
ITV Racing tips: Saturday 22 February – Kempton, Newcastle and Southwell
Saturday's ITV Racing broadcast features a stacked seven-race offering across both codes, with jump racing at Kempton and Newcastle and all-weather Flat action at Southwell. Among the highlights are three Grade 2 and one Group 3 races.
Our expert has made eight selections across the televised races and you can read the thinking behind each of them below. You can follow all the action live on ITV1 from 1.30-4.00pm.
Here are the day's selections:
1.50 Kempton Rubaud – @ 13/8 with Betfair
2.10 Newcastle – Passing Well each-way @ 8/1 with Betfair / Your Own Story each-way @ 20/1 with Betfair
2.25 Kempton – Mondo Man @ 4/7 with Betfair
2.40 Southwell – Marshman @ 3/1 with Betfair
3.00 Kempton – Miami Magic @ 2/1 with Betfair
3.15 Southwell – Military Academy @ 2/1 with Betfair
3.35 Kempton – Hyland @ 3/1 with Betfair
If you already have a Betfair account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this weekend's racing, check out our list of the best free bets.
1.50 Kempton – Ladbrokes Pendil Novices' Chase (Grade 2, 2m 4½f)
There's plenty of tempting value in our first televised race and it would be no surprise to see a horse win at a fair price, however our selection is the favourite RUBAUD.
Paul Nicholls proved last week that his stable is back in good health when Pic D'orhy won the Grade 1 Ascot Chase, following the usual post-Christmas dip in form the yard experiences due to vaccinations.
Rubaud is one of the least exposed over fences out of these novices, yet his form when staying on behind the Arkle second-favourite L'Eau du Sud at Warwick two weeks ago reads very well, especially on this step up to the middle distance.
2.10 Newcastle – Virgin Bet Eider Handicap Chase (4m 1½f)
A case can be made for many in this competitive handicap, especially the favourite O'Connell, who was very impressive at Sandown last time out when completing a three-timer. However, with the inexperienced claimer Peter Kavanagh on board today, he is overlooked here.
Gavin Sheehan rode O'Connell that day and his mount here is PASSING WELL, who was an unlucky second last time out behind Sporting Ace at Lingfield (3m 5f, heavy). That pair meet again here and Passing Well's course form – he has won here previously – could help him to turn the tables.
The proven stayer YOUR OWN STORY offers more each-way value. The form of his last run, when he was sixth in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow, has since been franked by the fourth winning and Val Dancer, the winner, placing in a Grand National trial at Haydock.
Towards the bottom of the weights, the rank outsider Knockanore is an interesting contender. He steps up markedly in trip, which may suit him based on his second behind Mettingofthewaters, who is among the Willie Mullins battalion for the 2025 Grand National, in a point-to-point in Ireland.
2.25 Kempton – Ladbrokes Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m)
This contest looked as though it may be more competitive earlier in the week, with both of Nicky Henderson's Triumph Hurdle hopefuls entered, but they were scratched on Thursday morning.
That leaves short-priced favourite MONDO MAN as the clear pick from the six-runner field. His second behind Triumph favourite Lulamba is the pick of his National Hunt form and his Royal Ascot Group 2 fourth would make him favourite for the Winter Derby later on on today's ITV broadcast.
St Pancras improved greatly to win at Musselburgh last time out and is an interesting runner, but it would take odds of 16/1 or more before he becomes an attractive proposition.
2.40 Southwell – BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes (Listed, 5f)
There are nine races on the Premier Raceday card at Southwell and in the opener we see the best sprinters the winter season has to offer go head to head over the minimum trip.
Although five furlongs might be on the sharp side for the Karl Burke-trained MARSHMAN, he is drawn in stall one and can control the race from there.
The five-year-old has won on his previous two starts, over six furlongs at Newcastle and Lingfield, and he has enough class to win today and make it three from three this winter.
3.00 Kempton – Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m)
The Stuart Edmunds-trained MIAMI MAGIC is a worthy favourite, having raced against some of the season's top novice hurdlers.
In his penultimate race he came out on top ahead of the talented George's Lad, who has produced some impressive form lines. Next time out, Miami Magic lost at Aintree to the very talented Potters Charm, who has a near-perfect record of five wins and a second across his six races under Rules.
3.15 Southwell – BetUK Winter Derby Stakes (Group 3, 1m 3f)
The Gosden yard has taken home first prize in four of the previous six renewals of the Winter Derby and they have a good chance of adding to that tally today.
MILITARY ACADEMY has beaten all but one horse he has faced in his career – that conqueror being Burdett Road, who has proved such a talent on the Flat and over hurdles.
The four-year-old won in fine fashion over 1m 4f on his all-weather debut at Kempton in November, and more progress can be expected here.
3.35 Kempton – Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 3m)
HYLAND was second last time out to the impressive Jukebox Man, who is sadly now out for the season. That is genuine Grade 1 form and makes him a credible favourite here.
Trainer Nicky Henderson has stated that the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is not a likely destination for this eight-year-old and winning today is the main goal.
His two wins at Cheltenham in the autumn also read well and he can add to that tally today.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Mohammed Kudus transfer odds: Chelsea and Newcastle battling for £70m-rated West Ham star, Liverpool in contention
CHELSEA are the odds-on 4/5 favourites to sign Mohammed Kudus this summer. That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've priced up Kudus' next destination should West Ham United agree to his sale. Kudus, 24 has no shortage of admirers with clubs in Europe and Saudi reportedly monitoring his situation. However, anyone considering the Ghana international will likely need to pay an eye-watering sum with three yers remaining on his contract plus the option for a further year. It's believed that West Ham would be prepared to listen to offers in the region of £70million for the player they signed from Ajax for £38m in 2023. Kudus has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 80 appearances for the Hammers, but the club might reluctantly sell to finance other deals for manager Graham Potter. So who are the favourites to sign Mohammed Kudus? 1 Chelsea are the leading contenders at 4/5 following claims they've added him to their list of potential simmer targets. It's also been reported that Chelsea would be prepared to include goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the deal. However, Newcastle (5/2) aren't far behind in Betfair's markets with Football Insider claiming they've switched their attentions to Kudus having missed out on Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: "As Graham Potter prepares for a much-needed revamp of his West Ham squad ahead of the new season, Chelsea have emerged as the odds-on favourites to sign Mohammed Kudus. Newcastle follow at 5/2, with Arsenal 9/2. Meanwhile, a move to Premier League champions Liverpool is 13/2. "With plenty of interest in Kudus during the early stages of the summer transfer window, other potential destinations for the 24-year-old include Atletico Madrid at 15/2, Man City and Man United, 12/1 with AC Milan 16/1.'


Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh choir formed just 16 months ago gets immense booking and some still think it's a wind up
Welsh choir formed just 16 months ago gets immense booking and some still think it's a wind up People have been telephoning to check, convinced it can't be true The Principality Stadium, Cardiff, ahead of the Wales vs New Zealand autumn international in 2022 (Image: Mark Lewis/Huw Evans Agency ) A male voice choir which didn't exist 16 months ago will be performing at the Principality Stadium ahead of the Wales vs New Zealand autumn international, and some pre-match nerves are starting to kick in. Matthew Bailey, of Cor Meibion Clydach, said they would be one of three choirs singing together, including performing the teams' respective national anthems ahead of kick-off. Cllr Bailey, a Swansea councillor who represents Clydach, said two choir members phoned him to ask if it was a wind-up. "They said, 'All joking aside, are we actually going to sing at the Principality Stadium?'" he said. Cor Meibion Clydach has performed Christmas and VE Day concerts in front of around 400 people - somewhat fewer than the Principality's 74,000 capacity. "It is a great honour," said Cllr Bailey. "Its Wales-New Zealand - a massive game." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here He reckoned the choirs would sing around eight songs and then the national anthems. "There is an element of nervousness," said Cllr Bailey. "You're probably never going to get this opportunity again. You've got to perform. It would help if we could have a couple of drinks beforehand!" Cllr Bailey, who last year resurrected what had been a successful male voice choir in Clydach in the past, said he'd been in touch with an official who arranged choirs at the stadium and that he received an email last Thursday saying Cor Meibion Clydach was one of the three selected. He said Cor Meibion Clydach member Wayne Griffiths had sung at the stadium previously with his other choir, Morriston Orpheus, Swansea, and described the experience as "completely emotional". Article continues below Cor Meibion Clydach, the male voice choir which is flourishing in Clydach, at a Christmas concert at Capel y Nant (Image: Copyright Unknown ) Cor Meibion Clydach chorister Anthony Brunton said the November 22 date in Cardiff was a dream come true. "I am really looking forward to it, and everybody is in the choir is as well," he said. "Standing on the pitch in front of 70,000 people, singing - I will be an emotional wreck." Mr Brunton, 58, who used to play second row for Vardre RFC, Clydach, said the All Blacks were the biggest test for any Wales rugby team. They haven't lost to Wales since 1953. Cor Meibion Clydach has been guided and improved by musical director Gareth Sims and his accompanist wife, Julie. Cllr Bailey said it was up to 38 members and could accommodate more. The choir practises on Thursday evenings at Vardre RFC. Sunday sessions are also taking place on the back of the Principality Stadium news. Article continues below One of its members is David Waghorn, president of Vardre RFC. Speaking in April he said he used to listen to and help the previous male voice choir before it disbanded many years ago and that he'd regretted not joining it. "Everyone tells me singing is good for the soul and well-being," said Mr Waghorn . "I thought, 'I'm not going to miss out this time.' It's one of the best things I have done."

Rhyl Journal
17 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Bukayo Saka says toughest injury setback gave him more balanced outlook on life
The Arsenal winger has admitted he initially feared he might never be the same player again after he suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last December which kept him out of action until April. However, the enforced time away from football's 'conveyor belt' has helped him see the bigger picture, as he prepares to round off the season by playing his first England match since Thomas Tuchel took charge against Senegal on Tuesday night. 'I got to spend more time with my family and got to do more of the little things around the house that I wouldn't have even paid attention to when I was playing,' Saka said. In the zone 💫 — England (@England) June 9, 2025 'On that note it was nice and I've come back with a bit more of a balanced head about football and life, and I'm trying to balance them better. It definitely helped me mentally.' Saka also had a new arrival to keep him occupied. 'I got the dog while I was still playing but I got injured and he came while I was injured,' he said. 'It was a bit tough at first because he's a puppy and I couldn't really get after him. It was a good experience. It was funny. His name is Tucker.' Saka said he also spent time reading, including one especially influential book called 'The Power of Now', written by Eckhart Tolle and given to Saka by Arsenal assistant coach Carlos Cuesta. '(The book is) about not thinking about the past, not thinking about the future. Just being in the moment and always asking yourself 'what's necessary right now?',' he said. A post shared by Bukayo Saka (@bukayosaka87) 'Sometimes I can think, 'oh, am I going to come back in the best shape?'. Or, in the past, 'what could I have done to prevent injury?'. 'But all that is not necessary. It's only going to bring bad energy and negativity to your body.' The timing of Saka's injury meant he had to undergo surgery at 5am on Christmas Eve in order to be able to return home in time for Christmas Day. 'It was horrible. It was the day before (Christmas Eve) we had to decide. Normally you get more time to make a decision,' he recalled. 'But where it was going to be Christmas, the surgeons want to be with their families, so I decided on the spot that we were doing the surgery. Then it was deciding what time and was I going to be there on Christmas Day. Obviously, that was the last thing I wanted. 'So I had to do it at 5am or 6am on Christmas Eve. Credit to the surgeon – he got up early to do it. I was out of the hospital at about 3 or 4pm and home. Christmas Day, I went to my cousin's house but I was in a big brace and had crutches.' Asked what his Christmas Day was like, Saka said: 'I had to get my presents brought to me. It doesn't sound like the worst thing! 'When everyone got up to go to the dining room, it took me about 10 minutes to get there. Little things like that. It was very painful to get up and make my way there.'