'Everything is in place for a big run' - why this horse can win over Christmas

Some of our tipping experts pick out six horses away from the more glamorous contests which are worth backing over the Christmas period . . .

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Ede'iffs Elton

2.03 Wincanton (December 26)

By Olly Eden

Most eyes will be drawn to the feast of Grade 1 action at Kempton but I recommend punters keep a close eye on Ede'iffs Elton back at his beloved Wincanton.

Ede'iffs Elton boasts impressive course form figures of 611214, with the second-placed finish coming in this race last season when failing by just a head.

Returned to fences at Hereford last month following a pipe-opener over hurdles, he was travelling strongly and looked the likely winner before falling two out. That form received a boost when Gemirande – who was booked for third at the time – bolted up on his next outing.

Ede'iffs Elton again shaped really well when third in a useful handicap chase at Exeter last time out, hitting the line strongly but ultimately finding the 2m3f trip too sharp.

Left on the same mark following those two career-best Racing Post Ratings performances and upped to a more suitable distance, everything looks in place for a big run and Robert Walford's gelding can reward each-way support.

Master Zoffany

3.35 Wolverhampton (December 26)

By Andrew Cooper

Was in danger of being labelled a Chester specialist but his options are firmly open thanks to a ready course-and-distance win this month.

It's hard to believe that was his first spin on an artificial surface. He travelled with purpose before showing a smart turn of foot to record a personal best.

Tothenines, a rock-solid yardstick, tracked him through but was two lengths adrift in second at the line.

A 5lb rise underestimates his superiority by a pound or two in my opinion and it's highly likely he has more to offer on all-weather.

Just A Dime

2.10 Chepstow (December 27)

By Jack Haynes

The Welsh National fixture is an important day for Dorset trainer Ben Clarke with The Galloping Bear among the fancied runners in the big one and he can land a blow on the undercard with handicap debutant Just A Dime.

This six-year-old finished second to subsequent Grade 1 winner Brandy Love on his Irish point-to-point debut in February 2020, and after two wins from five starts in that sphere, made a winning debut for Clarke in a novice hurdle at Exeter in March.

He was receiving weight from his rivals that day but the form has been boosted and he matched his Racing Post Rating of 123 when second over 2m3½f at Carlisle on his reappearance last month. Any rain would be welcomed but a return to just short of 3m is a major positive and there should be mileage in an opening mark of 119.

Fortescue

2.50 Chepstow (December 27)

By Owen Goulding

Henry Daly's eight-year-old won a valuable Ascot handicap last season off a 1lb lower rating and this sort of marathon test should bring out the best in him.

His hurdling reappearance is best ignored and the effort to focus on is his most recent fourth in the Becher at Aintree. He was given plenty to do but sprouted wings in the closing stages to finish never-nearer off a 1lb higher rating.

With that run in mind, a stiff 3m6½f should play to his strengths and he is totally unexposed as a marathon stayer. This mark is attainable, given his prior Ascot exploits, and he is a strong each-way candidate.

Introducing the ITV Racing Christmas Festival

The ITV Racing Christmas Festival features six days of top-class action on the channel from 12 different tracks in Britain and Ireland between December 26 and January 1.

Some 41 live races will be shown in all, including eight Grade 1s such as the King George VI Chase, with the Welsh Grand National and Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day card among the big-race highlights across a spectacular six days of racing on terrestrial television across the festive period.

December 26
Kempton: King George VI Chase day
Wetherby: Rowland Meyrick Chase day

December 27
Chepstow: Welsh Grand National day
Kempton: Desert Orchid Chase day

December 28
Leopardstown: Savills Chase day
Leicester

December 29
Leopardstown: Matheson Hurdle day
Doncaster

December 31
Newbury, Warwick and Lingfield

January 1
Cheltenham, Musselburgh and Tramore

Read these next:

Who remains in contention to run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton?

What's on this Christmas - a full rundown of the festive schedule

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