BOXING DAY BONANZA

Our annual blow out as we preview every single race in the UK and Ireland this Boxing Day with selections, analysis and tips for for each contest.

Kieran McHugh previews Down Royal.

11:40 DOWN ROYAL

A deep race but Sept Etoiles was fourth in a deep race on his debut. This is arguably easier and the step up in trip will suit as well.

SEPT ETOILES (WIN)

12:15 DOWN ROYAL

Champagne Jury will be difficult to beat but Live Your Dreams could provide some value. He’s related to Un De Sceaux and his sire’s progeny are going well. Maybe a dark horse.

LIVE YOUR DREAMS (E/W)

12:48 DOWN ROYAL

A difficult race. Esticky End carries the least of all in this race and his flat form could come to the fore. You’d be worried about his temperament, but he represents decent value.

ESTICKY END (E/W)

13:23 DOWN ROYAL

A race in which I feel sorry for the commentator! Glenashling has won here over hurdles and comes into this on a good mark. If he stays, he’ll be hard to beat.

GLENASHLING (WIN)

13:58 DOWN ROYAL

I A Connect has ran in deeper races than this and he is 12lbs better off over fences. Off the back of two pretty good runs, he’s hard not to fancy.

I A CONNECT (WIN)

14:33 DOWN ROYAL

A good race. Its On The Line is always a tricky customer, and The Goffer is an intriguing alternative. However, My Life Be Like has been running well and his connections cannot be ignored in these events.

MY LIFE BE LIKE (WIN)

15:08 DOWN ROYAL

Henry De Bromhead has a good record in bumpers and Sharu can add another to that tally. He’s by Sea Moon and is well related, with his Dam placing in bumpers at this distance.

SHARU (WIN)

Alan Morris previews Sedgefield.

11:45 SEDGEFIELD

Scorsese looks ready to gain his first chase success at a track his yard do well at with a hurdle success at this course that not every horse takes to.

SCORCESE (WIN)

12:20 SEDGEFIELD

The free-going pair of Dalston Lad and Atlantic Lad could take each other on but seem a long way ahead of the opposition. Harry Atkins’ 7lb claim and Atlantic Lad’s penalty directs me to Dalston Lad.

DALSTON LAD (WIN)

12:50 SEDGEFIELD

Bohemond Antioch might get first run on the frustrating Country Park around the turns of Sedgefield and a chance is taken for a minor upset.

BOHEMOND ANTIOCH (WIN)

13:25 SEDGEFIELD

Jaitroplaclasse is an each-way shout with those paying on three places. His in-form trainer has success from very limited forays this far, and sending one horse on Boxing Day seems a sign of intent!

JAITROPLACLASSE (E/W)

14:00 SEDGEFIELD

Sign Again drops in class for another trainer with a 30% strike rare on selected journeys to Sedgefield and is currently a big price with bookies paying e/w to three places

SIGN AGAIN (E/W)

14:35 SEDGEFIELD

A moderate bunch and the lightly-raced Livano Bello is tipped to go one better after two promising seconds. Balranald can go well at an each-way price.

LIVANO BELLO (WIN)

BALRANALD (E/W)

15:10 SEDGEFIELD

Some interesting ex-pointers and from a stable who have a good record in this race Red Wine Supernova can fall right in here.

RED WINE SUPERNOVA (WIN)

Dean Kilbryde pinpoints selections at Wetherby.

11:52 WETHERBY

Rose Mahler ran well for second on hurdles debut at Uttoxeter last month and could put that experience to good use by going one better today. Dan Skelton tends to do well at the course so any positive market moves for Laffer Curve should be monitored.

ROSE MAHLER (WIN)

12:27 WETHERBY

Florita was an eye-catching winner on chase debut at Market Rasen earlier in the month. He’s been hit with a 9lbs rise but should be able to follow up here as today’s opposition look average at best.

FLORITA (WIN)

13:00 WETHERBY

Lillistar has made the frame in five of her last six over hurdles and the form of the most recent two runs has worked out well so, getting plenty of weight from all and with jockey Alice Stevens claiming an additional 3lbs, she is taken to come out on top today.

LILLISTAR (WIN)

14:10 WETHERBY

Be The Difference is unbeaten in his last three, coping well with the drop back in trip last time out, yet a career high mark and a jump in class means preference is for Glen Road who is a prior course and distance winner who also arrives here in excellent form having won four of his last six yet could still be capable of more.

GLEN ROAD (WIN)

14:45 WETHERBY

Big City Roller was a wide margin winner in testing conditions at Bangor when last seen in February and has an excellent record fresh so is taken to get the better of recent Newcastle third Joecooker and Get Up Mush who hasn’t been seen since September 2024 and may find this trip on the short side.

BIG CITY ROLLER (WIN)

15:20 WETHERBY

Hourless didn’t run too badly when fourth over track and trip earlier this month and has been dropped 2lbs for that effort. Today sees a drop in class and a race that, on paper at least, looks a great opportunity for trainer John Dixon to grab his first winner of the year.

HOURLESS (WIN)

Kieran McHugh heads to Fontwell to find some winners.

11:57 FONTWELL

Morning Mayhem looks to hold a good hand in this race, but the vote goes to course specialist Motazzen. He’s two from three here and won this last year.

MOTAZZEN (WIN)

12:32 FONTWELL

McGrath From Clune is going to be well supported but a case can be made for Jackeline. She made a bad error at a crucial point on Chase debut, and this trip will suit better.

JACKELINE (WIN)

13:07 FONTWELL

Fortune Timmy’s third at Kempton has worked out well but Fountains Blenhein has a good record here, winning twice before. There could still be more to come from him.

FOUNTAINS BLENHEIN (WIN)

13:42 FONTWELL

Jalisco Star dominated a small field at Uttoxeter, and her jockey negates the 7lbs rise she received for that performance. If she puts that type of effort in again, she’s a big player.

JALISCO STAR (WIN)

14:17 FONTWELL

No Mean Feat is intriguing, but his absence is a worry. So, the vote must go with Grand Conqueror. He won pretty well on his handicap debut, and this seems easy enough for him to go back-to-back.

GRAND CONQUEROR (WIN)

14:52 FONTWELL

Interesting race for which the vote goes to Ronnies Reflection. He dead-heated here last month and arrives today with carrying a pound less. This is winnable for him.

RONNIES REFLECTION (WIN)

15:27 FONTWELL

Double The Dance is a big danger, but a chance could be taken on Lancier Des Obeaux. He’s related to the numerous winners and carries less than most in this. He’s worth opposing the favourite for.

LANCIER DES OBEAUX (WIN)

John Arnold heads to Liverpool as he previews the action at Aintree.

12:00 AINTREE

The Boxing Day card opens with a trappy handicap hurdle in which I believe is a tale of two mares by Walk in the Park. Excelling at stud producing great progeny over timber both Hard Dealt and Broomfield Aderra have strong claims. Harry Skelton being at the track for more marquee rides but the latter for his brother appeals. Hard Dealt does get a stone nearly in weight and with soft ground this could be the difference.

HARD DEALT (E/W)

12:30 AINTREE

A small but select field lines up in this chase with familiar foes. Heltenham is turning into the perennial bridesmaid and I think will again come up short behind the northern raider Minella Drama trained by Donald McCain and ridden by Brian Hughes. Two months ago course and distance form should get him in front here.

MINELLA DRAMA (WIN)

13:40 AINTREE

The passing this past week of Blue Bresil the sire of Indeevar Bleu could mean a very poignant day for Olly Murphys charge who was second last time out in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury. Jack Tudor takes over from Sean Bowen employed at Kempton. I expect Supremely West to follow him home. 

INDEEVAR BLEU (WIN)

14:15 AINTREE

The Twiston Davies stable has been busy placing horses of late to ignite the winning thread. Josh The Boss comes here off a win at Doncaster and I expect a big effort. Blenkinsop won at Exeter over this distance after a midfield Cheltenham finish. Henry Daly's charge should back that up here. 

JOSH THE BOSS (WIN)

14:50 AINTREE

Harry Skelton and Chuggy have performed superbly in the past three races at Warwick and Uttoxeter and bid for a four timer here. I was impressed by his fluent jumping at both tracks and can see Aintree playing to his strengths. Mambonumberfive for Ben Pauling comes into this from two wins one being course and distance here. I would expect a good match up from them both.

MAMBONUMBERFIVE (E/W)

15.25 AINTREE

Point to point races are usually a yardstick for NH Flat contests and I foresee this contest being so with the David Pipe trained No Walkover a quality contender who toughed out a previous bumper win at Chepstow in similar conditions. I would expect Jack Tudor to look to replicate this here. 

NO WALKOVER (WIN)

Rory Paddock hunts down some hot fancies at one of Ireland's premier Boxing Day meetings.

12:05 LEOPARDSTOWN

Willie Mullins’ French import Leader d’Allier looks the clear one to beat with consecutive wins over in his native France already under his belt and although his price might be ridiculously short it’s hard to look elsewhere. Shoda could be an each way alternative and of the newcomers Straight John could outrun his odds.

LEADER D’ALLIER (WIN)

12:35 LEOPARDSTOWN

Doctor Du Mesnil is another short priced Mullins runner but an each way option comes in the form of Kilgame who, despite having to overcome a sizeable break, has showed glimmers of promise in their career so far and could sneak into the frame.

KILGAME (E/W)

13:10 LEOPARDSTOWN

Having competed at listed level on the flat and winning on hurdling debut Barbizon looks capable of doing the business for trainer Gordon Elliott even though Narciso Has looks the most likely to go off favourite it’s Elliotts charge that gets the nod with an honourable mention also going to Puppet Master.

BARBIZON (WIN)

13:45 LEOPARDSTOWN

Yet to shake off their maiden tag in three starts so far Jacko Star has produced solid performances in all three runs to date. He’s been given a fair mark for what will be his handicap debut and this could be his first career success. Fellow JP McManus owned Powerful also has solid claims but might struggle off top weight.

JACKO STAR (E/W)

14:20 LEOPARDSTOWN

Salvator Mundi already has a win over Romeo Coolio but it came as a shock to see him beat at Thurles on his return to action. A better effort looks likely this time around but it’s difficult to see him repeating his Aintree heroics and it’s Romeo Coolios race to lose.

ROMEO COOLIO (WIN)

14:55 LEOPARDSTOWN

A race to be approached with caution where a case could easily be made for at least half of the field. A chance is taken with The King Of Prs who’s competed at a much higher level than this and should be fitter for his latest outing. Also runs off a better mark and weighted to go much closer.

KING OF PRS (E/W)

15:30 LEOPARDSTOWN

A winner of their only point to point start Outofafrika could be an option for punters hunting down some each way value however it’s hard not to be swayed towards fellow point to point victor Heldam. Hailing from a powerhouse stable and representing major owners he looks primed to make his rules debut a winning one.

HELDAM (WIN)

Dean Kilbryde heads to Limerick for some Boxing Day winners.

12:25 LIMERICK

Bertutea posted a couple of encouraging placed efforts under Bryony Frost when trained in France and, given the opposition he encounters today, should be capable of making his UK debut a winning one for Willie Mullins.

BERTUTEA (WIN)

12:58 LIMERICK

Starting Fifteen was only beaten a length by a subsequent Grade 3 winner on hurdles debut over course and distance when last seen and a similar effort today should see him go close.

STARTING FIFTEEN (E/W)

13:33 LIMERICK

This looks to be between The Big Clubman and County Final, with preference for the latter given his impressive win at Navan in September was followed by another solid performance when second behind a subsequent winner when racing over an inadequate trip at Punchestown when last seen.

COUNTY FINAL (WIN)

14:08 LIMERICK

Cathryn’s Ruby won well at Wexford in October and was still in contention when falling at the final flight when last seen at Thurles in November. She races off the same mark today and if none the worse for the tumble should be able to make her presence felt.

 CATHRYN’S RUBY (E/W)

14:40 LIMERICK

Anotherway failed to live up to early expectations when trained by Willie Mullins and hasn’t set the world alight since changing stables, yet there is a sneaking suspicion that he’s going to come good before long and as such he can be given one last chance here today.

ANOTHERWAY (WIN)

15:15 LIMERICK

Dream In The Park won this race last season and could be worth an each way play now dropping back in trip, yet preference is for Happy Dreams who has made the frame in all eight prior trips to the course, winning four, and won a Listed contest off a mark of 112 here in 2023. In form and 5lbs below that best winning mark, he could prove too strong for his rivals today.

HAPPY DREAMS (WIN)

15:50 LIMERICK

Storm Queen impressed when an all the way winner of a point to point in April, showing plenty of promise and not looking short on speed. As such she’s the selection to round off the Limerick card today.

STORM QUEEN (WIN)

Toby Darby takes in the card at Market Rasen as he previews their Boxing Day action.

12:40 MARKET RASEN

The form of Four Springs debut isn’t spectacular and Cobden is replaced by Beau Morgan which wouldn’t be ideal. Japetus has plenty of experience including a win over C&D and could make it show.

JAPETUS (WIN)

13:15 MARKET RASEN

I’m going for a quick fire Danny McMenamin, Benmore returned to form with a ready win last time and the extra furlong shouldn’t be a bother. I would be suprised if Maghlaak can perform at this distance over obstacles.

BENMORE (WIN)

13:47 MARKET RASEN

Gotthereintheend returns from a long layoff and could well improve for the run. Gms Prince could be a fair price to make the frame after his win over this course earlier in the season.

GMS PRINCE (E/W)

14:22 MARKET RASEN

Dan Skelton is sure to have a winner on this card at some point and I think it could be Delgany Deadline, he made good headway from behind in a bigger field and could find this race more to his liking.

DELGANY DEADLINE (E/W)

14:57 MARKET RASEN

Last years winning trainer returns with a new contender in The Big Briac, a winner on return followed up by a 3rd LTO, the form of which has been franked already, he carries a light weight and should be right in the mix

THE BIG BRIAC (WIN)

15:32 MARKET RASEN

This final race was definitely the hardest to way up, I think this slightly shorter trip could see As Fast As Wind back in a better light that when fading over further last time. Course winner Ghasham could be the biggest danger.

AS FAST AS WIND (WIN)

Rory Paddock looks at the races not shown on ITV from Kempton.

15:05 KEMPTON

Zamek finished miles ahead of the rest when producing a battling performance to claim second on hurdling debut. A repeat of that effort should be more than enough for him to make the frame once again and looks the sensible each way option. Klub De Reve and at bigger odds Jimbo Sport could throw down a challenge.

ZAMEK (E/W)

15:40 KEMPTON

A race in which an argument could be made to back most of the field and it's hard to narrow down or be confident in a race such as this. Jus De Citron and Paso Doble may go well at bigger odds and the hattrick seeking Onewaywest cannot be ignored either. A tentative chance is taken on North Lodge who, despite the burden of top weight and a 755 day absence has always gone well in all five runs. Not one to be overly confident with but a repeat of his most recent effort would give him a fair shot.

NORTH LODGE (E/W)

John Arnold's thoughts, analysis and tips for Wincanton.

12:53 WINCANTON

The form of Blacksamsenorita over the past five outings is solid. Joe Tizzard and Brendan Powell team up with this Black Sam Bellamy mare and will look to use the extra four furlongs to produce similar. Clotilda has produced decent placed finishes for Paul Nicholls and can follow her home.

BLACKSAMSENORITA (WIN)

13:28 WINCANTON

Alan Kings mare chased home a smart type at Newbury last time out and I am with Charisma Cat to get herself in front here. Her form reads well for this contest and I would also see Pollyannas Dream following her home after a strong perfomance placed last time out.

CHARISMA CAT (WIN)

14:03 WINCANTON

This trappy contest over three miles sees many contenders stepping up from previous less distances. I would side with Phillip Hobbs and Johnson Whites contender Saint Anapolino who has posted sound efforts since October. Others to consider include Pilsdon Pen from Jeremy Scotts stable who has progressed significantly this year.

SAINT ANAPOLINO (E/W)

14:38 WINCANTON

Gary and Josh Moore have really got a good tune from Rip Wheeler this season and bids for the three timer here after strong performances at Huntingdon and Lingfield. I expect another solid effort here. His old foe Staff Sergeant Len could improve for the places. 

RIP WHEELER (WIN)

15:13 WINCANTON

Freddie Keighley's Absolutely Doyen has been an impressive performer this season and can follow up here in this trappy affair. Botox Has fell in the Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury and can make up for that with a bolder showing here.

ABSOLUTELY DOYEN (WIN)

15:45 WINCANTON

Following a second placed finish at Uttoxeter seven days ago Thankyouandplease bounces out quickly to seek more reward here. The Authorized breed Syd Hosie gelding will enjoy this event. Another of note is Prince Rhinegold who ran admirably in staying on for second in a course and distance contest last month. 

THANKYOUANDPLEASE (WIN)

Rory Paddock previews the only all-weather racing on Boxing Day with selections from Wolverhampton.

13:12 WOLVERHAMPTON

Despite having to deal with an 8lb rise in weight Stratusnine was so impressive when winning here last time that the additional weight shouldn’t stop him from winning what looks a pretty weak contest. As a three year old he’s also got enough room for further improvement.

STRATUSNINE (WIN)

13:50 WOLVERHAMPTON

Despite improving since the addition of blinkers Sovereign Wealth could find themselves playing second fiddle for the third time in a row. Handicap debutant Heart Beats True put in a dominant display at Southwell when last seen and a repeat of that effort should be good enough to win once more. They are the standout pair.

HEART BEATS TRUE (WIN)

14:25 WOLVERHAMPTON

The form of She’s Divine’s recent run looks strong with the winner going on to claim a listed contest. Despite her near six month stint on the sidelines if she’s fit and raring to go she can claim her first success at the third time of asking. Although Green Dame is sure to attract plenty of market support it’s Kevin Ryan’s Harmonised that looks the biggest danger.

SHE’S DIVINE (WIN)

15:00 WOLVERHAMPTON

Catch Cunningham is without a win in well over a year but his last came here over this course and distance. He’s gone well fresh after a break previously and is on a very attractive mark. With the advantage of stall one also likely to aid his chances he looks to have a great each way chance.

CATCH CUNNINGHAM (E/W)

15:35 WOLVERHAMPTON

We could see a royal winner here on Boxing Day as last time out winner Aeolian looks to finish ahead of the winner of this race last year Paradias. The older of the two horses had been there and done it before however the weight advantage for the three year old could be enough to sway things in the youngsters favour.

AEOLIAN (WIN)

16:05 WOLVERHAMPTON

Queue Dos wasn’t far away in a better race last time and should appreciate this drop in class. All three career wins have come here at Wolverhampton and she isn’t on an insurmountable mark either. Can go close once again.

QUEUE DOS (E/W)

16:35 WOLVERHAMPTON

Former course and distance winner Arcadian Nights finished just over 2 lengths behind Zryan here when last seen and that form could easily be reversed. Mark Loughnane’s runner should be fitter after his latest outing and looks capable of making the frame.

ARCADIAN NIGHTS (E/W)

17:05 WOLVERHAMPTON

The slightly shorter trip could play into the hands of Silkies Sib who’s partnered by a very interesting and talented jockey. Although Hackney Diamonds might make more appeal from a form perspective the James Owen runner looks far better value from a punting perspective.

SILKIES SIB (E/W)

17:35 WOLVERHAMPTON

Galaxy Wonder made a good impression on their stable debut and looks set to finish just as close this time around. That being said Seconds Count showed promise when last seen and this longer trip could play into the horses hands.

SECONDS COUNT (E/W)

Read Our TV Tips For All Six Live ITV Races This Boxing Day, Including The King George VI Chase