Matt Chapman’s Top ITV Racing Picks for Saturday: Expert Tips & Predictions

Matt Chapman’s Cheltenham Betting Tips

**13.45 Cheltenham** – Leau Du Sud

**14.20 Cheltenham** – Protektorat (each-way)

**14.55 Cheltenham** – Gowel Road (each-way)

**15.15 Newcastle** – The Foxes (each-way)

**15.30 Cheltenham** – Wyenot (each-way)

**15.48 Newcastle** – Annaf

*All prices are current, while odds listed here are subject to change.

ITV Racing returns Saturday with events from Cheltenham and Newcastle. The day begins with the Grade 2 novices’ chase over 2m. Leau Du Sud was a non-runner recently on good ground, but he seems to perform best in muddy conditions. If he races, he should perform well for Harry and Dan Skelton.

Leau Du Sud is rated 148, suggesting he can lead against Lookaway. He jumped well in his last match, aside from a single mistake, and he has good stamina.

The featured race is the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase over 2m4f. Expect plenty of speed here. Ginny’s Destiny may be challenging to catch. Ga Law, the defending champion, could also return to form.

I’m backing Protektorat, who previously helped this column with a win at Cheltenham in March. If prepared after 218 days off, he should perform well. He typically jumps well and has handled good ground before.

His current mark is 167, which is challenging, but he’s a strong contender on his best day. I’ll place an each-way bet on him.

A 3m handicap hurdle follows. This race appears open. I think Gowel Road has a solid each-way chance despite being rated high at 143. He recently moved up 2lb after his last race.

He finished sixth in this event at Cheltenham in March. On better ground, he might handle the hill better, as he tired late last time, and Sam Twiston-Davies will ride for his father, Nigel.

Next is the Listed Churchill Stakes over 1m2f. A strong race is expected. The Foxes is my pick for an each-way bet with Oisin Murphy riding for Andrew Balding. He has shown he can stay well and has previously finished fifth in the Derby. Though rated 113, he’s now at 108, suggesting he has more talent than shown. With 7lb from Dubai Honour, he should be competitive.

Then, we have a 2m5f handicap hurdle. Wyenot is young and seems to thrive at longer distances. This will be her farthest race to date.

She recently won at this track over a shorter distance and is now raised 6lb, making it tougher. However, she is in good form and may lead the race strongly.

Finally, in the Listed Golden Rose Stakes over 6f, Annaf has potential but is currently out of form. Mick Appleby’s horse won in Riyadh this February but has struggled since. He placed reasonably in a Group 3 at Newbury and may still be a strong choice, though my confidence is not high.

Good luck and let’s hope for some winners!

Cheltenham ITV Racing Tips