Saturday ITV Racing Tips: Best free bets for Kempton, Southwell and Newcastle on February 22

The Cheltenham Festival is not far off, so we'll warm up for that massive event with seven races including three Grade 2s and the Labrokes Trophy from Kempton.

Plus two from Southwell, including the Group 3 Winter Derby Stakes, while the epic Eider Chase is the big one from Newcastle.

Let's begin with a quick run through of our ITV tips, with the reasons why we've picked them further down the page.

If you fancy a punt or two, check out the Planet Sport race centre which will show you all the live odds, racecards and results.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's latest update)

 

Saturday's ITV tips

13:50 (Kempton) Rubaud

14:10 (Newcastle) O'Connell

14:25 (Kempton) Mondo Man

14:40 (Southwell) Diligent Harry

15:00 (Kempton) Tripoli Flyer

15:15 (Southwell) Military Academy

15:35 (Kempton) Hyland

 

13:50 (Kempton) Rubaud

Classy hurdler Rubaud progressed from a difficult chasing debut when second in a Warwick G2 (2mf).

His trainer Paul Nicholls has won the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Pendil Novices' Chase thirteen times previously and with champion jockey Harry Cobden is in the saddle, this seven-year-old can't be ruled out.

Imperial Saint found success in three of his five fences outings. Excellent third in a competitive Cheltenham handicap (2m4 3/4f) last start and will be a key danger.

Ashdale Bob seems to be progressing with fences. Won a Galway G3 in August and not ruled out delivering first attempt since.

 

14:10 (Newcastle) O'Connell

O'Connell bids for a four-timer in the Eider Handicap Chase after victories at Carlisle and Market Rasen along with Sandown.

The latter of those wins came in the Masters Handicap Chase at Sandown winning by 2.75L. Rises sharply in trip to the marathon 4m1 1/2f.

Collectors Item is racing consistently with one place and two successes this season including a win in the Somerset National Handicap Chase at Wincanton by 3L and will be the main danger.

Anglers Crag was triumphant last year in this contest. Yet to find a top-three finish in five attempt since. Finished fourth contesting the Edinburgh National Handicap Chase and hold claims.

Passing Well missed by a head when runner-up in the Surrey National Handicap Chase at Lingfield. May go one better.

 

14:25 (Kempton) Mondo Man

Mondo Man was a high-class flat performer. Creditable second making hurdle debut at Ascot.

Entitled to improve for that experience and may take plenty of beating in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Adonis Juvenile Hurdle.

St Pancras will have more than 16L to find with the top selection based on Ascot running. Since won a Listed hurdle at Musselburgh and might close the gap.

Sauvignon arrived from France with a noted reputation however was beaten a long way out on British debut. Too early to give up on.

Triple winner Opec is on a retrieval mission after a Chepstow disappointment. Could put her experience to good use.

 

14:40 (Southwell) Diligent Harry

Diligent Harry never looked to be quite on-song when fourth behind Marshman in a Listed event over 6f at Lingfield AW earlier this month.

Will appreciate dropping back to 5f at Southwell being a previous course and distance winner. May find things suit more racing from stall eight in the Hever Sprint Stakes.

Marshman is now unbeaten in both AW outings and must be respected revisiting the 5f journey.

Talented sprinter Clarendon House goes well here and is considered on first start since a below-par fourth of four at Beverley in September.

 

15:00 (Kempton) Tripoli Flyer

Smart jumpers flat race performer Tripoli Flyer has made a smooth transition to hurdles winning his past two starts by a combined 40L. Merits this rise in class for the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle.

Miami Magic was a 12L course and distance novice winner before finishing second tackling a G1 at Aintree. Strong form claims.

Celtic Dino finished two places behind the just mentioned at Aintree. Impressed prior to that and might resume his progress.

Starcrossed Lover bids for a hat-trick after following up a Windsor maiden win with a 17L success at Hereford. This is much tougher, but is going the right way.

 

15:15 (Southwell) Military Academy

The John and Thady Gosden team have won four of the last six renewals of the Winter Derby Stakes and Military Academy could provide them with another.

He looked good winning the Listed Floodlit Stakes tackling a similar trip at Kempton in November and could have more to offer with first-time cheekpieces fitted after being gelded.

Royal Campion holds G1 form and maintains solid claims after beating a subsequent winner in the 1m2f Listed Quebec Stakes at Lingfield AW during December.

The talented Persica commands respect down in class on his first outing since finishing eighth in the G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot last October.

 

15:35 (Kempton) Hyland

Hyland finished second in a G1 novice chase over course and distance last time out. Of definite interest switching to handicap company in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Lowry's Bar was denied a hat-trick when second in a G2 novice chase at Windsor. That was arguably a career-best and confirmed he stays this trip.

Our Power is a previous course and distance winner. Did well in two starts this season. Must not be ignored.

Golden Son won at this track last season. Third on first attempt of this journey last time and might have more to offer.

 

READ MORE: Nap of the Day - Today’s best free horse racing tips

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