Horse Racing Betting Tips: You should have a few Buttons on Willie Boy and Federici at Donny
CHELTENHAM takes centre stage this weekend, but there is some decent racing at Doncaster as well, where the big betting race is the Sky Bet Chase (3.15pm).
Just 11 runners are set to go to post for the £100,000 contest, which is a smaller field than normal and is undoubtedly due to the dry winter we’ve had.
Hot favourite Dingo Dollar has been declared, despite trainer Alan King’s concerns over possible quick ground, and he is easily the most likely winner following his excellent third in the Ladbrokes Trophy last time.
He will surely be rated higher than his current mark of 148 by the end of the season, although that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a bet here at 11/4.
The ground is a worry and I’d rather take a chance on two bigger-priced contenders who could sneak into the frame, and potentially win.
FEDERICI was fifth in this race 12 months ago, beaten just 2¾ lengths and he comes here tomorrow off a 1lb lower mark.
He ran a decent race in the Becher Chase at Aintree last time out and will appreciate the return to better ground.
With blinkers reapplied, Brian Hughes in the saddle and a lovely racing weight, he looks a good each-way bet at 14/1.
I can also see Charlie Longsdon’s WILLIE BOY running a big race at around the 10/1 mark following his impressive win at Wetherby on Boxing Day.
He was travelling well when falling four out in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November and showed that he was well ahead of his mark last time.
The step up to 3m is a slight question mark, but he won a point-to-point over the distance, while the decent ground should help him get home.
LADY BUTTONS is fast becoming one of the most popular mares in training and she can give her fans another reason to cheer in the Grade Two Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle (2.40pm).
Phil Kirby’s nine-year-old is unbeaten this season, winning once over hurdles and twice over fences.
She was also entered for a Listed mares’ chase at Huntingdon this afternoon, but connections have opted for this instead and she should be backed at 11/10.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Lady Buttons 2.40pm Doncaster
Federici e/w 3.15pm Doncaster
Willie Boy e/w 3.15pm Doncaster