Grab your binoculars and steady your nerves. Saturday, January 24th, is a proper winter scorcher. While the eyes of the racing world are fixed on the hallowed undulations of Cheltenham for Trials Day, the gritty stamina tests at Doncaster offer plenty of opportunities to catch the bookies cold.
Here is your combined Silks & Shenanigans guide to tomorrow’s high-stakes action.
🏔️ The Main Event: Cheltenham Trials Day
This isn’t just a race meeting; it’s a reconnaissance mission. The ground is currently Soft (Good to Soft in places), and every race on the eight-race card is a literal trial for the Festival in March.
🏆 The Cotswold Chase (14:25)
The big guns are out for this Gold Cup dress rehearsal.
- The Star: Grey Dawning (4/7) is the one to beat. After a monster win in the Betfair Chase, Dan Skelton’s star is looking to cement his place as Britain’s best hope for the Gold Cup.
- The Defender: L’Homme Presse won this last year and thrives on the New Course. At around 4/1, he’s the class alternative if you think the favorite is too short. But V Williams strike rate is significantly lower this season.
- The Irish Raider: Spillane’s Tower makes his first trip across the water this term. He’s a Grade 1 winner who could easily spoil the party.
🥊 The International Hurdle (15:00)
A clash of the titans between Sir Gino and The New Lion. Sir Gino is the current 5/4 favorite for the Champion Hurdle, but he faces a massive test here. Many are calling it a match race, if you’re looking for value, the market may underestimate whichever one isn’t leading at the second last.
🏇 The Best of the Rest: Doncaster & Beyond
While Cheltenham takes the headlines, Doncaster hosts the historic Great Yorkshire Chase (14:05). The ground there is Soft (Heavy in places), so only the toughest mudlarks need apply.
🏆 Great Yorkshire Chase (14:05 Doncaster)
- The Pick: Grand Geste (5/2) is the Timeform top-rated horse here. He has a high cruising speed and seems perfectly suited for this 3-mile test.
- The Mudlark: Keep an eye on Josh The Boss. He loves a slog and won impressively at this track back in November.
💎 The “Naps” (Best Bets)
Bet Type
Horse
Race
Why?
The Banker
Grey Dawning
14:25 Cheltenham
The model of consistency. Should handle the soft ground with ease.
The Punt
Uncle Bert
13:15 Cheltenham
Nigel Twiston-Davies is the king of Trials Day. This horse is a course specialist and a steal at 9/1.
The Flat Nap
Highland Crystal
12:20 Doncaster
Timeform’s highest-rated juvenile on the card. Looks to have a gear her rivals lack.
🎰 The “Shenanigans” Longshot
Prairie Wolf (13:15 Cheltenham) Coming in at 14/1, this one is the classic Silks & Shenanigans “each-way sneak.” He’s a tough traveler who has been hitting the frame in big handicaps all season. If the pace collapses up front, expect him to be staying on strongest of all up the hill.
📊 Timeform Best Rated (At a Glance)
- 14:25 Cheltenham: Grey Dawning (Clear of the field on adjusted figures)
- 15:00 Cheltenham: Sir Gino (Elite speed figures for his age)
- 14:05 Doncaster: Grand Geste (Top-rated for the Great Yorkshire Chase)
Silks and Shenanigans 