of today’s rivals, making the running, jumping fluently, and staying on strongly without ever looking in danger. Jack Tudor will be hoping for a repeat of that performance.
His form tailed off as the season went on, but this is very much the right time to catch him. Wind surgery should help, and this race looks to be his main objective for the season.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
1:45 Wincanton – JUBILEE ALPHA (7/4 generally)
2:40 Aintree – KING TURGEON (7/1 generally) Each Way
*Odds correct at time of posting – 5:30pm Friday 7th November
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
