'He is an exciting prospect' - Four horses to follow this weekend

Dual Champion Chase winner Energumene will go head to head with this year’s Champion Chase favourite, Jonbon, in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday - the highlight of the Berkshire Winter Million three-day meeting.

Edwardstone and Boothill complete the four-runner field although they have something to find on the figures and will need to step up. While the feature is unattractive as a betting contest, Betting Expert’s Stephen Harris has unearthed some value elsewhere.

Meanwhile in Ireland, Navan hosts the racing on Saturday with Thurles in action on Sunday. Vincent Finegan has studied the form and offers up his tips below. You can get up to €60 in Free Bets with BetVictor to spend on your selections.

Vincent Finegan’s Ireland Tips

Koori Star 13:10 Navan Saturday, 2m4f Handicap Hurdle

The lightly-raced Koori Star should make a bold bid here off bottom weight. He raced prominently throughout when a very good fourth in a Pertemps Qualifier at the Leopardstown Christmas festival over a slightly longer trip and dropping back to 2m4f on this stiff track should suit.

Casheldale Lad 12:00 Navan Saturday, 2m Novice Hurdle

Casheldale Lad is worth chancing here on only his second start for Gordon Elliott. He won a flat maiden for Andrew Kinirons before being snapped up by Bective Stud and switched to Elliott. His former trainer thought he could be very good and Jack Kennedy was also impressed when he partnered him to an easy victory at Gowran Park in November. He tends to race keenly (wears a hood again) which is a slight concern, but he is an exciting prospect.

UK Tips from Stephen Harris

Dedicated Hero 1.55 Haydock Saturday, 2m Grade 2 Novice Hurdle (VALUE ANGLE)

Sandy Thomson’s dual bumper winner impressed when getting off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt at Kelso last month (revelling in the testing ground/powering clear on the long run-in), and might just be underestimated in the market now stepping up in class to Grade 2 company at Haydock on Saturday.

Bad 2.15 Ascot Saturday, 2m5f Handicap Chase (NAP)

Ben Pauling’s frustrating but talented chaser has been very expensive for punters to follow so far, with a career record under Rules of just one win from 14 career starts. He is a strong travelling weak finisher, who has run with credit in three starts over fences so far, and is worth another chance with this course and distance expected to suit ideally under regular rider Ben Jones.

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