Racing Tips: Champ to rule in Challow Novices’ at Newbury?

Saturday racing odds, tips and preview

It’s the final Saturday of 2018, but there’s still time for Ed Chamberlin and the ITV crew to provide another cracking afternoon of racing.

Settle in for a quartet of races from both Doncaster and Newbury, kicking off with the 1.30 at the Yorkshire venue.

The Challow Novices’ Hurdle is the pick of the day’s contests at 3.00, with Champ up against six, including Alsa Mix and Coolanly.

Champ – 3.00 Newbury

Nicky Henderson’s Champ is the one to beat in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle, and it’s not difficult to see why.

The six-year-old arrives at Newbury as a course and distance winner, who is also seeking a fourth straight win.

After wins at Warwick and Perth at the trail end of last season, Champ ensured no confidence was lost with a victorious seasonal bow at the Berkshire track on the first of this month.

Having Barry Geraghty on board only adds further weight to the claims of Henderson’s charge to see off Brewin’Upastorm, Coolanly and Alsa Mix.

Sandy Beach – 2.25 Newbury

Philip Hobbs’ Reikers Island heads up the betting for the 2.25, but there’s plenty to consider about Sandy Beach.

Colin Tizzard’s charge ended a two-year winless streak with a fine run over 3m 2f at Uttoxeter last month on his seasonal return.

That came on good to soft ground, and with the going set to be a bit on the muddy side again, Sandy Beach has every chance in an open field.