There are seven ITV1 races to try to crack this afternoon, from Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton. The feature race of the day at the glitzy Berkshire venue is the concluding Grade 1 Ascot Chase. There is also a 3m Premier Handicap Chase to enjoy.
The extended 3m 4f Grand National Trial Premier Handicap Chase is the highlight on the Haydock card, and the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle is also broadcast from Wincanton.
Our expert has come up with a selection for every race on ITV1.
ITV Racing predictions – Ascot, Wincanton and Haydock, Saturday February 17
Clive Gildon has recommendations for all seven races today and you can read the analysis behind his selections below.
Add these tips directly to your bet slip by clicking on each pick.
Already used the Betfred sign-up offer? Take a look at more great bookmaker offers and the best betting sites.
Ascot, 1.50 – Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (3m, Grade 2)
Paul Nicholls trained the winner of this race in 2018, Black Corton, and his 2024 representative BRAVE KINGDOM makes the most appeal at the prices in a trappy five-runner contest. The current favourite Apple Away has the best chance at the weights, but her chasing career has been sufficiently mixed so far to be wary of short odds. The selection arrives 2-2 over regulation fences with the possibility of more to come over a trip he stays well.
Selection: Brave Kingdom @ 7/2 with Betfred
Wincanton, 2.05 – Jennings Bet Kingwell Hurdle (1m 7f, Grade 2)
NEMEAN LION, representing Kerry Lee, is the least exposed contender in a five-runner field that reads quite tight on paper, and he may be able to resume his progression. The drop back down to 1m 7f on testing ground may suit and the seven-year-old is a more palatable option than relying on first-time blinkers reviving the 2021 and 2022 winner Goshen.
Selection: Nemean Lion @ 3/1 with Betfred
Ascot, 2.25 – Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handicap Hurdle (2m 3½f)
Five places are up for grabs when betting each-way with Betfred on this big-field handicap hurdle and RARE EDITION, representing Charlie Longsdon, bounced back to form when second at Doncaster in December and then returned to winning ways in good style at Kempton last month. The son of French sire Califet should appreciate this return to a slightly longer trip on this course and he can be right in the mix once again from a 3lb higher rating.
Selection: Rare Edition @ 11/2 with Betfred
Haydock, 2.40 – Virgin Bet Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2, 3m)
Paul Nicholls won this race with Zarkandar in 2017 and his 2024 representative RED RISK makes some appeal back on testing ground after a small break since finishing eighth on good ground at Ascot in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle in December. Nicholls is 8-30 (27 per cent) in the 14 days before racing yesterday and the selection has decent claims on these favourable terms on the pick of his form.
Selection: Red Risk @ 3/1 with Betfred
Ascot, 3.00 – Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Swinley Premier Handicap Chase (3m)
SHAN BLUE, representing an in-form Dan Skelton, took a significant step back in the direction when staying on for third over a shorter trip on this course in December and he is worth another chance to make the most of this exploitable 1lb higher mark stepping back up to 3m. The selection is 3-10 on good to soft ground, so the likely easier surface should suit.
Selection: Shan Blue @ 6/1 with Betfred
Haydock, 3.15 – Virgin Bet Grand National Trial Premier Handicap Chase (3m 4½f)
IWILLDOIT faced a thankless task up against L’homme Presse on unfavourable terms at Lingfield last month but performed with a degree of credit. The selection is only 2lb higher than when winning the Classic Chase at Warwick over this sort of trip on heavy ground in January last year and he makes some each-way appeal with Betfred offering place terms down to fourth.
Selection: Iwilldoit @ 7/1 with Betfred
Ascot, 3.36 – Betfair Ascot Chase (2m 5f, Grade 1)
L’HOMME PRESSE can enhance the profitable 10-year record of favourites in this race by building on his promising winning return to action over slightly further at Lingfield last month, and give his trainer Venetia Williams her first success in this contest since Teeton Mill, under Norman Williamson, in 1999. The selection has won over this course and distance on good to soft ground and is upwards of 7lb clear of his three opponents on the book.
Selection: L’homme Presse @ 8/11 with Betfred
Want to find out more about the latest UK horse racing action?
For more expert opinion on the latest ITV Racing card, check out these ITV Racing predictions from bettingexpert.