Saturday’s Cheltenham Tips, best bets and racing odds: Xmas can come early for Il Ridoto team

The excitement keeps on coming as we head into another busy Saturday for horse racing fans.

Those looking to take a punt will find plenty of suitors on day two of Cheltenham’s Christmas Meeting, with the Nyetimber December Gold Cup Handicap Chase and Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Trial looking particularly enticing for those seeking action-packed runs.

Il Ridoto put on a magnificent performance to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month at Cheltenham.

Billed as Paul Nicholls’ second hope behind Ginny’s Destiny, the seven-year-old ended a nine-race losing streak in sensational form, seeing off pressure with decent control for the win. Young jockey Freddie Gingell rode him beautifully, but won’t get the chance to immediately follow up after falling from Siam Park on Thursday, so Oliver Nichollas will take the reins.

This is a stacked field, but one that can reward punters who are happy to take a risk on potentially decent returns. Il Ridoto can once again be considered Nicholls’ alternative shot at victory, with Stage Star among the favourites with horse racing betting sites at around 4/1.

However, his poor run at Aintree in October suggested the horse’s powers may be waning, a factor that could become more apparent in a field that also includes Madara, Fugitif and GA Law.

Sitting just outside that pocket of pick ‘em frontrunners suits Il Ridoto perfectly. Defending champion Fugitif couldn’t catch him last time out and it could be a fun afternoon for those who believe the same will happen again.

Nyetimber December Gold Cup Handicap Chase prediction: Il Ridoto to win - 15/2 William Hill

Registered as the Bristol Novices’ Hurdle, this three mile Grade 2 run is an important trial for March’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. This isn’t a particularly strong field, but there are opportunities for punters to give themselves a shot of winning a decent return with the right pick on betting sites.

Skyjack Hijack is a clear favourite and priced up at around 2/1 at most bookies to win, followed by Clondaw General at 3/1.

The former is on an excellent run of six wins in a row and now faces his biggest test in what could be a watershed moment for his future prospects. There are potential question marks over distance and if the favourite can maintain his snappy pace, though. Clondaw General should have eyes on winning if Skyjack Hijack wilts under pressure, but there’s another shout which could interest those who are looking for a little more risk.

Western Knight has won both races entered this year and looks a smart bet each way to two places. Joe Tizzard’s horse is a smart runner and ran with the minimum of fuss at Ascot and Uttoexeter, although detractors of Skyjack Hijack’s stamina could point the same accusation his way in what should be a revealing race.

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Trial prediction: Western Knight each way - 4/1 bet365

When having a bet, it’s vital to practice responsible gambling.

Betting can be addictive and it’s important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop.

Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self exclusion options, to help them stay in control.

But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.