ITV Racing Tips: A Couple Of Additional Boxing Day Tips

There are a plethora of big races which we have given their rightful billing with individual race previews on Boxing Day, but away from the headline acts there are some fascinating betting heats set to be broadcast on ITV Racing. Billy Grimshaw has two more he recommends supporting...

12:45 Kempton - Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

ASTA LA PASTA is a horse I was expecting to be closer to 2/1 than 3/1 in here, so I am absolutely delighted to see 7/2 widely available about the Skelton's favourite and recommend you snaffle that price as I do not think the SP will look anything like as juicy. He was a dominant 35 length winner at Carlisle on his penultimate start when his pace rival's early fall left the race at his mercy, so it was rather perplexing to see him dropped in next time out at Newbury. The horse never really looked happy in that position and I'd be amazed if Harry Skelton has not learned his lesson from that defeat to what could still be a top class novice in Kalif Du Berlais, he needs to fire this lad out.

There are a few pace rivals in here but Kempton looks sure to suit, as does the step up in trip, so I am hopeful he can see off second favourite and likely front running rival Range for Sam Thomas. A mark of 130 is surely underestimating the Skelton raider in here, so despite the plethora of well handicapped rivals - notably Fire Flyer who I think will keep on improving for Paul Nicholls - I think he rates a smashing bet to hopefully kick things off in the best possible way for favourite backers buckling in for a stunning afternoon on ITV.

13:20 Kempton - Kauto Star Novices' Chase

The Jukebox Man sets the standard in here and clearly has the beating of Masaccio judging by their latest meeting at Newbury. This step up in trip for both if anything should favour the winner that day more than the loser, so I expect that formline to be upheld. He is also a bold front runner so could well be suited by Kempton, however this is a warm enough race and at the prices I think there is enough in the field to make the favourite poor value. I'll be siding with WHITE RHINO for the Greenall Guerierro operation, who looks disrespected as a 7/1 shot. He has been pretty flawless thus far in both chase starts, winning as he liked at both Ayr and Haydock over the intermediate trip.

He certainly didn't look slow on either of those starts but his best work was done late and I've no concerns whatsoever about his stamina in here. The Jukebox Man is the obvious biggest danger to my pick but I'd not want to totally discount Hyland the second favourite either. He showed a likeable attitude to win at Cheltenham last time out and has been on the go through the summer due to his liking for a sound surface. He'll get that again here but I do think White Rhino and The Jukebox Man may just have a class edge over him. At the prices, White Rhino has to be the play.