It’s the final day of the 2024-25 jumps racing season on Saturday and National Hunt fans will be fixed to the action as the British trainers championship race comes to a close.
It looks like Willie Mullins may retain the British trainers title but Dan Skelton will be doing everything in his power to try and fend the Closutton master off as he bids to claim the championship for the first time.
Without further ado, it’s time to look at my best bets on Jumps Finale Saturday at Sandown Park and fingers crossed we can back a few winners on what should be an exciting and dramatic afternoon of racing.
1.20pm – Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle
Mullins and Skelton aren’t involved in this two mile hurdle, however Dan’s brother Harry is jocked up on FASOL, who comes into the race with a leading chance.
Paul Nicholls’ six-year-old won nicely at Taunton on March 10, but was let down by his jumping at the same venue two weeks later. If he brushes up his technique, he must go close again and is taken to beat stablemate Sorceleur.
Of the others, Serious Challenge seeks a four-timer, while Give It To Me Oj is rated significantly higher than the rest of the field.
1.50pm – Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase
Riskintheground has certainly hit a purple parch just at the right time for Skelton, but he may just come up short against another rapid improver in the shape of MAHONS GLORY.
Dylan Cunha’s nine-year-old has won his last two races impressively, and if he gets into the same rhythm out front again, they may struggle to peg him back.
2.25pm – Oaksey Chase
Mullins has sent over a few of his big guns for this Grade 2 Chase, and the stand out name, not only in this race, but on the entire card, is GAELIC WARRIOR.
The seven-year-old was last seen breaking Skelton’s heart in the Aintree Bowl, when beating Grey Dawning with some authority. He’s the class act here and should be punted in the betting market accordingly.
Forecast players may want to include the Topham winner – Gentleman De Mee, who could well follow up on his Aintree success.
3.00pm – Select Hurdle
KITZBUHEL underperformed somewhat in the Liverpool Hurdle, but he should come into his own in this markedly easier Grade 2. Blueking d’Oroux can chase him home.
3.35pm – Celebration Chase
Mullins and Skelton can only hope that JONBON underperforms here, which is highly improbable according to the betting.
Nicky Henderson’s stable star bounced back from his annual Cheltenham flop with his traditional Melling victory, which inevitably then leads to another Celebration celebration.
4.10pm – bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Mullins comes into the former Whitbread Chase mob handed and the laws of probability say that he will wrap up the trainers championship here – but with which horse will he do it?
On all known form, HIGH CLASS HERO will be the gelding they all have to beat. You can tell the eight-year-old has been plotted to be Mullins’ trump card in this season ending Grade 1, and at odds of around 6/1 in our horse racing betting, he’s a favourable price for punters too.
Consistent all season, Resplendent Grey wouldn’t be winning out of turn either under champion jockey elect – Sean Bowen.
4.45pm – bet365 Handicap Hurdle
After losing a shoe at Cheltenham’s April meeting, DR EGGMAN can crack on by taking the concluding 2m4f handicap hurdle for the Willie Mullins team.
After decent runs in maiden and novice hurdles this term, the seven-year-old can make an immediate impact on the handicap scene.
Jump Allen ran well at Ayr on Scottish National day, and can be in the mix again.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at time of writing*
