ITV Racing Tips - Newmarket & Chepstow Best Bets For Today

Today's ITV Racing card features two standout contests: at 14:57 the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket and at 15:43 the DragonBet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow. Billy Grimshaw has selected a best bet in each of these races and breaks down exactly why he’s backing them...

14:57 Newmarket - Fillies' Mile

The Fillies’ Mile is a race I love as the flat season concludes - it sorts the proper two-year-old fillies from the pretenders just before their winter break. Eleven line up at 14:57 and this looks a strong renewal on paper. You need balance on the Rowley Mile, gears to travel, and the courage to see it out on the climb. I want something battle-hardened with a turn of foot, ideally already proven in Pattern company, because this can turn tactical before becoming a pure test from the bushes. Pace should be even, and I’d rather be on one who can stalk and surge.

The obvious standard-setter is PRECISE - a filly going the right way who landed the Moyglare and shapes like a mile will bring more. The chief danger could be Legacy Link, lightly raced and bred to be better than we’ve seen; she dictated last time and still had plenty left. Dance To The Music brings the Sweet Solera form and has a likeable way of racing. if she relaxes, she’ll travel into the race looking a massive threat. Queen Of Hawaii is progressive and was strong through the line last time out, while Moon Target will appreciate this trip and is tough as teak. For those fishing each-way, Sugar Island screams stayer and could sneak into the frame should they go too quick.

My vote goes to Precise, as boring as favourite backing is. Her trainer Aidan O'Brien is hunting down his own record of worldwide Group 1s, she’s hardened in the right races, travels like a good one and finds when asked. This could well be her perfect distance, although she is bred to go further, and with Christophe Soumillon proving a more than able deputy for the injured Ryan Moore, she will do for me.

15:43 Chepstow - Persian War Novices' Hurdle

The Persian War at Chepstow is a proper curtain-raiser for the jumps season, and this year’s renewal looks a strong one. The 2m 3f trip on the Old Course will test fitness and stamina, with jumping accuracy always key around here. The ground is expected to be on the easy side, which usually makes this a true test rather than a sprint from the last. You often see future Grade 1 horses emerge from this race, and the mix of proven winners and unexposed types makes it a fascinating puzzle. Billy Grimshaw has one in mind who looks ready to make his mark.

Queensbury Boy heads the market for Jonjo O’Neill and Jonjo Jr after an impressive novice campaign last term. He’s a classy sort who travels smoothly, but this will be his toughest test to date and his jumping still has to stand up to pressure. Jack Hyde represents Fergal O’Brien with Paddy Brennan on board and has the engine for this trip, though he may be vulnerable if it becomes a slog. Kainsbourg brings winning Irish form for Gordon Elliott with James Bowen taking the ride, and he shouldn’t be underestimated given his strong staying credentials. Kilwaughter, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White with Micheal Nolan riding, is another with experience and could pick up pieces if it turns attritional. Then there’s Laravie, a six-year-old from James Owen’s yard, who has been knocking on the door in lesser company but needs to find more here.

The one I want to side with is STICKTOTHEPLAN, trained by Olly Murphy and ridden by Sean Bowen. He’s an improving type who shaped with real promise in his most recent outings and looks like he’ll relish this sort of stamina test. The first-time hood should help him settle better, and Murphy’s horses tend to go well fresh. Bowen knows how to get a tune out of him, and if he travels comfortably through the race, his strong finish could see him outstay the rest up the Chepstow hill. In a race where a few may need the run, he’s the one I expect to be finishing best of all.