Today's Racing Tips: Five bets at Cheltenham and Doncaster on Saturday

There are five bets for today’s racing at Cheltenham and Doncaster.

Cheltenham Tips

12:15 – 2m1f SSS Super Alloys Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)

The top weight MASTERS LEGACY (1 point win bet at 8/1) has been running well in some good races and is fancied to get back in the winners’ enclosure today. Successful on good ground at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance in October, he has finished second in two of his three starts since and was fifth to the high-class Dashel Drasher on the other occasion. His defeat at Taunton last time out came behind an impressive winner but he was sent off as favourite that day. Connections have opted to fit a tongue tie for the first time and that could make a difference. He’ll appreciate the stiff finish and won’t have any issue with ground conditions. Hystery Bere and Lively Citizen are feared most.

13:20 – 2m4½f Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase (Class 2)

YOUR DARLING (1 point win bet at 5/1) has been well supported and comes here open to more improvement with conditions very much to suit. Unbeaten in two previous starts in good ground handicaps (hurdles and fences), he ran well to finish third in a competitive race at Kempton on Boxing Day. Hampered early on by a faller, he then jumped well and looked the likely winner for most of the straight. In fact, he jumped the last in the lead but was passed close home by two rallying runners. He lines up off the same handicap mark today and should go well. Also on the shortlist are Imperial Alcazar and When You’re Ready.

13:55 – 2m4½f Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

JACAMAR (1 point win bet at 8/1) is the only one of these to hold a Grade 1 entry and is clearly held in very high regard by connections. After a couple of solid efforts in defeat, he responded well to first time cheekpieces to win at Kempton on Boxing Day. He beat Your Darling, my selection for the 13:20, that day and showed a good attitude to reel in that horse and keep Mister Coffey at bay. That headgear is retained today and this test will be ideal. His proven stamina over the trip will be an advantage and he is very well suited by racing on good ground. Paddy Brennan gets back on board and looks set for a good ride.

At a huge price, I’d also give a chance to GAELIK COAST (0.5 point win bet at 33/1), who clearly has talent but can be a little inconsistent. This will be his first start since a wind operation and that could rejuvenate him. Versatile in terms of ground, he is a horse with plenty of stamina and should be strong at the finish if he is able to handle the step up in grade.

Doncaster Tip

15:20 – 3m Sky Bet Handicap Chase (Listed)

FUSIL RAFFLES (NAP - 1 point win bet at 11/2) brings plenty of class and a high level of form to this race and is the one to beat. With an entry in the Ryanair Chase, it’d be no surprise to see this Grade 1-winning hurdler use this as a stepping stone to bigger targets later in the season. He finished a respectable fourth in a Cheltenham Grade 3 when sent off as the well backed favourite last time out and was a rock-solid second behind Chantry House in the Grade 1 Marsh Novices’ Chase at the Festival back in March. Second to Bravemansgame on his seasonal reappearance in October, he landed the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby when last seen, albeit in fortunate circumstances. Everything looks in his favour today and Nicky Henderson’s improving seven-year-old can outclass his rivals and land this valuable handicap. Midnight Shadow and Demachine can chase home the selection.