Racing Tips: Birchdale to come good for Henderson at Cheltenham?

Saturday’s racing odds, tips and preview

With the racing world gearing up for Cheltenham Festival in March, many eyes will be on the famous course this weekend to see how the hopefuls fare on Trials Day.

There’s a raft of top racing from there on ITV today, as well as a few intriguing contests at Doncaster – including a 3m Listed Handicap.

We run the rule over the action and deliver those weekly tips…

Birchdale – 3:00 Cheltenham

Jockey Barry Geraghty is in decent form at present, riding four winners in the last month – including 8/1 shot Malinas Jack at Leopardstown. And he’s back in action for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, on Nicky Henderson’s Birchdale.

The five-year-old won his only prior race in a competitive field of 17 in the Maiden Hurdle at Warwick last month. Having won by four lengths in that race, it’s no surprise to see him amongst the favourites as he pairs up again with Geraghty.

Factor in a disappointing ride at Newbury for fellow challenger Brewin’upastorm a few weeks back, and this looks like Birchdale’s to lose.

Midnight Shadow – 3:35 Cheltenham

The Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle looks set to be an intriguing contest. Black Op and Paisley Park are likely to be strong contenders, but this could be Midnight Shadow’s day.

Sue Smith’s charge has already won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham this month, beating the much-fancied Wholestone to triumph in the Relkeel Hurdle on New Year’s Day.