Nigel Twiston-Davies – My Runners 17th and 18th December 2016

You can tell the National Hunt season has moved in to top gear when you go through all the runners Nigel has engaged around the Country this weekend. Last weekend was pretty successful but how will this weekend go……?

Nigel’s Charity Bet

Ballyoptic 2.25pm Ascot Saturday – 12/1 Best Odds Guaranteed

A £50 win bet will be placed with any returns being donated to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Saturday’s Runners

Ballyoptic 2.25pm Ascot

“I am more than aware that we have our work cut out to try and reverse recent form with the favourite when we were beaten six lengths but we will try more forcing tactics this time to see if we can find any weaknesses,and we do look overpriced considering we were second to him last time.”

Splash Of Ginge 12.55pm Haydock 

“He has rather lost his way over fences lately so I have decided to send him back over hurdles and he has been enjoying his schooling at home and could put in a big effort. One glance will show you he is much better handicapped over the smaller obstacles as well, so we have to be hopeful.”

Foxtail Hill 1.30pm Haydock

“He has had his niggling problems that have made him tricky to train but all seems well now and he wont’ disgrace himself this afternoon.”

Little Jon 2.40pm Haydock

“He hasn’t won in a while now (November 2015 to be precise) but is coming down the weights and seems in good form at home so I have to hope for a decent run.”

El Terremoto 3.15pm Haydock

“Put up another six pounds for a course and distance win last time out this won’t be easy, but he just keeps on improving and I’m hopeful he can land his hat trick this afternoon.”

Sunday’s Runners

Templehills 1.45pm Fakenham

“He is pretty decent as you can see with wins at Uttoxeter and Ludlow this season but did have a mad moment when falling last time out. He is none the worse for that and I’m hopeful if not confident this afternoon.”

Northandsouth 2.50pm Fakenham

“He ran well enough when second last time running on over two furlongs shorter and although he has to suffer top weight I think he has a pretty good chance this afternoon with Sam in the saddle.”

Nigel Twiston-Davies will be back each and every week with his thoughts exclusively for myracing.com as well as every day over the major meetings! To see what our tipsters are backing in all the weekend’s races, check out our free daily horse racing tips!