BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her top-class knowledge and insight exclusively to our blog each week.

This time the highly-regarded former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before becoming a sought-after pundit on television, casts her eye over the meetings at Wetherby and Ascot as well as the Breeders’ Cup in California.

Melbourne Cup Musings

The Melbourne Cup is upon us and it’s a great opportunity for Hollie Doyle, who gets the leg up on Future History. It will be an amazing experience and I’m absolutely delighted for her.

However note that Vauban, an impressive winner by seven lengths in the Cooper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot for Willie Mullins, goes over to Australia for this one. He had a nice prep run after that at Naas in the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes – arguably much too sharp over a mile-and-a-half but winning it nicely as well – so you have to be giving him plenty of credit.

You can understand why he is the favourite, especially when you consider a light weight of only 8st 9lbs on his back.

I think, provided he gets a nice draw, he should be tough to beat. It would be great to see Willie going over and taking the Melbourne Cup for Irish horse racing too.

Without A Fight warrants plenty of respect – I believe jockey Mark Zahra is going to stick with him after the two combined to win the Caulfield Cup back in October. He was over here trained by Simon and Ed Crisford previously but he has done very well since moving to Australia.

The question is: will he stay the two miles? He’s stayed 1m 6f over here and you could argue he hadn’t quite acclimatised to Australia in the Melbourne Cup last year, while he also didn’t have the smoothest run of the race.

He seems to have improved and gone in the right direction since so he deserves another go at this trip – whether he will see it out or not, I’m not sure.

I absolutely think they have the right favourite in Vauban, though, and I look forward to watching that in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Wetherby 2.25 – The West Yorkshire Hurdle

This has a relatively small field but it’ll be competitive nonetheless and so my pick here is going to be Dashel Drasher.

I really like this horse – he’s thrived since returning to hurdles and was really competitive right at the top level in the staying division last year. He deserves to get his head in front in these better races because he did not do an awful lot wrong last season.

He was second at the Cheltenham Festival in March – he is a revived horse and fair play to the team for getting him back to his best and showing some of that old sparkle. Soft ground is fine and, on last year’s form, he has to be the one to beat.

I have gone against Time Hill. I know he ran better at the end of the season when returning to hurdles but he is a bit of a quirky horse – he can be too fresh and quite keen on the back of a break. That’s why I’m sticking with Dashel Drasher.

Megan’s Tip: Dashel Drasher WIN

Wetherby 3.00 – Charlie Hall Chase

It’s a real shame the Charlie Hall has been cut to only four runners. I know the ground and conditions at the moment aren’t helping but such a small field is still really disappointing.

Bravemansgame is a short-priced favourite – he returns off the back of an amazing season and some incredible runs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Punchestown Gold Cup.

On official ratings and the form, he’s absolutely the one to beat. He’s obviously had previous with Ahoy Senor and has beaten him more times than the other way around – you’d think that would be the case once again here.

They met in this race last year and, for whatever reason, Ahoy Senor did not perform anywhere near his best. We know this is a talented horse on his day but jumping can be an issue. Despite having a massive engine, the concern is the jumping rhythm he gets into and that makes him harder to trust.

Gentleman’s Game warrants respect as well but has got a lot to find on his very best form. We did not see him all of last year but he finished second on his return at the end of September in the PWC Champion Chase at Gorwan behind Easy Game and ahead of Envoi Allen. So he is in decent form but nowhere near Gold Cup form so I’m going to keep it simple and go with Bravemansgame.

Megan’s Tip: Bravemansgame WIN

Ascot 3.45 – Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Monbeg Genius is a worthy favourite. He was an improver last year over fences as a novice and ended his account in the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival.

The form from that race is unbelievable as Fastorslow went on to win the Punchestown Gold Cup and Corach Rambler went on to win the Grand National at Aintree.

Soft ground isn’t an issue either – he’s been a winner on this surface before, he stays nicely and he seems to be a straightforward horse. You cannot knock what he did last year and the way he improved and, with experience of running in big field handicaps behind him, I can imagine he will be pretty hard to beat if returns in the same sort of form in which we saw him finish the season.

My each-way pick would be the Gary Moore-trained Larry. He’s a horse that goes very well at Ascot, he’s pretty consistent and doesn’t tend to run much of a bad race.

That said, if it ends up testing on the jumps track it might not help his chances. He has won on heavy before but it seems good-to-soft might be his optimum. The track is why I fancy his chances because he really goes well at Ascot and he won this race two years ago.

Megan’s Tip: Monbeg Genius WIN; Larry E/W

Santa Anita 9.50 – Breeders' Cup Turf

This is such a fascinating race over in California. We have a clash again between Auguste Rodin and King of Steel – the former comes here fresh while the latter had a pretty hard race in the Champions Stakes at Ascot.

We know he is pretty talented but that could have taken a bit out of him. When you add in the travel factor and his pretty awful draw of 11, I just think there are enough reasons to go against him.

Top of the market are Auguste Rodin and Mostahdaf and it’s really tricky to pick between these two.

We know Auguste Rodin is so talented on the right day but he’s not the most straightforward and his form is rather in and out.

I’m going to go with Mostahdaf, who gets his preferred ground. He’s been extremely impressive this season in his couple of runs and, notably, he was given a master ride in the Juddmonte by Frankie Dettori.

Jim Crowley returns this time – and in draw nine, so I imagine he will be ridden to go forward and slot into a handy position – while a sharp mile-and-a-half is going to be no issue for him whatsoever. Track and trip should all suit, so I’m going with Mostahdaf.

Megan’s Tip: Mostahdaf WIN Browse all our horse racing markets here

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week. In this entry the former jockey, who rode 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Newcastle and Wincanton as well as the bumper card at Sandown on Sunday.

Eyecatcher of the Week – Willmount

Willmount was an impressive winner for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville at Newbury in a UK Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday.

Before he switched to the Henderson stable, he was trained by Neil Mulholland and was impressive when unbeaten in two bumpers and a point-to-point.

He is four from four to date – I’m not convinced it was the most competitive race at Newbury but the fashion in which he won was very impressive.

Nicky tends to run plenty of nice novice hurdlers at Newbury and I thought he was one to keep an eye on. He could be up in grade fairly quickly and you would want to give this horse plenty of respect.

He’s one for the notebook.

Saturday Racing Tips

Wincanton 1.50 – Rising Stars Novices' Chase

I am going to stick with my favourite, Knappers Hill. He’s going to be a short-priced favourite once again.

He didn’t disgrace himself at Chepstow when he was beaten by Unexpected Party. I said it would be down to the rhythm and jumping and so it proved but he would have sharpened up plenty from that start and it’s likely that he will have improved for the run a bit as well.

Harry Cobden will be confident knowing he has jumped really well on his first chasing outing and will try to make as much use of that as possible.

Of the others, a horse that looks pretty exciting is Doyen Star for trainer Evan Williams. He’s lightly raced with only three starts to date – and only two of those under rules, both of which he won nicely over hurdles at Chepstow.

He is switching to fences here but he was a point-to-point winner previously. He could be anything.

On official ratings, they all have a lot to find with Kanppers Hill but, of the bigger prices, Doyen Star could be the one to serve up a challenge.

Megan’s Tip: Knappers Hill WIN; Doyen Star E/W

Wincanton 2.25 – Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

It’s a shame we are only seeing 11 runners, I was hoping we would have a full field of 18.

I really feel my dad [four-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls] is going to have a strong day at Wincanton. He’s running a couple of horses in this race. He has Frodon, who needs no introduction whatsoever and won this last year.

However, my pick is going to the other stable runner which is Threeunderthrufive, who is going for his first run since a wind operation. I have been fortunate enough to have a sit on him doing some of his work this year and he was in tremendous form.

I think it is a positive he is starting at 3m 1f. He’s previously run in some of these marathon-type races and ran well but maybe not quite stayed, possibly because his wind has been catching him out a little bit.

His high head carriage was potentially a result of his wind catching him last season. The wind operation seems to have helped him in his home work, the way he carries himself and hopefully will help on the track too.

I totally understand how Frodon would be a fairytale story but it’s going to be Threeunderthroughfive for me.

If I was going to look away from Threeunderthrufive, his biggest danger is the The Big Breakaway for Joe Tizzard. Joe’s horses have started the season in flying form. He was lightly raced last year and was last seen unfortunately falling in the Grand National at Aintree.

However he’s gone well fresh previously and he’s a horse that has promised plenty of ability, without showing us everything he can do on occasion. He had a couple of good runs last year and stayed well so, away from Threeunderthrufive to win, he’s a horse I could be looking at to place.

Megan’s Tip: Threeunderthrufive WIN; The Big Breakaway E/W

Wincanton 3.00 – Elite Hurdle

It is often a race with a fairly small field and it’s just five runners this time round. With the double entry of West Balboa, who is also declared with Harry Cobden in the 3.20 at Aintree, it could end with just four runners which would be a bit of a shame.

It may be a small field but it is relatively competitive. Rubaud will be the short-priced favourite – he’s one of my dad’s runners who comes to Wincanton in good form.

He really improved throughout last year and returned in great form when winning pretty nicely at Kempton at Listed Level on his seasonal reappearance last month. It would be hard to ignore him.

If West Balboa does turn up, then she’s a very talented mare and would absolutely be the one he has to beat. I would be shocked if she ran at Wincanton, though, with the Aintree run over 2½ miles, a much more suitable trip for her.

I suspect the reasoning behind the double declaration is that there are ground concerns at Aintree and, if it became very heavy and racing wasn’t able to go ahead, then naturally West Balboa would have the option of going to Wincanton.

I’m afraid it’s the same old story with these small fields, though. The ground at Wincanton will be a lot better than most other places and there is some decent prize money up for grabs. We would all like to see some competitive racing to start the season but unfortunately it isn’t the case this time round.

Megan’s Tip: Rubaud WIN

Newcastle 3.45 – November Handicap

Local Dynasty is the obvious interesting horse here for Charlie Appleby.

He has had a bit of a break and has been gelded. He’s stepping up in trip, which looks to be a positive.

When he finished fourth in a Heritage Handicap last time out at Newmarket he got short of room and had to be switched but he did start to run on and he wasn’t beaten all that far in the end, losing by just 2½ lengths. He was a bit of an eyecatcher that day.

It’s fair to say Appleby’s yard was in fairly quiet form at that time but that form has really turned. Their horses have been flying and they have had plenty of winners in the last couple of weeks so I think he's worthy of his price, which will be close to the top of the market.

I’m looking forward to seeing him back in action on all-weather. Being up in trip looks perfect as well and I think it will be a nice stepping stone for him ahead of potentially heading over to Dubai.

Megan’s Tip: Local Dynasty WIN

Sunday Racing Tips

Sandown 2.15 – Elmbridge Handicap Chase

Xcitations is a horse that goes well at Sandown and enjoys slow going so this seems ideal for him.

He tends to need a run and improves plenty after that first run of every season – it’s good then that he had a start in the Handicap Chase at Kempton last month in which he didn’t disgrace himself even though the ground was maybe a bit too quick and the track a bit too sharp as well.

However, as I say, he does tend to improve fitness-wise after his first start back and I imagine this is a race that they’ve mapped out for him as he’s got good form at the track.

I think despite being top weight he’ll have a big chance here on favourable ground.

Megan’s Tip: Xcitations WIN

Sandown 2.50 – Handicap Hurdle

This one looks a nice opportunity for Iliko D'Olivate. He ran well at the track before, was lightly raced last season and has the potential to improve further.

He’s quite a big horse, physically he’s done really well over the summer and his training at home has been really positive. This just looks like an ideal opportunity for him on his seasonal reappearance in a race that I imagine will have a bit of pace with Jupiter Du Gite in there.

But Iliko D'Olivate can be a bit fresh so a nice pace would help him relax and settle. It might be key to his chances. He’s won on soft ground before – if it got heavy it wouldn’t be ideal but if it remains just soft it shouldn’t be a problem for him.

While I think it’s a fairly open race he stands out as the horse who potentially has the most improvement still to come.

Megan’s Tip: Iliko D'Olivate WIN

Sandown 3.25 – Veterans' Handicap Chase

I think veteran races are a great initiative – it gives these older horses a chance to find their confidence again and get back in the winners' enclosure.

They are all clearly fit and healthy and training well, it’s just sometimes they get overtaken by younger legs. These are brilliant affairs and they seem to be well supported.

This time round I am going for Good Boy Bobby, who stayed on really strong to win at Chepstow on his reappearance. I think that performance would have done his confidence the world of good, He is the type of horse who can put together a couple of wins on the bounce.

He stays very well, which is really important for Sandown Hill. I think he could back up that win at Chepstow and get his head in front once again here.

Megan’s Tip: Good Boy Bobby WIN Browse all our horse racing markets here

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews the exciting November Meeting at Cheltenham on Friday and Saturday as well as some of the action at Lingfield.

But first, an important message…

Safer Gambling Week 2023

Please don’t forget it’s Safer Gambling Week in the UK and Ireland.

Horse Racing and gambling are inherently linked and there has been enough coverage in recent weeks about proposed affordability checks and the impact it will have on the racing industry.

However, while that debate continues to rumble on, it’s crucial to remember that racing and having a bet should be enjoyable – and of course, you never have to have a bet to enjoy the sport!

It’s so important to remember to keep yourself in check and make use of the huge array of tools available to keep your gambling safe.

Please visit the Safer Gambling Week website and BetMGM’s Safer Gambling Week section for more information or call 0808 8020 133 if you are feeling uncomfortable about your gambling. Thank you.

Let’s Support Graham Lee

Graham Lee is one of our more senior riders and has been an absolute star of our sport, both in the National Hunt and Flat spheres. He’s somebody that everyone looks up to and is respected by everyone in the racing world and beyond.

He’s a great guy and a talented jockey. I wish him the very best in recovering from surgery on his spine after a serious fall.

It’s really hard when these sorts of things happen. The most freakish falls can be just as nasty as the ones that visibly look awful as well. Unfortunately freak things do happen but I’m keeping up with all the news and positivity is really good.

Even during this terrible time, it shows how incredible the racing community can be. Everybody has come together and helped raise money for Graham – as well as the Injured Jockeys Fund – which demonstrates truly phenomenal support. We really hope Graham can come out of this in a good way.

Fundraising will continue; me and a friend, Alice Brooke, are setting up an online auction. For anybody who wants to donate anything or is interested in looking, you can find information via social media over the next two weeks.

All proceeds will go to Graham and his family, which hopefully puts a little bit back for all Graham has done for our sport. Any help would be hugely appreciated.

But, most importantly, I wish Graham’s family well and fingers crossed that we wake up to positive news.

Eyecatcher of the Week – Stay Away Fay

We’ve seen nice performances from some novices in the last week. Naturally, a favourite of mine, Knappers Hill, was very impressive at Wincanton. He’ll always have a special place in my heart and I do have a soft spot for him.

But my eyecatcher of the week this time is Stay Away Fay, who won at Exeter last Friday.

He was a Grade 1 winner over hurdles when racing in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. This was his chasing debut despite being a point-to-point winner previously but he jumped beautifully.

However, I don’t think a small field really suited him. You could see that he had his ears pricked and he pulled himself up when he was in front. Two challengers eventually passed him but that was probably the best thing for him.

When he came out of Harry’s hands at the last and put in such a huge jump, I knew there was plenty left in the tank. Harry gave him a squeeze and he took off.

I think the better the race he runs in, the bigger the field and the more pace that’s on, the better horse we are going to see.

He’s very talented, he stays extremely well and I think he’s a horse that keeps plenty to himself. Though it’s hard to know how good he could be over fences, I’m looking forward to seeing him out again.

I just think the future is bright for this horse. With stamina being his major strength, he’s going to be seen at the top level over fences, no doubt. He’s a really exciting horse to watch for the rest of this season.

Friday Racing

Cheltenham 1.45 – Handicap Chase

My pick is Triple Trade (4/1). Joe Tizzard has had a really good start to the season. It was great to see him win the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter – one of his more local tracks – and his horses are looking really well.

Triple Trade himself will enjoy a strong pace, which it looks set to be. He’s won over further than the two miles so a stronger gallop will help his chances. He ran a really good race putting up a good effort over course and distance behind Dancing On My Own on his return. He jumped pretty well that day and has been a much-improved horse. If he can build on that return he can be in with a massive chance.

My each-way shout is Gold Des Bois for Harry Coben and Iain Jardine – they teamed up well through the summer. This horse has got some good form amongst his runs and he could be really well handicapped down to a mark of 123 – he had been up in the 130s before, and some of his runs had been decent.

He’s had two runs this season following a wind operation. One was behind Tommy’s Oscar who we know is very talented. Gold Des Bois’s jumping was a bit rusty that day but he sharpened up and was much better in second behind a massively improving horse in Bollingerandkrug.

His form is OK and he’s a big price at 16/1 with BetMGM and he might just outrun his odds. Iain Jardine doesn’t send horses all the way down to Cheltenham for no reason. With a light weight of 10-11 and Cobden on board, he’s my big price to throw in.

Megan’s Selection: Triple Trade WIN; Gold Des Bois E/W

Cheltenham 2.20 – Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase

There are four runners in this one in what is a really muddling little race – it’s tactically fascinating.

We’ve got horses that all tend to enjoy a lead. Mighty Tom, when he was previously trained by Thomas Cooper, used to make the running but since joining his new yard he’s been ridden much colder, held up and having one run at things. I wonder if he’ll be the one to revert to the front-running tactics.

Homme Public will definitely be held up. He was impressive enough at Wetherby but I thought there was a bit to build on with his jumping. It’s Petit Tonnerre’s chasing debut so he might be the one to bowl along if it’s not Mighty Tom.

JPR One (6/4 fav) is going to be my pick… just!

This was really hard to get my head around. He was impressive at Newton Abbott and I think the form is small-field suited – Monviel, the runner-up that day, is a nice horse although, admittedly, Iceo underperformed.

JPR One is versatile in terms of ground, he loves going left-handed and there could still be more to come from him.

Megan’s Selection: JPR One WIN

Cheltenham 2.55 – Cross Country Handicap Chase

Gordon Elliott has an exceptional record in this race and is sort of keeping everyone else out with Galvin and Delta Work (2/1 fav) who have very much been Grade 1 horses in their prime.

They’ve turned to this sphere and done very well – Delta Work is the reigning champion at the moment and had a nice return run when finishing third at Punchestown and that could set him up nicely.

Galvin has a handy 7lbs off his back which will help him. The race being a handicap as well makes it that bit more competitive but Delta Work having had a run is no bad thing and he’ll be the one they all have to beat.

Each-way I’m looking at Musical Slave (14/1). This trip is ideal for him, the only concern is that the yard has been in fairly quiet form, but I think he’s the type to get on well in this sphere.

Megan’s Selection: Delta Work WIN; Musical Slave E/W

Cheltenham 3.30 – Novices' Hurdle

Captain Teague (8/13 fav) is definitely a worthy favourite. He’s a very talented horse who has shown lots of ability in all his starts.

He’s still pretty immature – we’ve seen when he hits the front and gets a bit lonely that he can have a bit of a wander around – but I’m not too concerned as I think the better the race, the better he’ll be. It’s not a physical thing, just immaturity and having a good look at the crowd!

These better races will suit him, and the likely pace from The Big Doyen will help as well. His jumping can be sharper than it was at Chepstow but his jumping when schooling at home has impressed.

I’m really positive about him – he’s short odds but the market has got it right.

Megan’s Selection: Captain Teague WIN

Saturday Racing

Cheltenham 2.20 – Gold Cup Handicap Chase

I am going with Stage Star (7/2 fav). He’s won first time out, every year, which means he goes very well fresh.

He’s been very effective around Cheltenham, albeit around the new course. They’re going around the old track, which won’t be an issue. He’s a horse that has plenty of tactical speed, too.

The fact that The Real Whacker stayed in this race is a bonus as it keeps Stage Star’s weight fairly sensible. We know he’s super talented – he was a little bit over-the-top at Aintree back in April 2023 but it was after a hard season, so we can put a line through that.

His form prior to that was notable in that he was very impressive when winning the Turners Novices' Chase and got into a really good rhythm.

He doesn’t have to lead but does tend to be prominent – the Real Whacker does like to lead, so I imagine Harry Cobden will use him as the one to aim at.

I could not be happier with the way Stage Star is training. The fact he goes well fresh, and that he’s so good at Cheltenham, means I am going with him to win.

Megan’s Selection: Stage Star WIN

Lingfield 2.36 – BetUK Churchill Stakes

A real shame to see Regal Reality (9/4 fav) drawn wide, because I really fancy his chances. He’s in great form and has been running well in a grade above so he deserves to get his head back in front.

He’s such a legend, a total credit to the yard and the team. The fact they keep bringing him back year after year to remain in the listed and group level is something they should take plenty of pride in.

He’s only had one start on the all-weather previously, back in 2021 at Lingfield, and he was only beaten by a nose. Course and distance form is always positive.

Draw seven is the only negative but he is quick out of the stalls and it looks like one or two others are wanting some cover. Richard Kingscote will be relaxed about how he jumps out – he’s versatile, he’s really hardy and he’s in great form. I think he is the one they will all have to beat.

Megan’s Selection: Regal Reality WIN

Cheltenham 2.55 – Handicap Hurdle

I am going with Judicial Law (6/1) for Jonjo O’Neill and Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

It has been relatively busy through the spring and the summer but he has been in really good form.

He’s kept improving, been very versatile in terms of the ground and I thought he ran very well over course and distance last time out in one of the Pertemps qualifiers. He stayed on really strongly up the hill and it was another improvement on what he’s done previously.

He has fairly consistent course form, is fit and at 11st is quite an attractive weight so there are plenty of positives when considering him.

Although this is more competitive than the Pertemps qualifier he ran in previously, I fancy him at the weights.

Megan’s Selection: Judicial Law WIN

Cheltenham 3.30 – Intermediate Handicap Hurdle

I like Resplendent Grey (11/4) for Olly Murphy and Harry Skelton. Olly has had a good couple of weeks for winners and the horses seem to be well.

This horse seems to be very consistent and he’s running in a handicap for the first time – a rating of 127 should be pretty fair. He was behind Captain Teague on his reappearance at Chepstow in the Grade Two Persian War and I thought it was a good effort.

We think an awful lot of Captain Teague, he’s a horse for the very top level, and although well-beaten Resplendent Grey ran such a solid race that day.

He is two from three over hurdles, his jumping is consistent and his level of form might just be stronger than one or two others. The fact he is stepping up in trip is no bad thing so I am going with him here.

Megan’s Selection: Resplendent Grey WIN

Browse all our horse racing markets

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Haydock and Ascot.

Eyecatcher of the Week – Minella Missile

Minella Missile deserves a special mention this week, having beaten short-priced favourite Captain Teague in the Hyde Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last Friday.

He’s a horse that my dad [14-time National Hunt Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls] thinks an awful lot of. Ridden with patience and showing a nice turn of foot, he definitely caught the eye and it will be interesting to watch his progress.

On the back of that, another horse for the notebook is Don't Tell Su, who was behind Minella Missile at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance at the end of October.

He’s a big horse that will improve fitness-wise and could be an exciting novice hurdler this year as well as a very nice chaser in the future.

Don't Tell Su is a horse for the notebook — though there are no immediate plans for him just yet — so Minella Missile was my eye-catcher of the week.

Saturday Racing Tips

Haydock 1.50 – Graduation Chase

The Graduation Chase does produce some nice horses and Grey Dawning (15/8) is going to be my pick here.

He ran very well behind Stay Away Fay on his reappearance in a Novices' Chase at Exeter earlier this month and he's a horse that his trainer, Dan Skelton, thinks plenty of.

The favourite, Gaillard Du Mesnil for Willie Mullins, very much needs a stamina test and the 2m 5f around a drying Haydock could catch him out.

Grey Dawning is a talented horse who has a high cruising speed and a bit of a turn of foot. The track and conditions should suit him and his recent comeback was pleasing. He will be the one to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Grey Dawning WIN

Haydock 3.00 – The Lancashire Chase

The race at Haydock has cut right up and Bravemansgame (4/5 fav) has been slashed into a very short-priced favourite — and rightly so.

He's improved massively and, despite getting beat at Wetherby last time out, he's still a very talented horse. There is loads more to come from him.

Drying ground is a positive and, even though jockey Daryl Jacob is riding him for the first time competitively, he has ridden him at home and he’s also a straightforward horse so it shouldn't be any concern whatsoever.

It is fair to say that he wasn't that impressive when he won the Charlie Hall at Wetherby last year, though, and the overall form was not that strong. However, he improved crazy amounts to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton next up and I think he will show similar improvement again here.

I imagine he will get into a nice tempo on the front end, with Daryl being fairly positive. Royale Pagaille can go forward, but if Bravemansgame keeps things simple and finds that lovely and natural jumping rhythm, we will see the best of him.

It's great he is running — it's a small field, there is still enough time before the King George and, at his best, he is absolutely the one they have to beat. Protektorat also runs and he is the reigning champion of this race but, when faced with Bravemansgame previously, it's the latter who has come out on top.

Megan’s Tip: Bravemansgame WIN

Ascot 1.30 – 1965 Chase

This is hard to split.

Pic D'Orhy was a huge improver last year and the team at home are really pleased with how he has returned to training. His homework has been very good too, suggesting he has improved further which is a real positive. The trip is absolutely perfect for him.

However, his only defeat last year did come at Ascot behind Shishkin (8/13 fav), so that would remain the only question. He's very fit and very straight, and this is a nice stepping stone for the rest of the season.

Reports are obviously good around Shishkin — he got his confidence back up at Aintree in April while he also won at Ascot in February with just one defeat sandwiched in between at Cheltenham in March.

After going wrong at Cheltenham in the 2022 running of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, he looked unsettled back at the Festival — it was as if he didn't look comfortable back on the track, which means he probably ran a bit better than observers gave him credit for that day when finishing second behind Envoi Allen. Stamina is there with this horse and it is interesting he returns over the extended two-and-a-half.

I find it hard to pick a winner. I know my dad has huge faith in Pic D'Orhy, who is very good on his day, but the way Shishkin beat him previously makes me want to side with him.

So Shishkin is my pick in a really intriguing race that could shine some light on the King George.

Megan’s Tip: Shishkin WIN

Ascot 2.05 – Ascot Hurdle

I am going with Theatre Glory (11/4) for this — she is very talented on her day and wasn't far behind Knappers Hill (1st) and Goshen (2nd) in the Select Hurdle at Sandown at the back end of last season.

This track will suit her better than Sandown, too, with the drying Ascot ground likely to suit her more. She was an improver last year and there could be more to come from her again.

It's a shame we won't see Jamie Moore on Goshen — he is on the sidelines with an injury, and we send our best wishes to him. Goshen is not a straightforward horse and, although replacement jockey Niall Houlihan works with the yard, it won't be easy to jump on him the first time.

We know he's tricky, keen and hangs — and, although he's very talented, he is not always the most reliable which is why I am going against him.

Blueking D'oroux is a massively improving horse; he won well on his return and is up in grade. He improved no end from a wind operation and his confidence is up.

However, it is hard to know where his limit lies. That's the only reason I am going against him — I would not be surprised to see him win convincingly but how much more is there to come from this horse?

I am sticking with Theatre Glory, the one they will have to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Theatre Glory WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

Following the unfortunate cancellation of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle meeting at Newcastle, this entry features a video special as Megan takes BetMGM inside the yard of National Hunt trainer Harry Derham ahead of two of his charges competing at Newbury on Saturday.

Megan, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, also tells us all about fundraising efforts for injured jockey Graham Lee.

Newbury Video Special: Inside Harry Derham’s Yard

We were fortunate enough to be at Harry Derham's yard to look at a couple of his runners at Newbury. You can watch more in the video below.

We'll start with The Gerry Feilden and Brentford Hope, who bolted up on his return this season. That was in a conditional jockey's race and he won by 16 lengths which was very impressive.

His work at home has been good since – we saw he was in great form at home ourselves. He did get a hike in the weights, going up by 11lbs which is certainly a big jump, but he won't mind the ground. He's a speedy and classy horse.

Under Control is the favourite. It's her first run since a wind operation but she was hugely impressive last year, she just kept improving. That said, she's going to have to improve further with plenty of weight on her back on her seasonal reappearance.

I'd really like to see Brentford Hope do the business again – he's a really classy horse and it would be amazing if one of the horses we have been to visit at Harry's yard could go out and back up what we saw at home and win on the track.

Il Va De Soi, the other horse we saw out on the gallops, runs in the 1.05pm Novice Hurdle.

Harry’s been very happy with him as has his rider, Paige. He came from the point-to-point field and ran respectably in a couple of bumpers before making a nice start over hurdles at Ascot. That was over two miles where he travelled well – he got outpaced but did run on quite nicely – so stepping up to two-and-a-half miles will certainly suit him.

As we saw he’s still a big, raw horse who is definitely going to strengthen and grow into that frame and get better with time. He’s only going to keep improving. He’s quite a big price at Newbury this weekend at 14/1 and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him outrun those odds up in trip.

His home work has been good – but whatever he does this year and over hurdles is only going to be a bonus on what he does in the future. As Harry explained, he really likes the horse but he’s all about time, strengthening up and really filling that frame.

It’s nice to see Il Va De Soi back on the track and hopefully he can outrun those 14/1 odds – he’s definitely one to keep an eye on in the future as he’s going to be a lovely horse once he finishes growing.

Fundraising for Graham Lee

It’s been a horrible few weeks for the horse racing community with news of jockey Graham Lee’s fall at Newcastle and subsequent injury.

We have some amazing lots put forward for an auction by myself and Alice Brooke, with the help of the Injured Jockeys Fund. It's absolutely amazing to see people getting involved, bidding and making donations as well.

We are well above our target but it’s another couple of weeks before the auction closes and we are hoping it will hit a wider audience so we can keep raising money for Graham.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has bid and donated, and a massive thank you to everyone who generously donated their lots.

To find out more about donating click here, or to view the auction items click here.

Browse all our horse racing markets here

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Sandown and Aintree.

Eyecatcher of the Week – Givemefive

Givemefive, who won for Harry Derham at Market Rasen on Thursday, is my horse to follow.

He’s a horse I bought from Johnny Murtagh and it was awesome to see him winning first time out for the yard and first time over hurdles. He jumped brilliantly in what on paper looked quite a tidy race and he travelled really well throughout.

Harry said afterwards that he will be seen over Christmas at Kempton and I'm looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

He's definitely a juvenile to follow this season – he looks like he enjoys the mud, has a great attitude and jumps well. Hopefully he will move on to bigger and better things.

Saturday Racing Tips

Sandown 1.15 – Fighting Fifth Hurdle

It goes without saying that Constitution Hill (1/5 fav) should be very hard to beat. It could be a good weekend for trainer Nicky Henderson, with Jonbon also running in the Tingle Creek later in the day.

The only concern you could ever have with Constitution Hill is if he ever came up out of Nico de Boinville's hands too long and landed in a heap on the backside of a hurdle. As a rule, he's very good but we have seen him come out of Nico's hands and stretch it to the limit.

But that’s the only concern – he's super-talented and he's beaten most of these horses out of sight previously.

I think Love Envoi (7/1) would be the horse to finish in behind. She loves Sandown and is three from three at the track. Any rain will do her no harm; she loves testing conditions, continues to improve every season and is the most likely runner-up.

Megan’s Tip: Constitution Hill 1st, Love Envoi 2nd (Forecast)

Sandown 1.50 – Henry VIII Novices' Chase

This race always ends up being a fairly small field – but I like the chances of JPR One (15/8 fav).

By the off of the race, he will be much shorter than he opens up and I think he will be well supported. He was impressive on his chasing debut at Newton Abbot and then jumped impeccably around Cheltenham next time before making an unfortunate mistake at the last. He jumped it well but just didn't get his landing gear out in time. He slithered to landing which was unfortunate as he was going to absolutely bolt up.

It's nice to see him back – and none the worse for that mishap – and I just believe the way he travelled and jumped through the race at Cheltenham was really eye-catching. Jockey Brendan Powell said he had a really good feel for the horse and trainer Joe Tizzard also thinks an awful lot of him.

Providing he is back to his best after what happened – and there is no reason why he won't be – JPR One will be pretty hard to beat. I'm keen on his chances.

Megan’s Tip: JPR One WIN

Aintree 2.05 – [Becher Handicap Chase] (/sports#racing/event/1020317084)

It's nice to have a slightly bigger field with 14 runners. Trying to find form over the bigger fences can be funny.

On the one hand, you have those who have had good experiences. Percussion, for example, has run into the placings three times when he has been there over the bigger fences, which is obviously a positive. He clearly likes it and handles the National track well.

On the other hand, you have horses that have run in the Grand National and not completed. Sometimes that can put you off. For example, Coko Beach had completed the Grand National once but pulled up in this year’s race – sometimes it can put them off if they didn't have the most fun round there, while the big fields can also have an impact.

I like the chances of Percussion - but I think my pick is going to be a horse that hasn't been around there yet but tends to jump well and that is Highland Hunter (9/1).

He stays extremely well – he made a nice return on his stable debut for Fergal O'Brien and soft ground would not be an issue for him. He is fairly sensible at the price so it’s Highland Hunter for me, with Percussion running into a placing as he usually does over these fences.

Megan’s Tip: Highland Hunter WIN; Percussion E/W

Aintree 2.40 – Juvenile Hurdle

I will go with Liari (7/20 fav). He is one of my dad’s horses and is a son of Cracksman. He’s a gorgeous big horse.

I think Cracksman will be a lovely sire for the jumpers – he loved soft ground himself and I don't think his progeny have an issue with it. Certainly, the flat runners we have seen by him don't mind a bit of juice, and Liari won't mind it either.

He pulled nicely clear of one other on his debut for us at Wincanton and I love the way he battled after making a little error. He picked himself back up and stayed on until the line. I think he will be a bit sharper for that initial experience.

There are a couple of other interesting horses in the race. Le Fauve for Dan Skelton has had one run where he was second in France and was bought after that. He's interesting – it's hard to know his true ability yet so we are just guessing a little bit on his French form, which is challenging to look into given it was such a small field.

Megan’s Tip: Liari WIN

Sandown 3.00 – Tingle Creek Chase

This looks very straightforward with Jonbon (3/10 fav) in there.

He was very good when returning at Cheltenham in top form in the Shloer Chase last month. A positive and attacking ride seems to suit him – he jumped fantastically and visually was very impressive.

It's interesting that some of the riders in behind, especially Harry Skelton, were shocked at the pace he set and the pace he kept up, suggesting that it was just an unbelievable performance.

He warrants all the respect, and it's hard to see him getting turned over. If he jumps round, he shouldn't get beat.

Megan’s Tip: Jonbon WIN Browse all our horse racing markets here

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Ascot and Haydock.

Saturday Racing Tips

Haydock 1.30 – Tommy Whittle Handicap

I think Credo, Famous Bridge, and *Eleanor Bob (11/2) all meeting again after their rendezvous at Haydock last month means it will be these three fighting it out. On that day, Famous Bridge (1st) and Credo (2nd) had the best of her, but I think she gets her revenge here.

Famous Bridge is up six pounds from winning last time and Credo is up 3lbs after finishing second on her most recent outing – she ran on pretty well towards the end and was definitely doing her best work late on.

Eleanor Bob was the opposite, she tired late on, but it was her first run back this season so she was a bit keen and a bit fresh. I am actually going to go for her. She has 5lbs off her back with Lucy Turner and her mark was not adjusted by the handicapper.

Technically she is 8lbs better off with Credo and 11lbs better off with Famous Bridge on their last run and, if she can settle that bit better early on, then she has a massive chance of reversing the form.

The difference could be the weight and the fact she will be a bit fitter and not so fresh. Eleanor Bob for me.

Megan’s Tip: Eleanor Bob WIN

Ascot 1.50 – Howden Handicap Chase

Having seven runners for a Class 2 is a bit disappointing, and it lacks much strength in depth, but I’m going to go for Triple Trade (3/1).

He’s a horse that was good to me when choosing him at Cheltenham a few weeks ago. He backed that up with a decent third at Ascot next time, where I thought he travelled into it a bit too well and maybe hit the front too soon. It was still a massive run behind Boothill.

He seems to have returned in great form this season and a slight step up in trip to the 2m 3f distance does not concern me.

There is not loads of pace in the race – Cap Du Mathan could be the one to take them along but Triple Trade seemed to travel OK at the two-mile mark the last two times. The step up should only help him travel that bit better.

To be honest, he is the most consistent in the field. The others have plenty of question marks by their names.

Megan’s Tip: Triple Trade WIN

Haydock 2.05 – Handicap Hurdle

Jagwar (11/4 fav) was only narrowly beaten at Aintree on his stable debut by Inthewaterside. It was pretty much on the nod.

He was held up throughout but showed a nice turn of foot to draw upsides the eventual winner before being slightly outbattled in the run-in. However, Inthewaterside is a horse held in very high regard. He ultimately did disappoint at Ascot next time but had excuses, so we can put a line through that bit of form.

Jagwar is looking to get off the mark and is running in a handicap for the first time – it could be a gift. The yard are unconcerned by the slow going and he's an exciting horse for Ollie (Greenall) and Josh (Guerriero) as well as owner JP McManus.

I think Jagwar can do them justice. He looks a very promising prospect and, with the mark of 119 he's on, he should be very hard to beat if he runs here.

Megan’s Tip: Jagwar WIN

Ascot 2.25 – Long Walk Hurdle

Champ (5/1) is my selection for this one – he is a proven horse at Grade 1 level.

I cannot believe he is not the favourite, he goes really well fresh and he has won this race before. I just think the main thing is that he is proven at this level. He has also had a wind operation, which won’t do any harm. He has had plenty of time to get fit and ready.

We have handicappers that might be improving – the likes of Crambo, but is he this good? Not in my opinion.

Blueking D’Oroux is another but it’s been really tricky for four-year-olds to win this race stepping up in trip, while he may not be a Grade 1 performer.

I just think it is absolutely bonkers that Champ isn’t the favourite. I am really strong on his chances and nothing is going to change my mind.

Megan’s Tip: Champ WIN

Ascot 3.00 – Handicap Chase

I’m going with Yeah Man (5/1). He was closing and looked like he was going to put up a proper battle against Victtorino last time when falling at the last, which was unfortunate as he was running nicely.

He’s 2lbs better off in the weights this time around and he seems to be fine on any ground so drying ground won’t be a problem for him whatsoever.

He’s potentially a horse that’s still open to improvement over fences, he’s nicely weighted and I feel he’s got a nice chance. Blackjack Magic would be the one to serve it up to Yeah Man. He was impressive in the Badger Beer Handicap at Wincanton but he had a relatively hard race that day and he’s up 6lb so is going to need another career-best performance.

Because of that, I’m sticking with Yeah Man.

Megan’s Tip: Yeah Man WIN

Ascot 3.35 – Handicap Hurdle

This is a really competitive hurdle. Onlyamatteroftime is clearly quirky, having run out the last two times, but there’s no doubt this horse must be showing ability for the team to return to another big handicap and out of the weights. There’s clearly ability, but it’s hard to trust.

Of the two JP McManus horses, I was really impressed Iberico Lord with at Cheltenham when he won the Greatwood in pretty impressive style but my concern would be the ground drying out. I think he did enjoy the soft conditions that day and all his form has been with soft or heavy conditions.

I’m going to go with Altobelli (5/1). He was unexposed over course and distance last time, his first time in a handicap, where the tongue tie was a help. He looked a bit tired but can improve on that run. This will likely be a big run again.

An each-way chance at is Luccia (9/1), who will enjoy the drying ground. She wasn’t a million miles behind Iberico Lord in the Greatwood and she’s fairly consistent.

Megan’s Tip: Altobelli WIN, Luccia EW

Browse all our horse racing markets here odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Taunton and Newbury.

Gripping Boxing Day Drama

I want to touch quickly on the Boxing Day results. Obviously, it was a crazy King George VI Chase. Hewick winning was not a result anyone expected but it was an amazing atmosphere and Shark Hanlon, his trainer, is a huge character. It was a pretty amazing race but a dramatic one, that’s for sure.

It was nice to see Constitution Hill back as good as ever but Il Est Francais was probably the star of the day for me. He’s a very smart novice, coming over from France to make a decent horse like Hermes Allen look fairly average, so he is very special and we’d be delighted to see him back over here. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him next year in the King George.

It was an amazing Boxing Day at Kempton but there’s been lots going on over the last few days. Thursday at Leopardstown saw Galopin De Champs back in winning form, which was great to see. He was very impressive in winning the Savills Chase, back up to his correct trip and he looked like the best version of himself.

He’s come back before and people have been a little underwhelmed but Thursday was back to his best with a dominant display.

Newbury 1.15 – Handicap Chase

I’m going to go for Martator (15/8 fav). He’s got his cheekpieces removed again, which he wore last time and ran well into second. He’s run three solid races this term – he’s not been with Venetia all that long and he is progressing and getting there now.

The last two times he’s been in behind two pretty progressive horses – one of them trained by my dad in Brave Kingdom, who boosted the Plumpton form, and Etalon, trained by Dan Skelton, where Martator was second over course and distance a few days ago. It was a good performance.

He’s certainly a horse going the right way. I thought the 1lbs rise was not harsh whatsoever, so a mark of 118 keeps him very competitive. It’s likely that Guy will bowl along at an even pace, and I think that will suit Martator. He looks relatively straightforward in how he can be ridden, so he’s the one to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Martator WIN

Newbury 1.50 – Handicap Hurdle

Get A Tonic (15/8 fav) was very impressive last time at Newbury when a slight change of tactics saw Harry Skelton dictate from the front end. That was over course and distance and she absolutely bolted up.

She was put up 8lbs for that victory so she has got a rise in the weights, which will make things slightly tougher, but she’s very much in form and there are question marks over a few of the others in this race – and the small field won’t hurt her.

Steal A March is the horse that looked progressive but he’s had a year off the track and I felt that stepping up to three miles was what helped him last year. Starting back at 2m 4f might not be enough of a test for him to be at his best, especially after a break.

I very much doubt Charlie Deutsch will try to give Harry Skelton too much of an easy time at the front, he’s on a new horse for Venetia Williams, Now Or Never. We don’t know too much about him, he’s had a couple of wins in France and Venetia does well with these types, but if Get A Tonic can dictate she’ll be hard to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Get A Tonic WIN

Taunton 2.10 – Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Queens Gamble (5/6 fav), my horse to follow this year from Harry Derham’s yard, is going for a listed event having won both her starts over hurdles.

She was a nice winner at Kempton on her stable debut for Harry and on her seasonal debut as well. She’s definitely got loads of improvement in her. She deserves to be stepping up in grade over obstacles.

It’s ideal we have Caso No Mento in the race, who likes to get on with things. If she can give Queens Gamble a nice lead, it will improve her chances. She just needs to relax a bit behind one or two.

She’s got a huge stride, a high cruising speed and the most important thing is she gets into a rhythm. In fairness, she doesn’t have to take the lead – if she gets into a rhythm in front that wouldn’t concern me too much. In an ideal world, though, someone like Caso No Mento will go a nice easy pace.

I’m not surprised she’s a short-priced favourite. Officially, she’s currently rated 6lbs less than Caso No Mento. Being a listed event, they’re running at even weights. Queens Gamble is certainly well above that official mark.

I’m looking forward to seeing her on the track – Taunton should suit her nicely. It’s not dissimilar to Kempton in that it’s right-handed, flat and sharp enough. She handled Kempton perfectly, she’s a strong traveller and I’m really looking forward to seeing her back on track.

Megan’s Tip: Queens Gamble WIN

Newbury 3.00 – Novices’ Hurdle

I’m delighted to see a bit of a bigger field, nine runners is a gift compared to this race in the last couple of years and it’s a really competitive field. This is the most competitive Challow Novices’ Hurdle in a few years.

The last couple of renewals have been short-priced favourites – and although we have a short-priced favourite in Willmount, it’s still a pretty open edition.

Willmount has been very impressive, and deserves his status as favourite. He’s the one to beat – his jumping was slick at Newbury last time and he’s open to huge amounts of improvement but he is stepping up in trip so is in unknown territory in that respect.

I’m going to put up Farnoge (8/1). Bryony Frost is on board, he’s a bit of a bigger price, which is possibly down to jockey bookings. He’s potentially still slightly under the radar. He’s won on soft and heavy ground, he’s won on good ground and when he won on good ground at Ascot last time I don’t think that was necessarily to his suiting. He’s better with a bit of cut on the ground.

That day he beat a horse called Excello by a good margin, who won at Ascot in his first time over UK fences last weekend when beating the very useful Solo. I think this form is red hot.

Megan’s Tip: Farnoge WIN

Browse all our horse racing markets here

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meeting at Wincanton.

Eyecatcher of the Week

Jeriko Du Reponet won very impressively at Newbury, remaining unbeaten.

He also looks very classy, has a high cruising speed and handles testing conditions well. I think he will be better with a slightly better surface under his foot and he just looks like a very classy horse for Nicky Henderson and JP McManus.

An exciting one for the future – and it is likely we will see him aiming for the Supreme. He is my eyecatcher from the past week.

Saturday Racing Tips

Wincanton 2.05 – Handicap Hurdle

My pick in this one is going to be Fourofakind (11/4 fav).

I am fortunate enough that I get to ride him out plenty at home on a daily basis and the fact he has his cheekpieces and tongue tie returning will certainly help him.

He has been a bit disappointing in two runs but his home work has been nice and the returning headgear should be useful.

Fourofakind has gone well on heavy ground previously on the flat and his victory last year over hurdles came in soft conditions.

Hopefully he won't mind the testing ground once again and I think we could see him return to form off a low mark of 102. He has yet to win a handicap but that looks like a realistic sort of mark and a realistic race for him.

Megan’s Tip: Fourofakind WIN

Wincanton 2.40 – Handicap Chase

Georges Saint (2/1 fav) absolutely bolted up on heavy ground when last seen at Fakenham. It was an impressive performance in the Lady's Race (the Female Jockeys' Handicap Chase).

He ultimately received a big hike in the weights from that performance – getting raised 7lbs which means he obviously has to improve once again. He's on the up with two victories recently and, ultimately, he probably would be the one to beat.

But I don't mind the chances of Go Steady (6/1) for Dan Skelton, with 3lbs off his back. He goes well in slow conditions, has recently run well on heavy and is a winner on soft. He didn't disgrace himself at Cheltenham last time whatsoever.

This race isn't quite so competitive – it is a drop-down to a Class 3, which means that's naturally the case – and Go Steady stays further, which will be important in the conditions at Wincanton where you're going to have to stay well.

A forecast of Georges Saint and Go Steady would not be a bad option here.

Megan’s Tip: Georges Saint 1st, Go Steady 2nd FORECAST

Wincanton 3.15 – Handicap Hurdle

Individualiste (7/4 fav) can back up his victory at Taunton, with his quick turnaround to Wincanton no problem whatsoever.

The headgear really helped him and he looked very happy on slow ground so that's not an issue either.

I think with the fact he won so impressively despite it not being the most competitive race at Taunton shows he's the type of horse that, now he's got his head in front, he might just be able to keep going in the right direction and improving.

**Megan’s Tip: Individualiste WIN

Browse all our horse racing markets here

odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Kempton and Warwick.

Saturday Racing Tips

Kempton 1.30 – 3m Chase Class 2

Flegmatik (5/2) is going to be my pick. He goes well at Kempton, 3lbs off his back is a help to him and he really comes good at this time of year. He seems to thrive from now onwards through until spring for whatever reason.

He ran well at Ascot last time – he was not beaten far in a really competitive race. He's off a competitive mark for this one in a field which is relatively open and I would like him to take on Chianti Classico, who I imagine will be favourite.

He's up against the elders and is stepping outside of novice company for the first time over fences, so he is going to have to improve further.

Flegmatik is a solid handicapper, loves the track and is my pick.

Megan’s Tip: Flegmatik WIN

Kempton 2.07 – Silviniaco Conti Chase

There may only be five runners but this looks really competitive and I am looking forward to it.

You could make a solid case for all of them – it's great it is so competitive and, with Irish raiders coming over, it just makes it more exciting.

I imagine Pic D'Orhy will set the pace. He likes to bowl along, though he will have to jump better than he did on his return when he was just a little bit messy at a few fences at Ascot. He won nonetheless, and obviously we had the drama with Shishkin not starting that day, but he is going to have to jump better whatever happens.

It will be tight at the top of the market. Currently we are looking at co-favourites in Banbridge and Pic D'Orhy.

I think they will have to beat Edwardstone, who is up in trip, providing he settles nicely. He is a very talented horse, he's proven at the top level over two miles and stepping up in trip could just help him find that little bit more.

He ran very well behind Jonbon at Sandown in the Tingle Creek, when he stayed on nicely up the hill, and I think he is crying out for a bit further now. He must settle, that's the most important thing. If he does, especially in a sharper two-and-a-half miles around Kempton, it just could suit him down to the ground.

If Pic D'Orhy gets into a jumping rhythm and gets a nice easy lead, he is dangerous on the front end – there is no doubt he is a very talented horse. There are some risks attached off the back of what he did at Ascot, most of which come from his jumping performance.

So I am going to go with Edwardstone. It is such a hard race to pick, because we have a really talented small field, but he is the most unexposed up to a new trip.

Megan’s Tip: Edwardstone WIN

Warwick 2.24 – Hampton Novices' Chase

Grey Dawning (9/4) is going to be my best bet of the weekend.

Forgive him at Cheltenham last time – he ran well behind Ginny's Destiny, who is held in high regard, but he made a very bad mistake at a crucial point.

He has beaten Apple Away previously and he's a horse Dan Skelton holds in very high regard so I still think he warrants plenty of respect. He could be another who is overpriced.

Warwick should not be an issue – he is a straightforward horse as long as he gets into a jumping rhythm, and I think he is the one they have got to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Grey Dawning WIN

Kempton 2.42 – Lanzarote Hurdle

Impose Toi (10/3) is definitely the worthy favourite – he is the one they have got to beat. He is still an improving horse and remains well-weighted, in my opinion.

He was unlucky at Ascot last time out when making a mess of the last, which threw away his chances, finishing behind his stablemate Luccia.

It looks as if this is the type of race that will suit him. Kempton will be right up his street and he is the one they have got to beat.

Looking at a massive price, Aucunrisque (28/1) could maybe run a bit of respect back over hurdles.

He has won some big hurdle races for Chris Gordon in the past and, if he is back at his best, he could be overpriced and maybe represent some each-way value. Keep an eye out if he is a market mover as he could be one to watch.

Megan’s Tip: Impose Toi WIN, Aucunrisque E/W

Browse all our horse racing markets here odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over some antepost betting ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham Festival Racing Tips

Supreme Novices Hurdle

The Irish have a really strong hand - at least according to the antepost and the potential runners heading there.

They are absolutely dominating the market, but I am actually going to side with one of the potential English runners from Nicky Henderson's stable, and that's Jeriko Du Reponet (5/1), who is three from three.

He has won a point-to-point and twice, now, at Newbury and I was impressed with his performance at Newbury last time. Although it was a small field, it was quite a competitive introductory hurdle that day, and he did it pretty much on the bridle. He beat some decent horses in Secret Squirrel and Paradias in second and third, and wasn't really asked a question. The ground was very testing that day - it was described as soft, but it was very hard work - and I don't think that is necessarily to his suiting, so better ground wouldn't go amiss for him.

I just think there is loads more to come - an opening mark of 132 suggests that what he's done has been impressive visually and also by the clock, so I think Jeriko Du Reponet could be a really exciting horse for Nicky Henderson and JP McManus, and I'm hoping the English can kick off the festival as we mean to go on.

Megan’s Tip: Jeriko Du Reponet WIN

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

I am remaining faithful to Stay Away Fay (11/2).

His form beating Grey Dawning (9/1) continues to look good, and there was another form boost at the weekend with Grey Dawning winning again.

Stay Away Fay has not had his ideal conditions - it's been small fields at a slow pace, and he's had to do the hard work at the front end, which is not ideal as he idles a lot when he's in front. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in a higher grade and in a better run race. I think we will see a better horse once again.

He's obviously a winner at the festival last year, he's a winner at the top level, and he doesn't have an issue with the track, which is a question mark for Gaelic Warrior (12/1), as we know he is much better right-handed.

Stay Away Fay is simple, he stays, he's tough, he's classy, and I just think he could be overlooked. So I am staying loyal to Stay Away Fay.

Megan’s Tip: Stay Away Fay WIN

Champion Chase

This is going to be an absolute thriller.

Everything crossed that we get the El Fabiolo (4/6) and Jonbon (9/4) clash back on.

Due to the BetMGM Clarence House being abandoned, it sounds as if El Fabiolo will stay in Ireland for the Dublin Festival and Jonbon will go wherever the Clarence House is rerouted.

So the rematch is very much back on - I'm staying with El Fabiolo.

I was really keen on his chances last year - he was actually my banker of the meeting. He did me proud.

We know he is prone to the odd mistake, but the engine is huge. I think he will improve for another run - any extra experience and any extra jumping challenge is only going to help him, and I just think he is a hugely talented horse.

Cheltenham is not an issue for him, and as long as he can get into a nice jumping rhythm, he is the quickest horse in the race. To be honest, if there is a good gallop on - which Jonbon apparently needs - I think that will just suit El Fabiolo even more.

**Megan’s Tip: El Fabiolo WIN

Mares Novices Hurdle

Queens Gamble is a fairly big price at 14/1 and an each-way chance.

She is unbeaten over hurdles, and since joining trainer Harry Derham, she was very impressive in a listed race at Taunton last time, beating Casa No Mento. I thought that was fairly solid form.

I also felt that Queens Gamble, once she hit the front, was only doing enough, so there is potentially more to come.

She goes very well at Cheltenham, she goes well fresh, and I think she is overpriced at 14/1.

I wouldn't be surprised if she is a shorter price on the day.

**Megan’s Tip: Queens Gamble EW

Cheltenham Gold Cup

Galopin Des Champs (Evens) looked right back to his best last time over Christmas - he is the worthy favourite. I am really looking forward to him and Fastorslow (7/2) locking horns once again at the Dublin Racing Festival. We should learn a lot more about where Fastorslow really stands with Gallopin du Champ.

I don't think Galopin Des Champs was at his very best at Punchestown when Fastorslow beat him and Bravemansgame (14/1), but Fastorslow is clearly a very talented horse.

I think Galopin Des Champs is the best horse in the field without a shadow of a doubt when he is on his A-game, and he certainly was in the Savills Chase over Christmas.

I am going to throw in a massive price to look at Each Way - Nassalam at 25/1. His romp at Chepstow was just quite incredible, and plenty of horses have gone on from the Welsh National to win the Gold Cup. I am not saying he is going to win, but he is a horse with plenty of ability. He's definitely improved this year and the likes of Native River have managed to do something similar and keep improving, AKA winning a Welsh National before winning a Gold Cup.

I just think Nassalam is going in the right direction, he stays very well, if it is an out-an-out gallop then stamina won't be an issue. I wouldn't be surprised to see him sneak into a place.

But Galopin Des Champs deserves to be the favourite and will be hard to beat at his best.

**Megan’s Tip: Gallopin Des Champs WIN Nassalam EW

Browse all our horse racing markets here odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meeting at Newbury.

But first, she shares her thoughts on the untimely death of jockey Keagan Kirkby, who passed away after a fall in a Point-to-Point last weekend. Mr Kirkby formed part of Paul Nicholls’ yard.

A tribute to Keagan Kirkby

It was absolutely tragic to hear the news of Keagan Kirkby’s passing following a fall point-to-pointing.

He was, as I am sure a lot of people have realised, very popular. He was such a lovely lad and it is so unfair that these things can happen to such an amazing, generous and loved young man. It is just heartbreaking.

Obviously it’s been very tough for all his friends, family and colleagues. Everyone has really come together. You can read the support on social media and see the fundraiser that has raised an incredible amount of money here.

We had a target of £5,000 but that's been blown out of the water, which is just incredible. Any more that can be raised is even better. It's amazing how the racing community can really come together in times like this and we thank everyone for their support.

It's been really hard to believe it's actually happened. Keagan worked extremely hard — he was a huge part of the team at Ditcheat. He absolutely adored his horses and wasn't ever far wrong with his opinion on when he thought a horse was in great form at home.

His smile, humour and presence is going to be sorely missed by everyone. The least we can do is really help towards his funeral and memorial to give him the send-off he deserves.

The fact that so many people far and wide have donated in seriously generous numbers is just phenomenal — and every little really helps so I would really like to reiterate our thanks and that anything else that can be given is hugely appreciated.

I think the cherry on the top of the fundraiser was Fire Flyer — the horse Kegan used to ride every day — managing to win at Taunton in the week and the owner donating the prize money from that race to the fundraiser.

Things like that go so far. It goes to show that there are a lot of great people in our sport and community and we should continue to support Keagan's family and friends at this really tough time.

Super Saturday Racing Tips

Newbury 1.30 – [The Denman Chase(/sports#racing/event/1020481065)

I think Shishkin (8/13) wins the Denman Chase. I'd like to see him win for himself after a couple of unfortunate mishaps this season.

He was running a huge race in the King George and, although Protektorat (9/4) was a bit better last time, he needs a bit more against the best of Shishkin's form.

Hitman (12/1) is hard to trust at the moment — he's lost his way a little bit.

There are a few quirky customers heading up but Shiskin is the best of those and worthy of the top of the market.

Megan’s Tip: Shishkin WIN

Newbury 2.40 – The Game Spirit Chase

I have lost a bit of faith in Edwardstone (6/4) and he is back down to the minimum trip, which will help. He still needs to settle and I just think he lacked a lot of spark at Kempton. It was a disappointing run.

So I am going with Boothill (2/1). He fell in that same Kempton race, but was going nicely enough at the time. They have given him a bit of time to freshen up and this race has been his aim.

Megan’s Tip: Boothill WIN

Newbury 3.15 – Handicap Hurdle

Iberico Lord (11/2 fav) is going to be my selection – returning to slower ground will be a positive for him.

He was disappointing at Ascot but it was way too bad to be true and I just felt the drying ground that day probably wasn’t to his favour. He was very impressive at Cheltenham in the Greatwood Hurdle previously, and he is still relatively unexposed and young and potentially still improving.

I think the rain will increase his chances and he could easily bounce back. He’s a horse with a high cruising speed and big fields aren’t an issue – he’s obviously experienced that previously – so there are plenty of positives about his chances.

Megan’s Tip: Iberico Lord WIN

Browse all our horse racing markets here Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week. In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Ascot and highlights not one but two impressive performances over the past week.

Eyecatchers of the Week – Etalon & Nico de Boinville

Etalon won impressively at Sandown, making it three from three over fences. He's improving, his jumping is immaculate, and he was a real joy to watch over the two miles at Sandown.

Not all horses, especially novices, can jump quite so well around a tricky track.

It was an excellent performance from him – trainer Dan Skelton has said plenty of options are open going forward, with Cheltenham or Aintree a possibility.

We will see what the handicapper does on Tuesday. I would like to see him in the Grand Annual – I think he's going in the right direction; his jumping could stand up to the test and is improving rapidly.

Elsewhere, we tipped Iberico Lord to win the Betfair Hurdle in the blog last week and it's always nice to have a winner for our readers.

I thought Nico de Boinville gave this horse an exceptional ride, saving every inch of ground going down the inside the whole way, never coming off the rail.

Iberico Lord was very good for Nico in that he had horses all around him and didn't see a lot of his hurdles but he was very slick and jumped exceptionally well.

Nico was very patient down the straight at Newbury – it was a long way from the last to the line, around a furlong-and-a-half, and Nico just kept holding on and saving. I thought, tactically, it was an excellent ride.

Saturday Racing Tips

Ascot 1.50 – Novice Chase

Apple Away (6/4 fav) is a grade one winning hurdler and has made an OK start to her chasing career, but has found Grey Dawning too good twice.

She has plenty of ability, but it is proven she is beatable, and I think she will be beaten again.

I will stick with Brave Kingdom (10/3), who has returned in incredible form after a huge absence. He won at Plumpton and then improved again to win at Newbury next time. He looks as though stepping up in trip has been a massive help.

He's clearly got plenty of stamina, and I love how he was passed at Newbury but battled back to win going away. He is a horse who has his confidence up, he is going the right way, and he is unexposed chasing at the 3-mile distance. He deserves to step up in grade now, and more is still to come from him.

It's frustrating that he has to give weight away to a mare in Apple Away. In fact, on official ratings, she is getting crazy amounts of weight, really. But, she does have to improve on what she has done chasing so far, and Brave Kingdom is going the right way.

Megan's Tip: Brave Kingdom WIN

Ascot 2.25 – Handicap Hurdle

I am going with Bad (10/3) for Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. Ben Pauling is flying at the moment, with winners left, right, and centre.

Bad has been in good form without winning so far this season and has cheekpieces applied for the first time, as well as having a wind operation since his last run at Ascot.

His form is pretty solid throughout this season; he's run some really big races in defeat and his most recent run, when he was third at Ascot, has been boosted by Titan Discovery who just keeps improving.

This horse is one to keep onside. He's up in trip, has new headgear, a wind operation, and a yard that is absolutely flying behind him – I thought he was a fairly sensible price and more trustworthy than one or two others.

It's no bad thing that the ground is forecast to be drying up - he seems pretty versatile in that respect.

Megan's Tip: Bad WIN

Ascot 3.00 – Handicap Chase

I am going with Shan Blue (6/1) here.

He is a horse the Skeltons always thought a lot of and we know, following a fall in the Charlie Hall back in 2021, he had a couple of issues and lost his way and his confidence.

But last time, with cheekpieces reapplied, we got a glimpse of what he can do, and it was a real step back in the right direction. He did make a mistake early on, which wasn't ideal, but he recovered from it, and it was nice to see him finish his race and run on. The distance that day – 2m 3f – is definitely too sharp for him, but it was a totally different horse. Hopefully, it has done his confidence the world of good.

The cheekpieces are retained, and he sneaks in at a sensible weight. He has 11st 5lbs on his back on a mark of 143. He is back up to 3 miles on ground he will enjoy. He's been versatile, but if it does dry out and remain good-to-soft, then that is absolutely perfect.

I think Shan Blue will bounce back to somewhere near his best, and if the cheekpieces and step up in trip work again, then a big run is on the cards.

**Megan’s Tip: Shan Blue WIN

Ascot 3.36 – Ascot Chase

I am going with Pic D'Orhy (2/1) - Dad could have a good day at Ascot on Saturday. He's a winner at the top level, and he comes good at this time of year. He goes well at Ascot, and his run at Kempton last time behind Banbridge was absolutely awesome.

Despite giving the winner some weight that day, he wasn't beaten far at all. He obviously missed the last fence, which didn't help and cost him some momentum, but it was a huge run. He has trained very well since then.

L'Homme Presse (4/5 fav) is the short-priced favourite, and he looks like he could be a live Gold Cup contender. He beat Protektorat at Lingfield and did it nicely enough, but it was a huge run from Protektorat in behind, and he was well beaten by Shishkin and Hitman next time out in the Denman Chase at Newbury.

The form lines add up for L'Homme Presse, but I just think Pic D'Orhy would be ahead of Hitman, and on this trip, he will have more tactical speed.

The ground drying out is a definite positive for Pic D'Orhy, and if he brings his A-game, it will be a real battle and an exciting renewal, despite only being a small field.

**Megan’s Tip: Pic D'Orhy WIN

Browse all our horse racing markets here odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews action at Kelso, Doncaster, and Newbury.

But first, she has her say on the biggest story of the week…

A word on Constitution Hill

He will have obviously been disappointed in his gallop at Kempton this week, but Nico De Boinville eased him a long way from home.

Some have pointed out that he was a furlong behind - but he was heavily eased. It wasn't as though he was off the bridle and a furlong behind. Nico clearly wasn't happy with him and looked after him.

The concern is it is quite a quick turnaround. If it is a basic infection, a course of antibiotics can knock it on the head, clear it up, and he will hopefully be fine.

The only worry is missing a vital piece of work before Cheltenham, but Nicky Henderson will be doing everything he can with his team to get him to the Festival and in the best form possible.

If he is under the weather, then he understandably has every right not to run.

But he is in safe hands. Nicky will do whatever is best for the horse, and, to be honest, it is a mountain out of a molehill. If your horse isn't 100% right, it isn't 100% right. It's very simple.

It's almost a blessing the press and everyone else had seen this gallop at Kempton, because if this had happened at home and Nicky had come out and said he is scope dirty, then nobody would have believed it.

We have seen evidence the horse is not 100% himself and he will be back to his best very soon, hopefully.

Newbury 1.20 – Handicap Chase

This is a veterans’ race with plenty of very decent handicappers when in their prime.

Highland Hunter (4/1) is a legend - he stays very well, and the fact the ground is going to be very testing will massively be in his favour. He shows a pretty good attitude.

He has a big responsibility on Tuesday in that he will lead the procession of Keagan Kirkby's funeral, so it would be nice to see this horse winning.

He has a massive chance in this veterans’ race - if he returns to the National Trial form he displayed at Haydock last time, then he probably enjoys winning more than one or two of the others here.

Fortescue (5/1) is the horse that will put it up to him the most - he will enjoy being back on softer ground, and it's his first time in a veterans’ race. He also ran very well in a National Trial - a Welsh National Trial - and on the back of that, he's got a big chance with Harry Cobden on board.

Megan's Selection: Highland Hunter/Fortescue forecast

Kelso 1.42 – Handicap Hurdle

I have gone with The Kalooki Kid (3/1) - he's been nicely supported in the market. The Doncaster form with Jeriko Du Reponet is looking pretty strong, with Lump Sum and Fiercely Proud boosting that form by winning and finishing 2nd, respectively, at Kempton. The Kalooki Kid did not disgrace himself by any means in that.

It is a drop into a handicap - his handicap debut - and I think he has the strongest form coming into it of those who are unexposed.

Megan's Selection: The Kalooki Kid WIN

Newbury 1.55 – Greatwood Gold Cup

Highstakesplayer (9/2) is an interesting horse - he's three from three chasing. I thought he would improve from Kempton physically, and the fact he won on his return was really quite impressive. He's clearly a horse going in the right direction.

However, I just can't get my head around the fact that Sir Psycho (10/1) is the outsider of the field. He's a huge each-way price. He was in really good form after making a winning start to his racing career with Harry Derham. He's backed that up with a good second at Exeter and unseated very early at Sandown last time.

He doesn't mind the ground, and if he hadn't run and unseated at Sandown, he would be half the price. Highstakesplayer is the interesting one, but Sir Psycho is a massive each-way chance and way overpriced.

Megan's Selection: Sir Psycho EW

Kelso 2.17 – Novices' Hurdle

Jango Baie (9/4) is top of the market and is a Grade One winner after coming out on top in the Tolworth Hurdle on Boxing Day.

But, with the weight difference, I am going with Personal Ambition (7/2) here. He ran way too bad to be true at Sandown in December. He was a long way beaten into third.

However, his form from Warwick on his hurdling debut back in November with Jingko Blue is very good, and he really bounced back to form at Doncaster last time. I think this horse still has plenty to come.

We know Jango Baie is good - he's a Grade One winner already, though he didn't really have any excuses at Huntingdon last time when second to Handstands.

At the weights, I'm going with Personal Ambition.

Megan's Selection: Personal Ambition WIN

Doncaster 2.35 – Handicap Chase

Nube Negra (10/3) for me.

He has cheekpieces on for the first time and is back in a handicap, which is a big plus. This is a much weaker race than what he's been competing in recently.

The less rain for him, the better, but this drop in class and this type of race could just set up nicely for him, and he is the classiest animal in the race on his best day.

I don't think we have seen him at his best for a little while, but dropping down to this grade and the added headgear should really help him.

Megan's Selection: Nube Negra WIN

Kelso 2.50 – Morebattle Hurdle

I am going with Rewired (12/1), which is a really nice each-way price.

He's a really consistent horse who has improved further again this year. He travels well, he will be able to hold a really nice position, and he has won very well this year. He's a really solid option - he’s ground-versatile and you can't knock him for an awful lot.

He was pretty weak in the market at Taunton when he won, so even if he isn't massively supported, it doesn't bother me, and 12/1 is just a really nice and solid each-way price.

They will go at a nice even gallop, which will suit him, and this could be a massive day for jockey Luke Scott and trainers Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole.

Megan's Selection: Rewired WIN

Doncaster 3.10 - Mares' Novices' Hurdle

I am going for Gaye Legacy (5/1).

She is stepping up in grade, but she is one that has got proven stamina.

She won at Newbury last time - prior to that, she was in behind Kyntara at Aintree, who was an improving horse and her performance was fairly solid.

Interestingly, Charlotte Jones has gone to Doncaster to ride Lunar Discovery (2/1 fav) instead of going to Kelso to ride Bingo. So she clearly thinks Lunar Discovery is a really solid chance, and you can't knock her for what she's done so far.

The question is the stamina - she is stepping up in trip for the first time and that's why I have gone for Gaye Legacy. She's proven at the trip, and if there is a nice gallop on, you have no doubts about her staying.

Megan's Selection: Gaye Legacy WIN

Kelso 3.25 - Premier Listed Race

It is great to see the quality we have got on - ultimately, if you look through the card, we are probably a grade above listed level with the likes of Monbeg Genius (7/4), Aye Right (7/2), Minella Drama (8/1), and Thunder Rock (4/1).

If Thunder Rock - up in trip for the first time - stays, he can beat Monbeg Genius. They have taken the cheekpieces off him because of the step-up in trip. He's got similar form with Monbeg Genius in relation to Mahler Mission, who they both have competed against a couple of times. So they do link in quite well.

I think Thunder Rock looked outpaced around the sharp track at Musselburgh, and I think up in trip will really suit him.

I know Monbeg Genius as that unbelievable Ultima form, and he ran very well in the Hennessy last time.

But my pick is Thunder Rock - up in trip, he could be an improver.

Megan's Selection: Thunder Rock WIN

Doncaster 3.40- Grimthorpe Handicap Chase

I am going to go Java Point (8/1), mainly because I have seen the rain forecast and he is pretty ground-versatile.

He finished ahead of Certainly Red (9/1) at Sandown last time and it's pretty early days with this yard.

He is a strong traveller, nicely weighted, and the extended trip is not going to be an issue - he's got plenty going for him, really.

Some Scope (11/4) is unexposed compared to the rest of the field, but he's been a non-runner a couple of times on soft ground, and he won last time at Doncaster on good.

Though he's two from three chasing - and he could be the biggest improver in the field - the rain would be a concern for me. If it does go too soft, that would hinder his chances. So purely because of the ground and his versatility, I've gone with Java Point.

Megan's Selection: Java Point WIN

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week. This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews the exciting races at Sandown and Kempton on Saturday. But first, she has her say on the big news ahead of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival…

Cheltenham just around the corner!

Cheltenham has come around so quickly – it’s been a dramatic week this week in terms of horses that have unfortunately been announced as non-runners and have not been able to make it, the likes of Constitution Hill and Marine Nationale.

It’s frustrating for those connections but those horses will be back to fight another day. It’s a tricky time for yards this close to the Festival, keeping all the horses in absolutely A1 condition – they aren’t machines and sometimes things go wrong. When they’re trained so specifically they unfortunately are susceptible to picking up injuries or, as Constitution Hill has shown, just not being 100% in themselves.

We want to see all the champions, of course, but we’ve still got a week of incredibly competitive racing, some equine stars on show and I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s really exciting – you can watch our preview event on BetMGM’s social channels and hopefully we’ve picked out a few winners!

For BetMGM to have picked up the County Hurdle is really special. It’s always a really fast and furious handicap – there’s loads of runners which is always a great spectacle and what an amazing way to mark BetMGM’s first Festival.

I’ll be doing a blog for each day so stay tuned for my selections – we’ll be trying to pick some winners when the final declarations are out.

There will be lots going on throughout the week and I can’t wait.

Sandown 1.50 – National Hunt' Novices Handicap Hurdle Final

I'm going with dad's horse Fire Flyer (11/2).

At 12st, it makes things a bit tricky but he's a horse we feel is improving and still has a lot more to come. A mark of 127 we feel is lenient and we think there's a lot more scope left at this mark.

Obviously it’s a different type of track altogether than Taunton but he's pretty versatile, doesn't seem to be worried by any ground and has a massive engine.

His jumping has let him down a bit but he's been getting better with each run and this has very much been the plan for quite a while.

He's got form ahead of Pic Roc (7/1) already. The form there ties in nicely with the favourite Hasthing (5/2 fav).

I just feel as though Fire Flyer has the most scope for improvement. It's a very competitive and open race, but he is the one I feel could be running up in graded level sooner rather than later and that is why he is my pick.

It could be that Champagne Twist (10/1), who seems to be improving with each run, proves to be the biggest danger and a bit of each-way value.

There are plenty of runners in the race, which is good, and it was nice to see Champagne Twist with his head in front at Doncaster last time where he was impressive. At the moment I think he would be the each-way pick.

Megan’s Selection: Hasthing WIN, Champagne Twist EW

Sandown 2.25 – Imperial Cup

I'm going to stick with my friend Bad (5/1). He ran very well at Ascot with first-time cheekpieces following a wind operation, going down by a head.

He was unlucky; it was literally on the nod that he lost this race but he's been very consistent this year. The step up in trip to the 2m 3f was fine but I actually think returning to the two miles at Sandown on a stiffer track will suit him. I just think he's a solid option.

It's a wide-open race with lots of runners, which is great to see, and we have some course winners in the likes of Georgi Girl. But I just think Bad is the sensible option here, he's in great form.

There is plenty of money for dad's runner Sans Bruit (6/1) — he will be happier back on softer ground. The ground was way too quick for him last time at Doncaster so we didn't see the best of him but it's still early days and we're still learning.

Megan’s Selection: Bad WIN

Sandown 3.00 – Listed Mares Bumper

It's wide open. The favourite, Honky Tonk Highway (7/2 fav), is yet to actually run under rules. She's a point-to-point winner and was sold for fairly decent money — 165,000 guineas at Cheltenham in November.

She's making her rules debut for Dan Skelton in a Listed Race so she's obviously shown plenty at home. She won her point-to-point impressively but to be coming straight in at the Listed level suggests she's been doing lots of nice things at home, so we ought to respect that.

Of the others, here, I've Madeupmymind (9/2) for Ben Pauling made a pleasing start when pulling well clear at Wincanton with a nice filly of dad's called Jubilee Alpha.

I've Madeupmymind put up a battle but wasn't quite good enough on the day and she's going to be my selection, purely because it's a bit easier to read into that form at the moment.

Huge respect for Dan and Harry Skelton's mare but I've Madeupmymind gets weight off Honky Tonk Highway because she's only a four-year-old and I just think that form from Wincanton looks pretty solid and Pauling has had a good time with his runners this year.

Megan’s Selection: I've Madeupmymind WIN

Sandown 3.35 – Serial Winners Fund Novices' Handicap Chase

I am going to go Kotmask (10/3) here. I was at Sandown when he won at the end of January and he absolutely bolted up.

I was questioning that day whether the ground would be a bit too testing for him but he handled it very well. He since came out and won at Plumpton, beating Scarface (9/2), who he meets again here.

I just think Kotmask is going the right way, he's improving. He is off a career-high mark so he is going to have to improve again but course form is always important. I think this time, running over the two-and-a-half at Sandown may mean there's still more to come.

Golden Son (11/4 fav) was a winner last time at Kempton. He's been a little bit frustrating and in and out with his form, but he got right back to winning ways and was much more like it at Kempton last time. But he could be a little bit unreliable.

I think Kotmask here is the safe option. He's improving. He goes well at Sandown.

Two-and-a-half here shouldn't be an issue — he saw it out no problem at Plumpton. He's just going the right way.

Megan’s Selection: Kotmask WIN

BetMGM horse racing ambassador Megan Nicholls is here every day of the Cheltenham Festival bringing her insight and opinion to bear on the biggest week in the sport.

On this occasion the former jockey, now an award-winning television pundit, previews the action on the opening day at Prestbury Park. All seven races are on her hit list including the Champion Hurdle, Supreme, Arkle and more.

Remember, for the latest odds, specials, profiles, blogs and more visit the BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Hub.

Cheltenham 1.30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

This race is really, really open. Often you need a horse that stays pretty well so I’m going to go Firefox (9/2) here.

He disappointed at Naas last time – it was way too bad to be true though, having beaten Ballyburn prior to that run. I think he’s got red-hot form, Gordon Elliott reported that he was not 100% right and had scoped dirty after Naas.

Since then he has obviously been freshened up and he missed the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown last month. His training at home has been really pleasing. If we think Ballyburn is such a good thing later in the week, then how can we look away from a horse like Firefox, who actually beat him in a maiden hurdle?

I hope that they revert back to the more positive tactics and if Firefox is firing then I think he’ll bowl along and take Jack Kennedy into the race a lot better than he did last time.

Tullyhill (3/1 fav) is currently the favourite with fellow Willie Mullins runner Mystical Power (7/2) right there too. I don’t think Mystical Power’s jumping has been good enough so that could catch him out.

Personally, it’s between Tullyhill and Firefox. I was scratching my head slightly between them as Tullyhill has been solid and much better since going down to the two-mile trip. He’s looked sharp but you need a horse that can stay and Firefox is that horse.

If we’re looking at an each-way chance then I’m really hoping that Jeriko Du Reponet (7/1) can outrun his odds. His form is also red-hot so if I’m looking at one for places it’d be him.

Megan’s Selection: Firefox WIN, Jeriko Du Reponet EW

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Cheltenham 2.10 – Arkle Challenge Trophy

This is a real headache but I’m going to take on Gaelic Warrior (10/3 fav).

He’s got a hood added for the first time but on the Old Course, which is tighter than the New Course, down to the two miles I think the lengths he gives away by going right-handed on a left-handed course is a real negative.

No doubt he’s got the biggest engine but I’m not sure this is the right race. Willie Mullins has quite a strong hand in here with Il Etait Temps (11/2) and Hunters Yarn (5/1) as well as Gaelic Warrior but I’m actually going to look at Quilixios (6/1).

He was right back to form at Naas last time where he jumped very well. He goes well at Cheltenham too – he won the Triumph Hurdle in 2021 – and he’s rock solid.

Quilixios is two from three chasing and that middle run he ran over three miles he never went, he was tailed off and it was just an absolute no-show. They gave him a bit of time, brought him back down to the trip that suits him best and he was very impressive at Naas.

He travels well and will be able to hold a nice position. Although I’ve said the dropping back down in trip is a positive he is a strong stayer at the two miles.

There are question marks over so many of these horses and he’s one that – if you take out the run at Punchestown in November – he’s so consistent.

Megan’s Selection: Quilixios WIN

Cheltenham 2.50 – Handicap Chase

I’m going with Trelawne (8/1). He is up in trip and is a pretty consistent type, he’s got decent form this season.

He ran a good race at Cheltenham in December behind Ginny’s Destiny and ran well again at Wetherby in January. Trelawne wasn’t beaten all that far, with cheekpieces on for the first time, in the Novices’ Chase at Exeter last month.

That was only a three-runner race but Tahmuras has come out and boosted the form having gone very close at Kempton next time. Crebilly, who won at Exeter, is a pretty short price in the Festival Plate on Thursday so the form there is decent.

Trelawne is up in trip for the first time – so unexposed over fences at three miles – but he was a winner at three miles over hurdles at Uttoxeter previously, so I’m going for him.

Connections are talking about Meetingofthewaters (5/1 fav) as a potential Gold Cup type but he’s up a total of 17lbs since he won the feature race at Leopardstown in December. That’s a big ask for him but, if he really is a Gold Cup type, then nothing is going to be getting near him but we’re yet to see that.

The massive each-way shout could be Kitty’s Light (33/1).

He’s a really strong stayer who comes right and goes well in the spring. He won the Gold Cup at Sandown last April, is off a fairly competitive mark and, although he seems like he’s been around forever, he’s actually only an eight-year-old.

Kitty’s Light seems massively overpriced, he’ll stay very well and he might just outrun those odds.

Megan’s Selection: Trelawne WIN; Kitty’s Light EW

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Champion Hurdle

This is now pretty straightforward. With Constitution Hill out, State Man (3/10 fav) is very much the best of the rest by some way.

He’s been very good this season, such a solid horse. I can’t knock him for anything really, so State Man is the winner here.

I’ll go for a forecast with Iberico Lord (10/1). He was very impressive in the Greatwood Hurdle and absolutely bolted up last time in the feature hurdle race at Newbury. He has got to step up and he’s obviously taking a big step up in grade.

He’s going the right way and there could be any amount of improvement left to come.

Irish Point (11/2) is proven at this level and comes back down in trip – it could be that State Man and Irish Point are way ahead but Iberico Lord could just be open to anything so I’ll take the punt.

Megan’s Selection: State Man 1st, Iberico Lord 2nd Forecast

Cheltenham 4.10 – Mares’ Hurdle

Lossiemouth (8/13 fav) is super, super talented. She was very impressive in the International Hurdle on her return this season.

The question is stepping up in trip into unknown territory – she’s yet to race over this distance – but if she can relax then her turn of foot is very impressive.

She handles any ground and is certainly the most talented mare in the field. She should take the beating. I was actually hoping she might take on State Man in the Champion Hurdle, she could’ve won with that weight allowance. That being the case, she really should be winning here provided she settles.

The big danger is her stablemate Ashroe Diamond (5/1), who is back up in trip. She’s a talented mare and will see the trip out so she’s the biggest threat to Lossiemouth.

For an each-way shout, I think Lantry Lady (33/1) for Henry de Bromhead is an interesting one. She’s two from two and was very impressive at Gowran Park last time, she could be anything here.

She’s stepping up in trip and grade but I think she’ll be fine, she is the one out of all the outsiders who could have an impact and outrun her odds.

Megan’s Selection: Lossiemouth WIN; Lantry Lady EW

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Cheltenham 4.50 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

This is always a really tricky race to try to work out.

For a big price each-way I’m going to go Roaring Legend (25/1) for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen. He’s a horse I liked the first time I saw him, finishing in behind Kalif Du Berlais at Kempton in January. That form has been boosted.

He was then in behind Liari at Musselburgh which wasn’t a bad run at all. He was possibly a bit disappointing when finishing third at Market Rasen last month – however he has now got a mark and it looks like a fairly generous one at 122.

I think he could outrun his odds and prove the each-way value in this race.

Otherwise, I do really fancy Liari (8/1) for my dad. He’s a horse we consider to have the ability to be running in the Grade 1 Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree. He had the Triumph Hurdle entry as well but dad has decided to go with this instead.

It’s almost like a limited handicap because the bottom weight is only 10st 11lbs so it’s not a massive margin – only a stone difference is a blessing really. If Liari was going to be good enough to be competitive in the Triumph and considered good enough to be competitive in the Anniversary Hurdle then he ought to be running a huge race here.

Liari is three from three, is very straightforward and a strong traveller who will be able to hold his position. He’s unknown on a track like Cheltenham because his runs have all been on flat tracks but, with the way he goes and the way he’s so straightforward, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Megan’s Selection: Liari WIN; Roaring Legend EW

Cheltenham 5.30 – National Hunt Novices’ Chase

The fact this race is paying respect to Maureen Mullins is very important to note this year. She was a legend within our sport.

But, as a race itself, it just doesn’t seem to work. It always attracts a really small field, which is a real negative.

However, Willie and Patrick Mullins will want to win this race as much as any of the others and they have the joint favourite here in Embassy Gardens (2/1 joint fav) who is two from two chasing.

He looks to stay very well so moving up an extra bit in distance shouldn’t be a problem. He was very impressive in a Grade 3 at Naas last time, winning pretty much at a canter over 3m 1f of testing ground.

With that in mind, the 3m 6f here should not be an issue for Embassy Gardens.

I see quite a lot of Willie Mullins’ horses have a first-time hood on this time round. Often we see them with earplugs but the team have decided to put a hood on quite a few horses on the Tuesday for the first time. It’s probably just to help them relax with the busy Cheltenham atmosphere.

Embassy Gardens is one of those with the first-time hood, hopefully that will be a benefit and not a negative.

I think they have purposely targeted this horse for a race being run in memory of Maureen and I’d be very surprised if he was beaten after being very good in both his chasing starts to date while jumping well too.

Megan’s Selection: Embassy Gardens WIN

All odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

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Every day of the Cheltenham Festival, BetMGM horse racing ambassador Megan Nicholls brings her renowned insight on the biggest week in the sport exclusively to our Cheltenham Hub.

The former jockey, now an award-winning TV pundit, previews the action on day two in Gloucestershire.

And remember: for the latest odds, specials, profiles, blogs and more visit the BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Hub.

Cheltenham 1.30 – Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle

Ballyburn (1/2 fav) is obviously another short-priced favourite for Willie Mullins but he does look to be very smart.

He was impressive at Leopardstown, is a strong traveller, has speed as well as stamina and being back up in trip should not be a problem provided he settles nicely.

Ballyburn looks like he is an extremely talented horse going forward and could just be the superstar novice hurdler that we see this year.

I think it's open in behind him – but I wouldn't be looking away from the favourite.

Megan's Selection: Ballyburn WIN

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Cheltenham 2.10 – Broadway Novices’ Chase

This is a red-hot race despite only having six runners.

Fact To File (10/11) is an absolute monster and blows you away when you see him in the paddock; a gorgeous big horse.

It's unknown territory with him being up in trip but the only way anyone could beat him is by outstaying him – and I hope that Stay Away Fay (10/3) will do just that with cheekpieces on for the first time.

He won at the festival last year in the Albert Bartlett and I think running in open company gave him some really solid and valuable experience around Cheltenham last time.

I am going with Stay Away Fay hoping he can outstay Fact To File, who we have seen is beatable over fences and hasn't had the ideal prep race, considering it was only a match race last time.

Megan's Selection: Stay Away Fay WIN

Cheltenham 2.50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Sa Majeste (5/1) is the obvious contender here. There's been lots of talk about him – it's his handicap debut and he has limited experience but, with what he's done so far, you can't really knock him.

The form is strong after beating Noble Yeats last time. That form has been boosted and we know the quality that Noble Yeats has, so I’ll take Sa Majeste to win this.

For an each-way bet, I have looked at two horses here. Lucky Place (10/1) is one of Nicky Henderson’s, so the form of the yard would be a question mark and he’s another running in a handicap for the first time.

With that in mind my main each-way shout here would be Ballyadam (16/1), who drops down in grade. He was fifth at Cheltenham in the County Hurdle last year and has gone well in all his races here to date in the big handicaps.

He does have to carry top weight but last year he was in a more competitive race, so I think Ballyadam can outrun his odds and be a fairly solid each-way candidate here.

Megan's Selection: Sa Majeste WIN; Ballyadam EW

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

This is another straightforward one from me. It’s my banker from last year – and I suppose we better put him as the banker again this year – El Fabiolo (1/2 fav).

I can't see him getting beat to be honest. He's a league above the rest here. He can make mistakes but he's enough of a brute to just plough through the fences, and that's fine!

I think Jonbon’s (7/2) confidence has gone. I'd like to see Edwardstone(7/1) ridden the same way he was at Newbury and, if he is, the forecast here will be him and El Fabiolo.

Megan's Selection: El Fabiolo 1st, Edwardstone 2nd (Forecast)

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Cheltenham 4.50 – Grand Annual

I'm going Sa Fureur (9/1). I picked Quilixios in the Arkle and he obviously finished in behind him last time out at Naas.

He runs in a handicap chase for the first time and, having been run in graded races previously, I like that angle.

Sa Fureur looks a very smart hurdler and I just think he is unexposed in comparison to a few of the rest. If he can handle the bigger field, which I don't think will be a problem, then I think he runs a massive race.

He was disappointing at the festival last year but it's too early to say he doesn't like Cheltenham so I am giving him another chance here.

**Megan’s Selection: Sa Fureur WIN

Cheltenham 5.30 – Champion Bumper

I've talked about it for the last couple of weeks and I'm going to stick to my guns and go with Quebecois (14/1), who I think has a great each-way chance.

I think my dad holds a really strong hand here with him and Teeshan (8/1) but I don't think there is an awful lot between them and Teeshan is about half the price.

It's a really open race but I don't think any horse in here is a world-beater and none have particularly blown me away to think they have an outstanding chance.

Megan’s Selection: Quebecois EW

All odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

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BetMGM horse racing ambassador Megan Nicholls is here every day of the Cheltenham Festival bringing her insight and opinion to bear on the biggest week in the sport. On this occasion the former jockey, now an award-winning television pundit, previews the action on the St Patrick’s Thursday at Prestbury Park. As always, all seven races are on her hitlist including the Stayers’ Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. Remember: for the latest odds, specials, profiles, blogs and more visit the BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Hub.

Cheltenham 1.30 – Golden Miller Novices’ Chase

The opening race today is fairly open but I’m going to say it’s between Grey Dawning (5/2 joint fav) and Ginny’s Destiny (7/2).

Ginny’s Destiny has received some pretty brilliant rides from Harry Cobden and he’s been very good round Cheltenham – he just lacks that form up at the very top grade yet. But he’s a progressive horse and he’s done very little wrong.

Grey Dawning was in in behind Ginny’s Destiny when making a bad mistake two out at Cheltenham on his penultimate start but has come back out and won the Novices’ Chase at Warwick since so his form is pretty solid as well.

There’s simply not an awful lot between the two of them. They’re going to be my Forecast but it’s ultimately up to the readers to decide which way round they will finish because I find it really hard to split them.

Both are solid and gone well around Cheltenham – the one thing that is in Ginny’s Destiny’s favour is that his jumping has been immaculate to date and he might just get a few under pressure if he can continue that theme.

Megan’s Selection: Ginny’s Destiny & Grey Dawning Forecast

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Cheltenham 2.10 – Pertemps Handicap Hurdle

Gaoth Chuil (8/1) for Tom Walsh is a pretty tough mare and still improving. She gets ridden with patience which might be the way forward in this race.

She’s had no real test of stamina but she’s going the right way and I love her attitude – Gaoth Chuil’s the winner here for me.

For an each-way shout I’m going Emitom (20/1), who really been revived since joining Alan King. She has been in great form and was tough and impressive when winning the Handicap Hurdle at Newbury last month.

Megan’s Selection: Gaoth Chuil WIN, Emitom EW

Cheltenham 2.50 – Ryanair Chase

I’m hoping my dad can have a good Thursday here with Stage Star (9/2).

He is usually very good around Cheltenham – yes he flopped last time but he wasn’t right afterwards and came back a bit sore.

Stage Star has trained well since and was so impressive when winning the Gold Cup Handicap Chase back in November, especially the way he made a mistake and managed to still pick up and run on up the hill. It was a massive performance.

Defending champion Envoi Allen (4/1 fav) deserves huge respect having bolted up last year but Stage Star’s main danger could just be Protektorat (9/1), who is dropping down in trip.

This could really suit Protektorat. He’s a bold jumper and they’ll be positive on him. Stage Star, thankfully, doesn’t have to lead but he can do it so I think Harry Cobden will be dictated to by what Harry Skelton does a little bit.

Megan’s Selection: Stage Star WIN, Protektorat EW

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Stayers’ Hurdle

As an older and stronger horse, stamina won’t be an issue for Teahupoo (7/4 fav) this year.

There were arguments that he was unlucky last year in the Stayers’ but I think he still had the chance to get there if he was good enough on the day.

He’s a fresher horse coming into this one which is a massive plus. He’ll be tricky to beat.

There are a few horses to make an each-way case for and one worth mentioning that could sneak into a place at a bigger price, with blinkers on for the first time, is Home By The Lee (11/1).

Joseph O’Brien’s charge has had to make his own running the last couple of times, he’s been so lazy and just not gone a yard. He won’t have to make the running this time though and he ran a huge race in fifth and wasn’t beaten very far at all despite a mistake that meant almost coming to a standstill in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.

If Home By The Lee can get a nice lead he could outrun his odds. My ITV colleague Kevin Blake has been putting him up in lights here, there and everywhere as well and he won’t be far wrong.

Megan’s Selection: Teahupoo WIN, Home By The Lee EW

Cheltenham 4.10 – Festival Plate Handicap Chase

Theatre Man (9/2) has been in great form this season, he stays very well and having Harry Cobden on board will be a positive.

He’s been running very competitively without winning as well so I think he can get his head in front or at least go very close.

My each-way chance is In Excelsis Deo (10/1) who is stepping up in trip.

He wasn’t disgraced here previously when second to Madara in the Handicap Chase in December and we can put a line through that unseat at Sandown last month so hopefully he can put a good jumping round as he’s a very consistent horse.

Megan’s Selection: Theatre Man WIN, In Excelsis Deo EW

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All odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

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Every day of the Cheltenham Festival, BetMGM horse racing ambassador Megan Nicholls brings her renowned insight on the biggest week in the sport exclusively to our Cheltenham Hub.

The former jockey, now an award-winning TV pundit, previews the action on the final day of action in Gloucestershire.

Megan casts her eye over the key races on the card including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Triumph Hurdle and the BetMGM County Hurdle.

And remember: for the latest odds, specials, profiles, blogs and more visit the BetMGM Cheltenham Festival Hub.

Cheltenham 1.30 – Triumph Hurdle

This is a really wide-open heat. Plenty of the runners have that form that links in together from Leopardstown.

Kargese (6/1) was the winner there but, with a stronger pace on, it might suit some of her stablemates.

I am going to look away from the Willie Mullins team and go for Nurburgring (6/1), who goes for Joseph O'Brien.

This horse has got plenty of experience and has posted some really good efforts hurdling. He wasn't far behind Kargese in the South Dublin Juvenile Hurdle in December – despite having to suffer off a slow pace he stayed strongly.

A good gallop will seriously help this horse improve and, if it does remain dry as predicted, then that will help his chances too.

Megan’s Selection: Nurburgring WIN

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Cheltenham 2.10 – BetMGM County Hurdle

The Skeltons have had a really great week and L'eau Du Sud (4/1 fav) really bounced back last time when running a massive race at Newbury.

The slight concern would be the form at Cheltenham previously, in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, but I don't think he performed at his best.

Prior to that he was good in handicaps and I think has a massive chance here in the BetMGM County Hurdle – and the Skeltons will boost what has already been a big week for them as a result.

This is a really open race though and I am also going for Pied Piper (12/1) as an each-way chance.

He's a very solid horse, goes well at Cheltenham and had a narrow defeat in this race last year. He had a top weight in the Coral Cup and ran very well, so that doesn't bother me too much. I think he has a massive chance each-way.

Another horse I would be interested in is Magical Zoe (12/1), who is a very consistent mare and the ground seems fine for her.

Megan’s Selection: L'eau Du Sud WIN; Pied Piper E/W; Magical Zoe E/W

Cheltenham 2.50 – Novices’ Hurdle

I’m so keen on Captain Teague (8/1). He's very well, very talented and ran a huge race in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last year.

He's a Challow Hurdle winner too, so stepping up in trip from that is a massive plus. Some of these Irish horses have tied in form together but some of them I have question marks over despite them having lots of 1s next to their names.

I don't think Readin Tommy Wrong (2/1 fav) was expected to win last time while High Class Hero (10/1) is stepping up in grade. He was impressive to start with but I still think he requires more.

Captain Teague is proven at this level – I think he has a massive race in him.

Megan's Selection: Captain Teague WIN

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Cheltenham 3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup

Galopin Des Champs (Evens fav) is going to be very hard to beat.

At his best, he's an absolute monster. He was very impressive last time, just effortless to beat Fastorslow. It was a mighty performance. I still think that Bravemansgame (14/1) can run a big race. He's really, really well. He's had less-than-ideal preparation but he's in the form of his life, he's fresh and connections are very positive.

At a bigger each-way price, Corach Rambler (14/1) does love Cheltenham. He will be able to pick his way through the field and, if there is a good gallop on, he will probably be one of the faster finishes and could sneak into the places.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if it were Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame fighting it out once again.

Megan's Selection: Galopin Des Champs WIN

Cheltenham 4.10 – Festival Challenge Cup

It's really tight between a few of these runners.

Its On The Line (6/4 fav), Ferns Lock (10/3) and Billaway (8/1) all have form together while Premier Magic (6/1) was the winner last year and has returned to point-to-pointing in really good form.

Shantou Flyer (40/1) was third last year and he's got a good each-way chance again.

He is overpriced – he's 14 now but has been targeted for this and, with a light campaign building up to it, I wouldn't be surprised to see him running on into the places. So I will be going Shantou Flyer each-way. Olive Nicholls, my sister, is on board and hopefully she has a safe and fun trip round.

It's really hard to split some of the others, it’s really competitive. Its On The Line, not dissimilar to Stayers' Hurdle winner Teahupoo, being now a seven-year-old with an extra year on his back and a bit stronger with a bit more stamina, would make him the one for me.

Megan's Selection: Its On The Line WIN; Shantou Flyer EW

All odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews an exciting weekend of racing at Doncaster and Newbury.

But first, she rounds up her week at the Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham Round Up

It was an amazing week’s racing - it was great to be there, involved, and working right in the thick of the action,and being in the parade ring.

Highlights included Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp both having winners. I think two sporting legends from other sports having such involvement and success in our sport is very important.

In terms of equine performance, the Gold Cup was the pinnacle, but for me, exciting novice Ballyburn could be super special and I can't wait to see what route he takes. He might go down the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup path and it would be exciting if he does.

There was great success with the BetMGM County Hurdle - Absurde winning with quite a phenomenal performance. To see him running in Australia and Royal Ascot and then coming over and winning at the festival was pretty special.

Saturday Racing

Doncaster 2.25 – Spring Mile

Thunder Roar (7/1) absolutely loves heavy ground.

He is drawn in one but with Jamie Spencer on, he will drop in and switch to come up the middle, picking his way through, which is probably ideal, as you will need a finisher.

He had a prep run, where he ran nicely at Southall to set him up for this. So I think Thunder Roar will win.

At a bigger price, Magic Memories (12/1) for Gary Moore, who has form on slower ground.

Gary can get them ready and I thought this horse is a nice each way price.

He is drawn higher, can edge towards the middle and is around 12/1.

Megan’s Selection: Thunder Roar WIN; Magic Memories E/W

Newbury 2.40 – Handicap Chase

I’m going to go Solo (6/1), here.

He’s a talented horse on his day, he’s just a little bit unreliable, but when he’s on a going day, he’s very talented.

He goes well fresh and nice ground is a positive so there is plenty going for him, while 5 lbs off his back will certainly help him.

I think he has a massive run in him at Newbury. As a rule, he jumps very well and if he gets into a nice rhythm towards the front-end of the field, he might just be hard to pass.

He’s very talented on the right day and this has been the aim for a little while now.

Megan’s Selection: Solo WIN

Doncaster 3.35 – [The Main Lincoln] (/sports#racing/event/1020617091)

I am going with The Gatekeeper (10/1).

He is a horse that absolutely loves the slow ground, is very consistent, and the big field suits.

Charlie Johnston will have him absolutely ready, and Joe Fanning knows him and gets on with him very well.

He's very track versatile, but the fact the ground is softening is a positive. He does tend to be ridden fairly forward, but Joe knows the fractions inside and out, so we'll go with The Gatekeeper in the Main Lincoln.

Megan’s Selection: Thunder Roar WIN

Newbury 3.15 – Mares' Novices' Hurdle

I’m going to go Smiling Getaway (13/2) here, who didn’t run too badly at Sandown last time in very testing conditions.

It is a handicap, she’s not on as lenient a mark as she could possibly be and she’s up against one or two others who may be improvers - but she is fairly solid, straightforward and consistent.

A slightly better surface and a flat track are two positives for her and will only improve her chances.

Megan’s selection – Smiling Getaway WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews Newcastle and Lingfield on Friday.

Saturday Racing

Newcastle 1.53 – Handicap Chase

Spartan Army (10/3) is improving - he’s a tough horse. He’s three from three on the all-weather, so he’s clearly enjoying that and he has a bit of wriggle room on that mark.

My Each Way pick is Tyson Fury (17/2) - he’s unexposed with his relatively new trainer Denis Hogan and is definitely unexposed at this trip. He’s a massive horse with loads of ability if he can settle.

Megan’s Selection: Spartan Army WIN; Tyson Fury E/W

Lingfield 2.05 – Middle Distance Handicap

Wadacre Gomez (8/1) is a very consistent horse who is well drawn in two. I think he’ll go forward, which suits him.

He didn’t have the best trip around Lingfield last time when he got caught stuck out wide from a bad draw.

He’s well drawn this time and with Franny Norton back on board, I think he can go very well.

Megan’s Selection: Wadacre Gomez WIN

Newcastle 2.25 – Class 2

Sommelier (10/3) was behind Blue Prince (4/1) last time but I just think he could be a bit fresher and readier for this.

He has obviously been prepped with this in mind. He’s better drawn this time and I think a race with plenty of pace on will just fall into his hands a bit better.

I think Sommelier has a good chance.

Megan’s Selection: Sommelier WIN

Lingfield 2.40 – Class 3

I’ve gone with Benavente (13/2) at a slightly bigger price.

He has a bad draw, but a lot of the fancied runners are drawn wide.

Shane Gray won on him at Southwell last time and keeps the ride. He had a similar wide draw then but he took his time and the horse absolutely took off to draw easily clear of the field that day.

I think he'll be ridden similarly, with lots of patience and for a turn of foot.

I think he will run pretty well.

Megan’s Selection: Benavente EW

Newcastle 3.00 – Class 2

I have gone for one that could be a safe bet - Aramis Grey (15/2), who will appreciate going back to Newcastle because she does her best work late on.

She was second in this race last year, although it was a conditioned race, and so in a handicap she will be better off.

She is super consistent, you can't knock her for that, so even if she can't quite win, and is vulnerable to a younger improving horse, I think she will go very close and is a safe bet into the placings.

Megan’s Selection: Aramis Grey EW

Lingfield 3.15 – Class 2

I have gone for Red Flyer (12/1) - a better draw this time, popping out of stall three.

He was narrowly behind the likes of Spartan Army in the Championship Marathon Handicap at Newcastle in his penultimate start and was behind him again at Lingfield the next time, but he had a pretty bad draw.

A better draw this time can help, it's a lesser race, and I still think he remains pretty competitive off this mark and as a rule is a pretty consistent type of horse.

Megan’s Selection: Red Flyer EW

Newcastle 3.35 – Class 2 Sprint

Cover Up (7/2) could just be a huge improver - he's up 13lbs, which is a massive rise, but was very impressive last time. Three from three on the all-weather but it's hard to know how much improvement is left to come.

I'm looking at a couple of bigger prices here that I like.

I like the fact Coachello (12/1) is back in a handicap, and his listed form is looking pretty decent with Diligent Harry and Annaf both ahead of him. He ran a very good race and David Egan gets on with him very well, he's a winner over course and distance already this all-weather season, and I think he can run well.

Another huge price I am going to throw in is The X O (18/1) - he went very well here in the 3-year-old race last year and he's run better races than what the numbers or results suggest the last twice. He has plenty of ability, this horse, and I think he can run well into a race.

Megan’s Selection: Coachello WIN The X O EW

Lingfield 3.50 – Class 3 Sprint

I've gone with Prince Of Zenda (4/1), who wings around these sharp tracks.

From a pace angle, I hope his stablemate How Impressive (11/2) doesn't bother him too much for the lead and they can go for fairly sensible fractions.

Prince of Zenda being back to six furlongs really helps - these sharp tracks are really to his liking and it's interesting that Shane Foley is up to ride.

This horse has got a big chance.

Megan’s Selection: Prince Of Zenda WIN

Newcastle 4.10 – Class 2

Elegant Man (9/2) might just be a serious group horse and his form is looking pretty decent. He’s been behind Rebel's Romance, which is very strong and eye-catching, and he was impressive again last time.

It's a totally different task in a handicap top weight, but it might be that we have a group horse running in a handicap and I like that angle.

He tends to be ridden with a bit of patience so a wide draw doesn't bother me too much in this race and I am looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

Storm Catcher (9/1) could reverse the form with Penzance (7/2) - he closed on him when they met the second time and they are only a pound different in the weights this time. If Storm Catcher could reverse the form with Penzance, then it could be the main danger to Elegant Man.

Oh So Grand (4/1) is a filly I do really like and she has a great turn of foot, so if it is slow, that would suit her. But it's a totally different ask at Newcastle than at Lingfield.

Megan’s Selection: Elegant Man WIN Stormcatcher EW

Newcastle 4.40 – Class 2

Dear My Friend (10/3) has got a huge amount of weight at 10st 1lb. He's four from four on the all-weather and a massive improver since the wind operation at gelding, as well.

He's beaten all of these with ease.

I didn’t think there was masses of pace in this race, I think it will help to be sitting handy and Dear My Friend will be right up there.

He has got to overcome stall four but Joe Fanning will track over towards the middle of the track pretty quickly and try to get a lead of Talis Evolvere (25/1), who is likely to go forward from stall seven.

A horse I thought was a good Each Way price here was McLean House (11/1), who is off a very low weight. Hayley Turner and Andrew Balding team up with great success on these types of horses. She rides a lot of winners for him, including bottom weights in big handicaps.

It's a straightforward horse who will sit fairly close behind the pace, five from nine is a good overall record, and with only nine starts, it suggests he's still unexposed. He ran pretty well behind Dear My Friend in the trial at Lingfield previously.

Megan’s Selection: Dear My Friend WIN McLean House EW

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews an exciting day of racing at Kempton Park.

Kempton 2.05 – Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes

I’ll go with Choisya (4/1) in this one. She’s done well for Simon and Ed Crisford and has been consistent the whole way through her career.

She could easily improve with another winter on her back as a bigger and stronger filly – and she’s won over this course and distance previously.

Choisya just looks like she’s continuing to improve, as she’s done throughout her career, so I think there could be more to come from her.

She’s the sensible option here.

Megan’s Tip: Choisya WIN

Kempton 2.40 – Rosebery Handicap

Intinso (7/2 fav) looks to have been more straightforward since gelding. He’s still lightly raced and he’s got a good record on the all-weather with two wins from three so Kempton will suit him.

He’s a big horse who does need to get into a rhythm but, providing he can do that from stall one, I think he’ll be the one to beat.

Intinso has got fitness on his side as well having had a run, and a win, at Wolverhampton last month which is a positive.

Megan’s Tip: Intinso WIN

Kempton 3.15 – Queen's Prize Handicap

It looks like there’s going to be a good gallop on in this one so I’m going with Aqwaam (8/1) as I think that will suit him.

He won nicely in the BetUK All-Weather Vase Marathon Handicap at Lingfield last time when finishing very well. He’s drawn 12th in this race so jockey Oisin Orr will be patient once again, slot in mid-to-rear and ride him for that turn of foot again.

You don’t always want to be too far back at Kempton however I do believe there will be a bit of a pace collapse here and that will suit Aqwaam.

He’s a horse in great form who is really thriving at the moment, trainer Ian Williams really seems to have found the trick with him and he is enjoying the all-weather so he has another big chance of winning here and is still unexposed at this trip.

Megan’s Tip: Aqwaam WIN

Kempton 3.45 – Fillies' Conditions Stakes

I’m looking forward to seeing Devoted Queen back on the track. She was very impressive on her debut at Newmarket in October last year.

She won very nicely and very comfortably that day and I know William Buick was impressed with her. I was at Newmarket the day she won and there’s plenty of talk and hype about her.

Devoted Queen travelled well, if a little bit keen, but nothing I was overly worried about so I’m looking forward to seeing her back in action.

She is also a half-relation to the talented One Ruler – so she’s from a pretty nice family – and I think she can certainly progress this year as an exciting one for her team.

It is a small field but a tidy contest but if she’s as good as we think she could be then she’ll take all the beating. Hopefully everything is smooth, William will keep things simple and I’d like to see her quicken up and put this race to bed with ease.

Megan’s Tip: Devoted Queen WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls brings her insightful opinions and first-rate horse racing knowledge exclusively to our website every week.

This time the former jockey, now a celebrated TV pundit, turns her attention to the world’s most famous steeplechase: the Grand National at Aintree.

Remember – for the latest odds, specials and profiles on the 4pm showpiece and beyond visit BetMGM’s dedicated 2024 Grand National page.

In this bumper big race preview, Megan profiles all 34 Grand National runners and riders including favourite and defending champion Corach Rambler, fancied challenger I Am Maximus and possible fairytale winner Latenightpass.

She also outlines her own each-way selections. Enjoy!

2024 Grand National: The Key Details

• When: 4pm, Saturday April 13th 2024
• Where: Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside
• Number of horses running: There are 34 entrants for the Grand National, down from 40 last year
• Number of fences: The runners and riders must tackle 16 fences, with 14 of those jumped twice along the 4m 2½ f course
• How to watch: You can catch it right here on BetMGM thanks to our live horse racing streaming service, while the race will also be broadcast on ITV, Racing TV and online via ITVX
• Favourite & latest odds: The current favourite is Corach Rambler (6/1), simply visit our dedicated Grand National page for the full, up-to-date odds list

1. Noble Yeats (20/1)

Jockey: Harry Cobden. Trainer: Emmet Mullins

Noble Yeats is obviously a former winner in this race and has placed as well. He’s had an interesting campaign going hurdling this year, Harry Cobden has got a good tune out of him. I think it’s hard off of top weight. He’ll enjoy himself back at Aintree over some big fences, and a bit of a flop around seems to suit him, but it’s a big ask with a big weight.

2. Nassalam (22/1)

Jockey: Caoilin Quinn. Trainer: Gary Moore

Nassalam is the Welsh National winner, where he absolutely bolted up. He’s got his conditions – it is drying out but it will still be very hard work. He’s got a good each-way chance. Again, it’s not that easy with a big weight on his back but he takes to the fences, he’s tough and I think he could go very well.

Megan's Selection: NAssalam E/W

3. Coko Beach (25/1)

Jockey: Jordan Gainford. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Coko Beach has had a great season. He’s very good in the staying chases – he’s run in a couple of Nationals and led for quite a long way before weakening out of things. It might be that it’s the same story again. He has crept up in the weights due to his successes and this has obviously been the plan once again. Whether he’s better over the normal fences would probably be the question at this trip.

4. Capodanno (33/1)

Jockey: Keith Donoghue. Trainer: W P Mullins

Capodanno is a horse with plenty of ability but I still have reservations over his stamina. He’s coming into it in good form – however I don’t think this horse will stay.

5. I Am Maximus (15/2)

Jockey: Paul Townend. Trainer: W P Mullins

An Irish National winner, I Am Maximus is a horse that will suit the conditions and I think he’s got an each-way chance. He will probably be ridden with a bit of patience and try to sneak into the race. If he can avoid some trouble he could well be challenging when they’re turning in for home.

6. Minella Indo (16/1)

Jockey: Rachael Blackmore. Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Minella Indo, Gold Cup winner previously, has taken OK to the cross-country races and ran well at Cheltenham. It just looks as if he’s lost a bit of pace. He was very talented but he never really came back from that Gold Cup to perform anywhere near the same level. He wouldn’t be a selection for me in this race but I can totally see the angle with the class that he has shown being able to win a Gold Cup previously.

7. Corach Rambler (6/1 fav)

Jockey: Derek Fox. Trainer: Lucinda Russell

Defending Grand National champion Corach Rambler will run massive once again – it’s not easy to do the double but it’s doable. He had perfect preparation in the Gold Cup, running an absolutely huge race. He does require luck as he gets ridden with patience so he will have to have a clean passage round but, if he does so, he will definitely be there turning in, I’m sure of it. He would absolutely take the house down if he can manage to win once again.

8. Janidil (80/1)

Jockey: Jody McGarvey. Trainer: W P Mullins

Another where I’m not convinced on stamina. Janidil has mainly seen his best over 2 and a half miles. He placed in the Irish Gold Cup a couple of years ago which is over three, but stamina will be an issue especially on this ground. I’m not convinced he’ll be seeing out the trip.

9. Stattler (40/1)

Jockey: P W Mullins. Trainer: W P Mullins

Stattler won the National Hunt Chase for Willie and Paddy Mullins a couple of years ago. That was his only real attempt at a marathon trip and he saw it out well. He was well behind Coko Beach last time so he’ll have to bounce back from that. He’s one that Willie will hope can outrun his price. That price could be bigger than it should – I wouldn’t be surprised if he can outrun his odds and maybe crack into the top 10.

10. Mahler Mission (14/1)

Jockey: Ben Harvey. Trainer: John C McConnell

This horse has absolutely been aimed for the National. Mahler Mission hasn’t been seen since running in the big handicap at Newbury back at Christmas and he ran a huge race in defeat that day. My only concern – and I think this horse has plenty of ability – is that he might just run a bit fresh and a bit keen. If he does that he’s not going to help himself but he’s definitely got the ability.

11. Delta Work (18/1)

Jockey: Jack Kennedy. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Delta Work missed this year’s Cheltenham Festival in order to be fresh for the Grand National. He won the Cross-Country onto the National finishing third a couple of years ago and that was a really good effort. Coming into this race fresh is a massive plus – Gordon Elliott is pretty sweet on his chances. I think he’s probably the leading chance of Gordon’s bunch and, providing he gets into a nice rhythm, he’s got a big chance. He’s also nicely weighted.

12. Foxy Jacks (40/1)

Jockey: Gavin Brouder. Trainer: M F Morris

Foxy Jacks won a cross-country at Cheltenham back in November and did it quite nicely. It was a good performance but he went up in the weights because of it and he’s on a pretty tough mark now. He was a beaten favourite on his preparation run prior to the Grand National and I’m not convinced he wants the ground totally bottomless – it drying out would help his chances. I think the rise in the weights is the toughest thing he has to overcome.

13. Galvin (28/1)

Jockey: Sam Ewing. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

As he unseated right at the first in this race last year, we don’t really know if Galvin will take to the National or not – but he definitely has so much ability. He’s my pick of the Gordon Elliott horses. It’s hard to split him and Delta Work – we saw that in the cross-country at Cheltenham last year – but I’m going to choose Galvin. If he can get into a rhythm and take to it he’s got a massive chance at a nice each-way price. When the weights were released he was one my eye was drawn to, so I’m putting him forward as an each-way shout.

Megan's Selection: Galvin E/W

14. Farouk d’Alene (80/1)

Jockey: Donagh Meyler. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Farouk d’Alene is a horse that’s had a pretty interrupted career. He’s had a few troubles and a few breaks and there was a mammoth one before returning this year. He’s been in and out on his return runs this season and it will be a massive ask for him to win the National just because he showed plenty of ability as a novice chaser.

15. Eldorado Allen (80/1)

Jockey: Brendan Powell. Trainer: Joe Tizzard

I’m not sure Eldorado Allen wants the ground that testing. He started the season well, then was a bit disappointing. He had a wind operation and wasn’t at his best on his return, which was last time out. The stats are good for a second run after a wind op but I just think this ground is going to catch him out.

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16. Ain’t That A Shame (50/1)

Jockey: David Maxwell. Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Ain’t That A Shame won his national trial at Gowran Park in January. He was purchased by David Maxwell after that and I think he might just be a bit keen. He’s a strong travelling horse and could just do too much in the early part of the race. It’s going to be a challenging enough ride for David and he has been kept fresh specifically for this race on the back of that Gowran win. However, the early stages of the race are the most important for him. He’s going to have to relax and that’s the concern.

17. Vanillier (9/1)

Jockey: Sean Flanagan. Trainer: Gavin Cromwell

Second in this last year and has had the exact same prep run, Vanillier comes into this in good shape. He was held up last year and crept into the race and I imagine the same sort of tactic will be applied. If he can get into a nice rhythm once again, I’m sure we will see him running on quite strongly. We might just see him sit a little bit closer so they are in a slightly more challenging position turning in. But this horse has got another big chance of going close. A bit shorter in the prices but he’s worth a look.

18. Mr Incredible (12/1)

Jockey: Brian Hayes. Trainer: W P Mullins

This is a horse that I would really fancy – the start is going to be the thing for him. We have seen Mr Incredible refuse to race before. He’s quite quirky. He’s got loads of ability and I liked his prep run in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. He stays, his saddle slipped last year when he was running a very big race and he deserves another try in this. With the new starting procedure we don’t know whether that will really be in his favour. If he jumps off, I think he runs a massive race. I suppose it’s a bit risky if you are looking to back him because you don’t know whether he will start or not.

19. Run Wild Fred (50/1)

Jockey: T Hamilton. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Run Wild Fred hasn’t really been firing of late – he’s got a bit of a patchy and risky record this season so is probably not the most trustworthy. He did fall in this race a couple of seasons ago and hasn’t returned to Aintree since. Hopefully a couple of runs has brought his confidence back up but he hasn’t had the most straightforward preparation. He would be one I would be looking away from. His form is just not strong enough at the moment.

20. Latenightpass (28/1)

Jockey: Gina Andrews. Trainer: T Ellis

Latenightpass has been an incredible story. It’s a real family affair with trainer Tom Ellis and wife Gina Andrews on board. Fourth in the Foxhunters around Aintree last year, he’s obviously done well in the country races having won at Cheltenham back over the Christmas and New Year period too. He’s not very big but has the heart of a lion – it would be an absolutely incredible story if they could win the Grand National. He’s had a nice preparation and, between him and Corach Rambler, they would be my favourite victories just because the stories would be amazing. He’s not without a chance but needs to get into a rhythm early doors.

21. Minella Crooner (80/1)

Jockey: Kevin Sexton. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Minella Crooner is another that I would have concerns over stamina. He’s pulled up a couple of times when running over three-and-a-half miles. The extra distance would cast even more doubt in my mind. I wouldn’t be convinced he is a strong enough stayer for the conditions in this year’s National.

22. Adamantly Chosen (40/1)

Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe. Trainer: W P Mullins

He bolted up at Down Royal a couple of weeks ago over the extended three miles and you’d be more confident off the back of that. However, prior to that victory his form was just a little bit patchy. A three-time Chase winner, he’s still inexperienced compared to plenty of these in the field. He’s going to have to back that up in order to be really challenging here. I’m probably going to avoid him this time but you can’t help but be impressed with the way he won at Down Royal, the performance in itself was very good. The National is a whole different story though.

23. Mac Tottie (50/1)

Jockey: James Bowen. Trainer: Peter Bowen

Mac Tottie has won the Grand Sefton and the Topham previously but those are over much shorter distances so stamina is definitely a concern with this horse. He absolutely loves it around here though, and I’m sure James Bowen will get a great spin off him up to around the three-mile mark, but then the tank might start to empty a little bit.

24. Chemical Energy (33/1)

Jockey: Danny Gilligan. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

We haven’t seen Chemical Energy since September, which is quite a long time off the track coming into the National. He finished second in 2023’s National Hunt Chase so his stamina should be fine. He only had two starts since then, didn’t jump that well in either so, with plenty of time off the track, he could be a little ring rusty. The first couple of fences are going to be important for him.

25. Limerick Lace (12/1)

Jockey: Mark Walsh. Trainer: Gavin Cromwell

She doesn’t mind the ground at all – but it’s into unknown territory for Limerick Lace here. She won nicely at Cheltenham when outstaying her rivals but that was over two-and-a-half miles. She was second to Coko Beach a couple of starts back over three miles but it is totally unknown territory stepping up to the four-miles-plus here. She’ll be ridden patiently and they’ll try to play their hand fairly late on. The concern is her stamina.

26. Meetingofthewaters (9/1)

Jockey: Danny Mullins. Trainer: W P Mullins

He was purchased after winning a big handicap in Ireland near Christmas time last year, I think very much with the Grand National in mind. Meetingofthewaters ran a nice race in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month and has been well supported, although he must settle better than he did that day. He’s another stepping into unknown territory with a four-mile-plus trip, is inexperienced compared to plenty of the field and hasn’t had that many starts over fences – but he’s been solid in what he has done.

27. The Goffer (66/1)

Jockey: Sean Bowen. Trainer: Gordon Elliott

He was the favourite in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month and finished among the places. I don’t think he quite gets home – he weakens late on and that would be my concern with The Goffer in this one. I imagine he’ll travel quite nicely into the race but turning in for home the fuel gauge might run out a little bit.

28. Roi Mage (50/1)

Jockey: James Reveley. Trainer: Patrick Griffin

Roi Mage was seventh in the Grand National last year and has had only a couple of starts since but has won. Testing ground really suits him and he has an eye-catching jockey booking with James Reveley in the saddle. He’s definitely been aimed at this race given his performance in it last time.

29. Glengouly (66/1)

Jockey: Michael O’Sullivan. Trainer: W P Mullins

Glengouly was disappointing in the Festival Plate at Cheltenham a month ago but that was over two-and-a-half miles – prior to that he claimed second behind Ain’t That A Shame at Gowran Park and that wasn’t a bad effort. Form with Glengouly can be a bit unreliable compared to others here but stepping back up in trip should help.

30. Galia Des Liteaux (25/1)

Jockey: Harry Skelton. Trainer: Dan Skelton

This horse will stay forever. A talented mare, Galia Des Liteaux will not mind conditions at Aintree but a concern could be her jumping – she can get it a little bit wrong. Harry Skelton will have to give her a bit of space and get her into a jumping rhythm. If he can do that I’m sure her stamina will be no problem whatsoever.

31. Panda Boy (11/1)

Jockey: J J Slevin. Trainer: Martin Brassil

Panda Boy is a consistent handicapper who has run over hurdles and fences in his preparation. He’s placed in the Irish National before so stamina is not an issue. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fill in one of the places. He’ll keep going, is consistent and is right in at the bottom of the weights.

32. Eklat De Rire (100/1)

Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe. Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

A lightly-raced horse with a bit of a patchy profile, Eklat De Rire is unexposed and inexperienced – that might just get the better of him.

33. Chambard (66/1)

Jockey: Lucy Turner. Trainer: Venetia Williams

He’s an older boy now but Chambard will love the jumping challenge once again. He was a good winner of the Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree earlier in the season but hasn’t really fired since. That would be the worry with him here, he put everything into that race and it possibly left a mark. He got a hike in the weights because of it as well so he might be one to watch after he’s freshened back up at the start of next season.

34. Kitty’s Light (12/1)

Jockey: Jack Tudor. Trainer: Christian Williams

I’m absolutely delighted this horse has managed to sneak in right at the bottom of the weights. Kitty’s Light has loads of stamina, loves the big fields and was amazing in some of the marathon races last year. He is only small but he’s got a big heart; my worry is if he gets bounced about in the field and a bit intimidated. If he can get a bit of space and get into a good jumping rhythm then stamina won’t be an issue. There won’t be a dry eye in the house if this horse manages to win – he’s just going to have to be so brave in a big field with big fences.

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews action at Ayr and Newbury.

But first, she’s been at the Breeze Ups… here is some insight into her week in the sport.

It’s been a busy week…

I've been up at the sales in Newmarket looking at some Breeze Ups.

At the Craven Sale, it's been a really good few days. I have seen some amazing figures and prices and have seen some proper horses go through the ring, so it was great to be there for that and to have viewed them all.

I did manage to strike lucky with one colt by Hello Youmzain, who will be going into training with Charlie Hills. That's really exciting - I'm looking forward to him being out on the track at some stage.

Being back on the flat scene, with the summer coming up, it's important to switch my knowledge over and it's been a real sharpener for me.

I rode out at trainer George Boughey's for a few days and his team and horses are looking really well. Things are starting to get a bit busier for everyone.

It's been a good week, and I'm very much looking forward to the flat starting to roll on now. It's something a bit different, and it's nice to update our readers on what's going on.

Saturday Racing Tips

Newbury 2.05 – Fred Darling Stakes

I'm really looking forward to this race. Relief Rally (5/2 joint fav) returns for new owners. She was obviously very sharp and one of the leading sprinters last season.

She won at Newbury over 5f in the Super Sprint. She stepped up in trip and won the Lowther Stakes over 6f, staying on well.

The way she runs suggests another step up would be fine but she would be into unknown territory.

On official ratings, she is the highest and she is so talented. She's small and she physically looked all a sprinter. Whether she's quite as trained on this year will be the question.

I do believe it will be between her and Regal Jubilee (5/2 joint fav), who is two from three and was impressive at Newmarket on her last start on very heavy ground, though she has won on good ground.

She's very versatile. She drops back to 7f for the first time, but that shouldn't be a problem. She gets ridden with a little bit of patience and cover to settle - if she can settle, she should go very well. I like this as a starting point, because on her return she will be quite fresh.

I'm just going to go with Regal Jubilee here. I can't wait to see Relief Rally back but the reason I am going against her is the unknown trip and we know that Regal Jubilee will see it out strongly.

Megan's Selection: Regal Jubilee WIN

Ayr 2.25 – Scottish Champion Hurdle

It's really competitive. The fact it's a handicap makes it even more so. Plenty of these are running having had tough enough races last time at Cheltenham and Aintree.

I think it's an open contest. I wouldn't dismiss Rubaud (9/1), who carries top weight but he's fresh and he's been aiming for this.

He gets back on better ground, which is a massive positive for him. He won this race last year, albeit off a lighter weight, but he massively improved. Because he's been aiming for this race, I think he's got a real chance.

I believe it's going to be dry between now and Saturday, which helps, and if it remains dry he won't disgrace himself by any means.

L'eau Du Sud (3/1 fav) is the obvious one at the top of the market having run so well the last twice in big field handicaps.

He obviously had a tough race at Cheltenham in the BetMGM County Hurdle and he only went up three pounds for that. I think, for him, the softer the better.

So two different types of horse there, in terms of ground, which could just be a big telling point for the Scottish Champion Hurdle.

Megan's Selection: Rubaud WIN

Newbury 2.40 – Greenham Stakes

I am really interested in Ballymount Boy (11/2), who was a real flag bearer for Adrian Keatley last year. He did very well and put some strong form together.

We know for him that 7f isn't an issue. He was second in the Acomb Stakes over that trip. Arguably the ground that day (good-to-firm) was just a bit quick for him. I think he has a huge chance on his return and I'm looking forward to seeing him back in action.

He's the pick of Wathnan Racing's stable jockey James Doyle over their other runner in the race, Mister Sketch (9/1), so I think that's definitely something that needs noting.

It's a wide-open race and plenty of these horses will improve as three-year-olds having had a winter on their back just to strengthen up on a bit of time off.

The paddock could tell us a lot when we're looking at them but I'm very much looking forward to seeing Ballymount Boy back in action. It would be great to see him landing a big race for Adrian Keatley.

Megan's Selection: Ballymount Boy WIN

Newbury 3.15 – Spring Cup

I'm going to keep it fairly simple here and go with Lattam (15/2 fav) for Julie Camacho and Ryan Sexton.

He ran a huge race in the Lincoln on his stable debut and Julie does so well with this type of horse. He enjoys the ground being on the slow side and finished second when running on in the Lincoln. He was a real eye-catcher.

He has fitness on his side over one or two others who are back running back for the first time this season.

Interestingly, Look Back Smiling (11/1) won the Spring Mile last month – the second division, if you like, of the Lincoln. Now, trainer Gemma Tutty had a brilliant day that day, though she's had a quieter time of runners recently.

But Look Back Smiling is another who likes soft ground. He's 14/1 and he has got to improve again but he could well be an each-way price. He's got a really low weight on his back – 8st 3lb including Laura Coughlan's claim.

So keep an eye on Look Back Smiling each way. But keeping it simple – I'm going Lattam to win.

Megan's Selection: Lattam WIN; Look Back Smiling EW

Ayr 3.35 – Scottish National

Willie Mullins has sent a big team over, which makes the Trainers Championship so interesting. He's got a really strong cohort of horses coming.

Mr Incredible (15/2) unseated in the Grand National. He's had no luck in that race the last two years. This is a quick turnaround for him.

Macdermott (6/1 fav) ran well at Fairyhouse but is totally into unknown territory in terms of trip. He's well-weighted, however and I think I'm going to keep things fairly simple.

Anglers Crag (8/1), who goes for Brian Ellison, is a talented horse who is still improving.

He managed to recover to win the Eider Handicap Chase following a really bad mistake, and last year we obviously saw Kitty's Light do the Eider and Scottish National double.

I think this horse can do the same. I still think he's competitive off this mark with only 10st 4lbs on his back. So I think he has a huge chance.

Of those bigger prices, Broken Halo (50/1) may be able to outrun his odds providing he settles early doors. Again, he's another who is trying a new trip, but if he settles, he won’t be totally out of it and 50/1 could be a good each-way price.

Megan's Selection: Anglers Craig WIN; Broken HALO EW

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – reflects on an incredible jumps season and the races for Jockeys’ and Trainers’ Championship glory ahead of previewing the final day at Sandown.

Why Cobden & Bowen Are Racing’s Future… and Present

It's the last day of the jumps. It's been another great season for many reasons but, depending on who you are, it's probably a stressful one.

If we start with the jockeys, it looked like it was going to remain really tight coming into the final day but Harry Cobden ended up coming out on top thanks to a win at Chepstow on Friday.

It's been another great season for him and everything has gone pretty smoothly with some big winners along the way. He's a Cheltenham Festival winner and I think he would say it's been a decent season.

I'm sure there are a few frustrations, like being beaten narrowly in the King George VI Chase and one or two horses at the festival not performing to their very best.

But after having big winners throughout the season at the likes of Cheltenham, Newbury, Ascot and so on, I'm sure he will see the season as having been very successful and to lift the trophy will mean an awful lot to him.

On the other side you have Sean Bowen, who was so unfortunate to pick up an injury which left him off the track for a good few weeks. That is definitely the difference between winning and losing the championship. Sean has made a real good go at things in trying to come back and catch Harry but those few weeks out made all the difference.

I hope both jockeys come into next season and get through it injury-free and have a battle against each other. I think it will probably be back in Sean's favour but it would be fascinating to see how things would go if both had an injury-free season.

Both are young, very talented and hugely ambitious. It's great for the sport to see two young jockeys doing so well and to have them as our future stars is very important. We are showing great quality with young guys at the top of our Jockeys’ Championship.

Sean will feel a little deflated that he has missed out – but I don't think he should, he's had a great season. He's had a Grade One winner at Aintree and plenty of other winners along the way.

What a season it's been altogether.

Mighty Mullins On For History – But What A Battle It’s Been

It's been absolutely fascinating and the fact it's going down to the last day is really quite incredible.

Everyone probably thought it was going to be a ding-dong battle between my dad (Paul Nicholls), Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton coming into the season.

Obviously Nicky had a very frustrating time of things, with the horses not being quite right at a very crucial part of the season. It could not be a more damaging time than around Cheltenham to have the horses not at their very best. Unfortunately, that's how it can go with animals and Nicky has admitted defeat.

He has worked really hard to get the horses back to form and he's done just that for Aintree. I was delighted to see him with some big winners there and to see the horses back to good form was amazing. I'm sure he will have a good day at Sandown as well.

Dan has had an incredible season. After an amazing Cheltenham with some big handicap winners along the way, he's showing that not only the number of winners coming in but also the quality of horses in the yard is starting to shine through – and they just keep getting better and better.

A huge family is involved with the Skeltons – Nick, Harry, Dan, Grace and Bridget. It's a huge team and they have done so exceptionally well.

Dan will feel like he's been robbed. If you can finish ahead of my dad and Nicky Henderson, you will definitely feel like you're taking home the Trainers’ Championship.

However, that's not been the case. Willie Mullins is about to do something that has not been done in 70 years: to take home both the English and Irish Championships.

I mean, it's quite incredible. He's had a small team of horses over here and the fact that he managed to win all the big races is just madness.

The Gold Cup, the Grand National, the Scottish National, the Champion Hurdle… it's just incredible. The quality of horses at the Mullins yard is exceptional and they just seem to be able to be the biggest threat in all the big races. Ultimately, that's what you need in order to win a championship.

The fact that he did not think about giving the championship a real go until after Cheltenham says it all really. It's quite remarkable. Thank goodness he doesn't bring a huge team of horses over every weekend, is all I can say.

But it's been a phenomenal effort. It's incredible what he's done and what he's doing at the moment.

To have three incredible trainers coming into the last day, all of them with a chance is amazing.

For my dad, the fact he was even challenging for a championship again is amazing. There is a real lack of superstars in the yard. We have some nice horses and picked up a couple of Grade Ones through the season but we haven't got the quality we once had, that is for sure.

We have some nice young horses that can hopefully step up to the mark. We need superstars, we need to be competitive in the very top races and, at the moment, we are lacking that.

It's important we try to change it. We are always looking for better horses and better quality. Within the team, we are going to have to try and find the better horses and superstars again.

The fact dad is even challenging just speaks to how well he places the horses and how well the team has done to get the best out of horses who are not at the very top. It was a fantastic effort to challenge three incredible trainers and top-class teams.

It's been a really special season and to be here at Sandown on the last day of the season to see championships being won is what the sport is all about.

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Sandown 3.00 – Celebration Chase

It’s the usual chat regarding El Fabiolo (8/11 fav) and Jonbon (15/8).

I am still ‘Team El Fabiolo’ and am delighted to see him back after pulling up in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham having made a pretty bad mistake.

He’s had a bit of time to get over that and he looked none-the-worse when we saw him at Sandown earlier today.

Jonbon missed Cheltenham and went to Aintree. He won over two-and-a-half and I think that is going to be the way forward with him. He’s got a lot more stamina but not quite the speed of El Fabiolo.

I’m going to remain loyal to El Fab, who I’ve always absolutely loved.

If he can get into a nice rhythm early, he’s going to take all the beating.

Megan’s Tip: El Fabiolo WIN

Sandown 3.35 – Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Over the three-and-a-half, Kitty’s Light (9/2 fav) is going to be very hard to turn around two weeks after the Grand National having run such a huge race.

He’s got another couple of rivals who have been left fresh for this.

Threeunderthrufive (10/1) has a big ask off of top weight but this has very much been the aim. He missed the National in order to come here and the yard are very happy with him. He doesn’t do an awful lot in front.

I can see Le Milos (8/1) running a big race for the Skeltons. He’s probably not been at his best for the last couple of starts but that was over hurdles. He returns to fences now for the first time since last year’s Grand National.

This has been the aim for a while, so I’m going with Le Milos.

Megan’s Tip: Le Milos WIN

Sandown 4.10 – Select Hurdle

This is interesting. Impaire Et Passe (11/10 Fav) and Langer Dan (11/4) meet again having gone close at Aintree, with Impaire Et Passe getting the better of Langer Dan on that occasion.

I think that Ballyadam (11/2) will enjoy Sandown as a track and obviously comes here as a fresh horse. He’s pretty consistent and effectively he’s better off at the weights today than he was in his race at Cheltenham.

Ballyadam is my selection here. He’s a fresh horse.

Megan’s Tip: Ballyadam WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – gives us her take ahead of a huge weekend of flat racing at Newmarket, including the 2000 Guineas and Suffolk Stakes, as well as the pick of the action at Goodwood and Thirsk.

Check out her selections below.

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Goodwood 2.05 – Conqueror Stakes

Orchard Bloom(7/2) for me. It’s going to be very testing conditions down at Goodwood.

She’s handled the slow ground previously, winning at Newbury. She also ran well over in France in testing conditions too.

The yard of William Haggas is really starting to fire–they’ve had some nice winners over the last couple of days. I really think this filly can continue to progress.

The fact she likes this ground is a massive positive.

We could see plenty of non-runners, at Goodwood and tomorrow in general, with it being quite so testing.

But William Haggas could have another good day tomorrow. His fillies seem to be in very good form anyway, they’re performing well and I think Orchard Bloom, in particular, can progress and have a decent season.

Megan’s Tip: Orchard Bloom WIN

Newmarket 2.20 – Suffolk Stakes

Theoryofeverything (13/2) is likely to improve from his first start since joining David O’Meara.

He ran a huge race on his stable debut having been gelded and is a horse that was thought plenty of by the Gosdens when trained by them.

I think the step up in trip will definitely be a positive for him and I think he’ll have improved stripped fitter. He’s the type of horse that O’Meara tends to do extremely well with.

Megan’s Tip: Theoryofeverything WIN

Thirsk 2.40 – Hunt Cup

Another trainer who has a great start to the season is Jack Shannon and I fancy his horse Hiromichi (7/1) here.

He’s well drawn, which can be important around Thirsk. They will go a good gallop.

This horse is really going well at the moment, he seems to be getting better with every run. I think he’s got enough cruising speed to hold a good position, which is important in this race – they really do go at a strong gallop.

I just think the yard form and the horse’s form, combined with a good draw, keeps this fairly simple and I could see the track suiting him.

He’s gone well round a bend before and I can see him settling nicely off a strong pace and finishing well.

Megan’s Tip: Hiromichi WIN

Newmarket 2.55 – Palace House Stakes

I am going with Mitbaahy (3/1 fav).

He recently joined Charlie Hills from Roger Varian. He’s a decent horse and has run well at group level previously and he ran very well over six furlongs here last time when he was running on quite nicely having been held up.

He likes to pass horses but the drop back to the five furlongs suits him and a stronger pace certainly helps. He will be trying to play his cards fairly late.

I like the chances of Mitbaahy to take a step forward from his recent reappearance run.

Megan’s Tip: Mitbaahy WIN

Newmarket 3.35 – 2000 Guineas

Obviously City Of Troy (8/13) is the short-priced favourite–he was very impressive last season and I’m looking for to seeing him physically and whether he’s grown or not.

He wasn’t a massive two-year-old but obviously it’s been talked about plenty that his work continues to be very impressive.

I am very much looking forward to seeing Ghostwriter (14/1), who is a pretty smart horse. His trainer, Clive Cox, thinks a lot of him. He’s done very little wrong. I just think he was a monster of a two-year-old and he’s going to be a big horse this year.

He could improve further. I think he goes with a massive chance and if I were to look away from City Of Troy, he would be my selection.

Megan’s Tip: City Of Troy WIN, Ghostwriter EW

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

The former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over day two of the Chester May Meeting.

Thursday Racing Tips

Chester 1.30 – CAA Stellar Handicap

I’m going to keep it simple here and go with Roman Dragon (4/1 fav), who is drawn extremely well down the inside and is pretty sharp. He goes very well here at Chester, keeps it simple and gets ridden near the pace.

I just think he’s the horse that will enjoy this ground and the track and comes into this having run really well in Bahrain on his last two starts.

I think the ground will be too quick for Democracy Dilemma (5/1), so if we were looking for one at a slightly bigger price to run into the places, I don’t think Clearpoint (17/2) will be a million miles away with fitness on his side.

He didn’t run badly at Epsom last time despite getting in a bit of trouble in running and has been keeping his form well through the winter. He’s another that’s well-drawn and could go well at a decent enough price.

Megan’s Tip: Roman Dragon WIN; Clearpoint E/W

Chester 2.35 – Halliwell Jones Handicap

Never So Brave (11/8 fav) goes on a slightly different surface on Thursday but his form looks pretty hot.

He was behind eventual Futurity Trophy winner Ancient Wisdom on his debut at Newmarket last June and next time out he was behind the excellent Vandeek, so he bumped into a couple of very talented horses last year.

Never So Brave returned over the seven furlongs to win very comfortably at Thirsk and was never really asked too many questions, so there should be more to come.

He’s a strong traveller, the sharp track should suit and he could be much better than his mark of 94. With those facts in mind, absolutely fair play for running him in a handicap and making the most of that potentially generous mark. He’s a horse that can massively progress throughout this season.

At bigger prices, if you are looking for the forecast, possibly Dashing Darcey (11/2), who went well around the bend at Lingfield and wasn’t beaten far at all at Newbury on the straight track last time.

That was his turf debut and I think he’s the type of horse that could just be well-weighted and chase home Never So Brave.

Megan’s Tip: Never So Brave 1st, Dashing Darcey 2nd (Forecast)

Chester 3.05 – Dee Stakes

A tight little race, this. I was very impressed with Bracken’s Laugh (3/1) when winning nicely at Chelmsford last month.

I know this is a horse that trainer Richard Hughes thinks an awful lot of – and it was an impressive performance that day. It was definitely the right move on his return to start over the mile but Richard has lots of confidence that this horse will stay further so he takes another chance over 10 here.

I suppose God’s Window (2/1) looks the obvious one in that he’s done very little wrong in three starts. He was third on his second start in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster; he was just too immature, too keen and got quite worked up beforehand. He did things the wrong way really, which can happen on a horse’s second start.

However, he returned at Nottingham and was much better behaved in the prelims. It was only a three-runner race and nowhere near the grade of this race but he was very impressive and he looks to have matured over the winter.

I don’t know that there’s an awful lot between Bracken’s Laugh and God’s Window and I think this is a very decent renewal.

That said, I am actually going away from the pair of them and choosing Jayarebe (5/2).

He returned for trainer Brian Meehan by winning at Newmarket in the Feilden Stakes last month. He beat Caviar Heights that day, who was very impressive back at the same venue over the weekend in the Newmarket Stakes, so that form has worked out really well.

Jayarebe has enjoyed nice ground and, while all these horses are lightly raced, he is potentially the biggest improver here. He will enjoy the decent ground and I’m sure won’t mind this track. He’s two from two at Newmarket, which is very different from Chester but he seems a well-balanced horse and that can be important.

Megan’s Tip: Jayarebe WIN

Chester 3.40 – Ormonde Stakes

I thought this was the trickiest to work out because a few of these have possibly returned under par.

Enemy (12/1) is an absolute legend and does very well abroad; he wasn’t at his best at Meydan but he ran a huge race in Saudi Arabia, as he had the previous year, so obviously goes well over there. He’s only run once before at Chester – fifth in the Ormonde Stakes a year ago – but trainer Ian Williams doesn’t do too badly there.

I’m not convinced the quick ground is massively to the liking of Arrest (13/8 fav). He won on good-to-firm in his maiden but it’s been said that his most suitable ground is with plenty of cut. He was impressive in the Chester Vase last year but it was very different ground.

I am going to go against him and instead look at Point Lonsdale (2/1).

The form of Aidan O’Brien’s yard has been very much questioned recently but he’s a talented horse and the ground won’t be an issue for him whatsoever.

I think I’m going to keep it simple here. Aidan tends to do well at this Chester meeting; his horses have got to really turn around now but it’s not a case of them not having winners, it’s possibly a few of them not performing up to the grade they would have liked.

Point Lonsdale is back at Chester where he was won previously and the ground is fine for him. It wasn’t a bad performance at Meydan last time when a huge price and this is a much easier race.

Megan’s Tip: Point Lonsdale WIN

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odds correct at time of publication but subject to change

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, assesses Lockinge Stakes Day at Newbury on Saturday.

Saturday Racing Tips

Newbury 1.50 – Aston Park Stakes

I think Desert Hero (5/4) will take all the beating.

He ran a huge race on return in the Gordon Richards Stakes at a trip we know is too short. The gelding looked to have really helped him in the prelims. He was a lot more relaxed and less sweaty than we’d seen him last year, most notably in the St Leger Stakes.

I just think another year on his back, plus the gelding operation, is a real positive for him. He’s ultimately got the stand-out form. Up to a mile-and-a-half in distance will help. I think he will be pretty hard to beat.

It’s not the biggest field and it’s fairly tight in behind for the places but I am looking forward to seeing Middle Earth (7/2) back on the track, who was certainly an improver last year.

He wouldn’t want any rain but he is a talented horse in his own right.

Megan’s Tip: Desert Hero WIN

Newbury 2.25 – Carnarvon Stakes

I think this is one of the most competitive races of the day and a really hot sprint for the three-year-olds.

Pocklington (13/2) is from a useful sprinting family and makes his turf debut. He is very interesting up in grade after a big performance at Newcastle on his second start. He’s two from two so far, so that makes him doubly so.

Adaay In Devon (7/1) is so consistent and forever improving. You cannot knock her for what she’s done and her attitude. She ran very well in the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot last time. I think she goes very well again into the placings.

I’m very much looking forward to seeing Elite Status (15/2). He was a big gorgeous two-year-old and has shown plenty of talent. He was a bit disappointing at the very top level when finishing behind Vandeek a couple of times but I think he will be a better three-year-old and he’s going to be my each-way horse for this race.

He’s drawn slightly high but many of the fancied runners are drawn middle-to-low so I am not too worried about stall two. I think he has a massive chance.

Relief Rally (7/2 fav) is the obvious back to the six furlongs. She ran very well for a long way in the Fred Darling Stakes; she was looking like she was just a non-stayer in the final half-furlong but she’s very talented as a two-year-old and she showed that she’s definitely trained on. It’s just the trip that caught her out.

I think Relief Rally will be hard to beat but I’m putting Elite Status as my each-way challenger.

Megan’s Tip: Relief Rally WIN, Elite Status EW

Newbury 3.00 – London Gold Cup

I am going with King’s Gambit (4/1 fav) who steps up in trip here.

He’s a horse I really liked last year and he was unlucky not to win at Newbury on his final start when a loose horse interfered – but it worked out to be pretty good form given that he was in behind Bracken’s Laugh.

This is his handicap debut. It’s a pretty high mark of 93 but Harry Charlton’s yard has started really well. I think there’s lots to come from this horse and I think he’s unexposed compared to a couple of others in the field.

At a bigger price, I was looking at Persica (15/2), who also steps up in trip for this. He obviously ran very well at Kempton behind the 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech and I think, physically, he looks like a horse that will improve for a bit further.

I really like him as a type in that he’s beautiful and physical – potentially there’s more to come from him. He’s a bit of an each-way player if he doesn’t shorten up too much.

Megan’s Tip: King’s Gambit WIN, Persica EW

Newbury 3.35 – Lockinge Stakes

I am going for Inspiral (2/1 joint fav) in the Lockinge Stakes though, if the ground was much softer, I would be more tempted by Big Rock (2/1 joint fav).

They have met before, with Inspiral getting the better of Big Rock at Deauville.

It looks as though the weather has changed and we are not getting as much rain as we were potentially due. Good-to-soft is perfectly fine for Inspiral but if it went very testing it would be unlikely she would run.

I’m also a big fan of Charyn (4/1) but again I'd be more keen on his chances if it was very testing so I think, with the ground as it is, Inspiral is the one for me. She’s won on her return before, so running fresh is not a problem.

She’s a very talented mare and I would love to see her win for jockey Kieran Shoemark as well.

Megan’s Tip: Inspiral

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls has picked out five horses to follow ahead of the hotly anticipated Flat season. She is on the lookout for a new superstar – but has she found them?

Notepads at the ready? Check out Megan’s selections below…

Camille Pissaro

Age: 2

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

My first horse to follow for this season is a two-year-old who has already run: Camille Pissaro*.

We saw him in action when winning at Navan. He’s trained by the master, Aidan O’Brien, and at the time of writing is right up at the top of the market for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He's really well related (a half to Golden Horde) so I think this horse could go right to the top. He could be one of our best two-year-olds this season and I'm particularly looking forward to seeing him at Royal Ascot in June.

Charyn

Age: 4

Trainer: Roger Varian

Charyn can get to the top level this year.

I thought he ran pretty well at what was a very strange Lockinge at Newbury. They went fast and it was just a weird result so I'm not giving up hope with this horse.

I reckon he's going to be winning at the very top level at some point in the season, especially when he gets his beloved soft ground. So keep him in the notebooks and don't give up on him in the Group 1s. He's going to get his head in front at that level very soon.

Ice Max

Age: 3

Trainer: Karl Burke

Ice Max is a horse that I am very much interested in for the rest of this season and one I think is going to go through the ranks.

He's trained by Karl Burke and owned by Sheik Mohammed Obaid. He can start to progress – he's two-from-two since being gelded, which I think has done him the world of good.

Ice Max was a little bit quirky as a two-year-old but he's starting to look very professional now. He's gone through the handicaps in impressive style and I reckon is on to bigger and better things for the rest of the season.

Tolerance

Age: 2

Trainer: George Boughey

I tried to find one horse that would be unraced so we could follow it from the very start.

Tolerance, by Starspangledbanner, is owned by Highclere and trained here at George Bougheys.

I really like him and actually got to sit on him at home when he was with Tally Ho before he went to the Breeze Up Sales. He breezed very nicely.

He went to Doncaster where he was then sold. He was purchased by Highclere Thoroughbreds, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing him out on the track.

His training at home has been very good and he's got a great temperament.

Vandeek

Age: 3

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford

One of my horses to follow for this flat season is Vandeek. He might be an obvious pick but I am super excited to see him back in action.

He is unbeaten as a two-year-old and an absolute monster physically. I think he can improve at three years old – we need a superstar in the sprint division and I think it's going to be him.

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews the big races from the meetings at Haydock, Goodwood and the Curragh on Saturday.

Haydock 1.50 – Temple Stakes

Beautiful Diamond (7/1) had a really good comeback run when very narrowly beaten at Newmarket behind a couple of decent horses.

She’s handled good-to-soft ground before when winning up at Ayr on that surface. Hopefully it’s going to be on the slow side at Haydock and, because of the ground, I think she will reverse the form with Seven Questions (12/1), who won at Newmarket earlier this month.

I also think the ground will not be to the liking of a couple of other horses. While I’m not sure it’s Beautiful Diamond’s optimum ground I think she will handle it with fitness on her side and Karl Burke’s yard in great form.

Megan’s Selection: Beautiful Diamond WIN

Goodwood 2.05 – Height Of Fashion Stakes

It’s a small field so I would be trying to pick a winner rather than looking at the placings here. As a result, I am going with Regal Jubilee (7/2).

She ran very well in a trial at Newbury on her comeback. That day she finished ahead of Elmalka, who went on to 1000 Guineas glory. That is red-hot form.

Regal Jubilee herself ran disappointingly in the Guineas but I think it was too bad to be true and we can put a line through that.

She takes a step up in trip here; providing she can relax I don’t think that will be a problem. I still think this filly has plenty of potential.

It’s a tricky race to work out but if Regal Jubilee was going straight here off the back of Newbury she would be a short-priced favourite – and I think she is a bit of value.

Megan’s Selection: Regal Jubilee WIN

Curragh 3.40 – Irish 2000 Guineas

Very simple this one: Rosallion (5/6 fav) deserves to take home the Irish 2000 Guineas.

He put up a good effort at Newmarket in the English Guineas, was obviously a very talented two-year-old and looks to have taken another step forward at three.

I am looking forward to seeing River Tiber (7/2) back in action. He was one of the Aidan O’Brien juveniles last year that had size and scope and I felt that he would be a horse that would get the mile.

However, it is obviously a tricky ask returning to the mile on his first time out as a three-year-old in a Guineas so I suppose he has got it to prove.

River Tiber has good two-year-old form, if not quite to the same heights as Rosallion, and therefore I’m going to keep it simple and go with the favourite here.

I do think River Tiber is a smart horse, though, and some of his form last year is looking very strong.

Megan’s Selection: Rosallion WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – previews Oaks Day at Epsom.

Epsom Downs 2.00 – The Woodcote Stakes

I do think the market has got this right with New Charter (2/1 fav) at the top of the betting.

She obviously gets a weight allowance for being a filly but she also gets weight off those that have got to carry a penalty for winning.

She didn’t do an awful lot wrong on debut behind a Charlie Appleby-trained filly who I think is probably one of the strongest contenders going for the Albany Stakes. So this form could work out really well.

She possibly travelled a bit keen in the early stages of the race, showing a little bit of immaturity.

But if she can settle down that hill at Epsom into Tattenham Corner, I think she has a massive chance.

That Newmarket Novice is going to work out really well. She showed plenty of ability.

With the weight difference, she will be hard to beat.

One to serve it up to her is Megalithic (3/1 2nd fav) for the Ralph Beckett team, who ran well on debut at Salisbury on pretty bad ground over five furlongs, which looked too sharp.

It was a tidy-enough race and he wasn’t beaten all that far. He’s a big improver up in trip. He’s got a big reputation and a good pedigree. He’s the one to serve it up to the favourite.

Megan’s Selection: New Charter WIN

Epsom Downs 2.35 – Class 2 Handicap

I am going for one each-way contender here and it’s going to be David O’Meara’s Orbaan (11/1), with Silvestre de Sousa up.

He’s got a really light weight - 8st 4lbs - on his back, has been placed both starts at Epsom previously, and we know it’s a bit of a specialist track. He handles it.

He’s off a competitive mark and it was a better effort again last time. He comes good at this time of year and I just think he’s overpriced.

It’s a really competitive and tricky race, so I'm looking for one that can run into the places.

Megan’s Selection: Orbaan EW

Epsom Downs 3.10 – Coronation Cup

The Coronation Cup is a really poor renewal.

It’s a great shame we have lost King Of Steel and that we don’t get to see Auguste Rodin. A couple there to mention, though.

It’s a small field. Emily Upjohn (5/6) is a very short price and I’m going to go against her on the ground. If it was quicker, she would be hard to beat but I’m not sure soft ground is to her liking, with four millimetres due on Thursday.

Feed The Flame (9/2) has gone on soft ground, but is his form up to scratch? I just don’t think it is.

I’m going to keep it simple and go with Luxembourg (3/1). He’s won on testing before. You can put a line through Meydan as he’se better than that. He might just be able to dictate in a small field and on ground he will handle better than Emily Upjohn.

Megan’s Selection: Luxembourg WIN

Epsom Downs 3.45 – Class 2 Handicap

I am going with Derry Lad (13/2).

He has run OK at Epsom before, where the mile-and-a-half probably stretched him. 10 furlongs is probably his optimum, and on his most recent run over the mile he was flying home late on.

He has a really light weight on his back. Hayley Turner does really well at this meeting. She takes the ride.

He doesn’t mind softer going and conditions are perfect for him over the distance.

Megan’s Selection: Derry Lad WIN

Epsom Downs 4.30 – The Oaks

I am a big fan of Rubies Are Red (7/2) but I am going to go against her with the ground conditions.

She was unfortunate not to win at Lingfield when she had a bit too much ground to make up on ground that she finally got in her favour, which was quick that day.

She obviously doesn’t get that at Epsom, which is a negative.

Ylang Ylang (15/8 fav) is very solid. She ran a nice enough trial in the Guineas — when running on nicely, which suggests the step up in trip will help her — however distance-wise she is into unknown territory.

I am going to go with Dermot Weld’s filly Ezeliya (7/2), who has handled soft and heavy ground previously. Her comeback was a nice effort and I think she did it pretty snugly to be honest with you.

She is the one that is open to loads more improvement up to the mile-and-a-half and she is from a pretty prestigious Aga Khan family, who we know have produced some top class horses over the years.

Megan’s Selection: Ezeliya WIN

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Derby day at Epsom is the focus for BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls as she brings her expert knowledge of the horse racing world exclusively to our blog.

The former jockey turned award-winning television pundit explores the key races on Saturday, including the Lester Piggott Handicap, Princess Elizabeth Stakes and 3YO Dash.

Megan then turns her attention to the feature race of the day, where she pinpoints an intriguing 22/1 each-way shout running in one of the world’s great Flat races: the Derby.

Saturday Racing Tips

Epsom 1.25 – Lester Piggott Handicap

I was a big fan of Persica (3/1 fav) at Newbury in the London Gold Cup.

So much so, in fact, that I put him up at a nice each-way price that day. He’s obviously much shorter for this one, having stayed the 10 furlongs well.

I very much like his chances to go well again. I think he’s got improvement and is still effectively unexposed at the distance albeit he has got to prove he can handle the track.

One horse that has proved that is Portsmouth (10/3), who will surely go well again. He won the Nifty 50 Handicap at Epsom previously and only went down fairly narrowly in the Heros Charity Handicap at Goodwood last time.

Despite that, I’m still going with Persica here

Elsewhere, Prepschool (11/1) can outrun his odds at a big each-way price if it keeps raining and the ground is on the slow side, which looks pretty likely. I think this horse needs cut in the ground. It was too quick for him at Newbury to be effective.

Megan’s Selection: Persica WIN

Epsom 2.00 – Princess Elizabeth Stakes

I am going to go with Breege (6/1) here for the Quinns and Jason Hart.

She’s really tough, doesn’t mind slow ground and this is her optimum trip. One or two fillies are stepping down in distance and there are risks attached there.

But Breege, we know, is very effective at the mile. She’s got really solid form throughout her two and three-year-old career.

I thought it was a really nice comeback in the Conqueror Fillies’ Stakes at Goodwood in early May. She was only beaten by a head and probably locked up at a crucial time in that race. That run should set her up really nicely for the Princess Elizabeth.

If you want a bigger price, Chic Colombine (13/2) is one to keep an eye on. If the ground keeps slowing up, she can outrun her odds.

Very good at two miles, Chic Colombine ran in the French Guineas last time from a shocking draw and had to be dropped in off a very slow pace. That race was over before it started when the draw came out.

For this one, though, Breege is the winner.

Megan’s Selection: Breege WIN

Epsom 2.35 – Diomed Stakes

I am going Highland Avenue (3/1 fav) here.

He was just behind Regal Reality (4/1) at Epsom last year but I just think Highland Avenue will prefer the slower ground.

He’s had a bit of a break having run over in Dubai. He probably didn’t fire to quite how the team had hoped but he was running at the very top level.

He’s also effective on the slow ground, which won’t be in favour of one or two others.

Megan’s Selection: Highland Avenue WIN

Epsom 3.10 – 3YO Dash Handicap

Due For Luck (9/2 fav) certainly is that.

He is well drawn in stall 19 and you can forgive what happened in last year's Dash when the stalls did not open.

He was not far behind his rival in this one Knicks (8/1) at Chester in early May. He was a little bit slow away but flew home that day; if he can jump better and on terms here then he’s got a massive chance.

Once he hits rising ground, Due For Luck will really start to motor. I think this horse is still an improving sprinter. He will be ridden with cover and, provided he gets the luck, He could be the one to fly home best.

Each way I am going with Sturlasson (10/1) with Kieran P Cotter bringing him over with Oisin Murphy on board.

He ran in some decent races last year and in some pretty hot maidens. He got off the mark last time in impressive style and there could be more to come from him.

Megan’s Selection: Due For Luck WIN; Sturlasosn EW

Epsom 3.45 – The Main Dash

It’s Democracy Dilemma (13/2) for this one.

I was torn between the two Robert Cowell horses but Clarendon House (11/2) had a big rise in the weights from York last time and top weight will be tricky to defy here.

Because of that rise he is effectively keeping the weights down for his stablemate Democracy Dilemma, who didn’t do an awful lot wrong when second in the Jewel of Asia Handicap at Windsor last time.

He is drawn well enough, has plenty of tactical speed and was just headed on the line at Windsor.

Democracy Dilemma is also pretty versatile in terms of ground and has gone fairly well at Epsom before — he wasn’t beaten all that far in the 3YO Dash last year and has improved plenty since then.

As an each-way price, I will go for the Ian Williams-trained Night On Earth(12/1).

He has a few pounds off his back with Morgan Cole in the plate. He’s another who has a high draw and has been running well recently in behind Democracy Dilemma.

Night On Earth can outrun his odds. He won a Class 3 Handicap at Epsom back in April so he’s my each-way pick here.

Megan’s Selection: Democracy Dilemma WIN; Night On Earth EW

Epsom 4.30 – The Derby

This is a frustrating one for me.

The ground being on the slow side will help Ancient Wisdom (5/1), who has done very well on bad ground. He’s obviously a winner on heavy in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster at the back end of the year.

He had an OK comeback when second in the Dante behind Economics but maybe the ground was too quick for him. It looks as if he’s been better when he’s had slower ground.

Ambiente Friendly (6/1) I felt had a massive chance but unfortunately I do believe in karma and what happened with jockeying Callum Shepherd off and the drama with that… I just think that will take over here. I believe these things will never work out and I’m not convinced Ambiente Friendly will win now.

He’s got a chance but he’s not the most straightforward horse. Robert Havlin only knows him at home and not on the track and I think that is a negative. Ancient Wisdom has beaten him before as well.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see some massive-priced horses go close here, this is a massively open Derby.

At a big price, with cheekpieces on for the first time, is Deira Mile (22/1).

He’s got loads of ability, he is just quirky. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him outrun his odds and I have no doubt about stamina; he looks a million dollars and galloped well at Epsom not long ago.

Megan’s Selection: Ancient Wisdom WIN; Deira Mile EW

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Beverley’s Very British Raceday and Haydock’s Summer Social are the focus for BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls as she brings her expert knowledge of the horse racing world exclusively to our blog.

The former jockey turned award-winning television pundit explores the key races on Saturday, including the Hilary Needler Trophy and the Two Year Old Trophy at Beverley as well as the John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock.

Has she found some winners?

Saturday Racing Tips

Haydock 1.50 – Class 1 Listed Race

Live In The Dream (10/11 fav) should be able to go one better that last time at Haydock. He had a really nice return on ground that was too soft - that was over course and distance.

He’s back on better ground and he should be hard to beat.

Democracy Dilemma (9/1) can go well again, after only just being touched off in The Dash, while Believing (9/2 2nd fav) will likely run a better race than when we saw her recently over in Hong Kong.

But Live In The Dream is the worthy favourite here and will be hard to beat on this quicker ground.

Megan’s Selection: Live In The Dream WIN

Beverley 2.05 – Hilary Needler Trophy

I am going to go Over Spiced (17/2) for Joanna Mason.

A filly that has improved plenty from her first and second start, and the form from that victory at Leicester has worked out very well with plenty of winners coming out of that race.

She’s got a nice draw, is quite straightforward, and has a bit of extra experience over one or two runners in the field.

Megan’s Selection: Over Spiced WIN

Haydock 2.25 – Class 2 Handicap

Divina Grace (4/1 2nd fav) ran nicely on return at Goodwood and possibly got a little bit tired. It looked like he was going to win, disputing the lead coming into the final furlong, but he just faded away.

That was obviously the debut run of the season, but if he has stepped forward from that then I think Haydock could suit - it’s a nice flat track - and he was definitely progressive last year.

Megan’s Selection: Divina Grace WIN

Beverley 2.40 – Two Year Old Trophy

Shareholder (13/8 fav) was an expensive purchase from the Arqana breeze-up sales, and has a big weight allowance off of rivals who have ran and won. He’s by a sire that we don’t know an awful lot about over here.

The cost means it has to be of interest, but I am going against it.

My pick is Moving Force (9/4 2nd fav), who won over course and distance for Richard Fahey. It’s stupid to overlook Fahey’s form at the moment - he’s flying, with winners left, right, and centre. The yard is in top form and Moving Force was a winner on debut and can build on that.

Megan’s Selection: Moving Force WIN

Haydock 3.00 – Lester Piggott Fillies' Stakes (formerly The Pinnacle Stakes)

I am going with Sea Theme (6/1).

She looked to be going places last year before a below-par run on her final run at Newmarket - the reasons for which I am not too sure. But she has been given plenty of time, so maybe something did come to light.

She is returning in a nicer race on decent ground. She’s been very effective on the flat track and she’s still open to a lot of progression.

I think that she’s the one that is probably most unexposed in this field.

Megan’s Selection: Sea Theme WIN

Haydock 3.35 – John Of Gaunt Stakes

There’s lots of pace on here.

The likes of Noble Dynasty (4/1 joint fav), Pogo (6/1), Flight Plan (6/1), Point Lynas (14/1), and Jumby (11/1) all like to be right up there.

So I think it could be a pretty strong fractions and it might just set it up for one that can close.

If that is the case, then it might just be the very consistent and straightforward Ramazan (15/2), who will be ridden handy but likely just in behind the back pace and this draw on a couple off the rail might just allow him a bit of space if the filly does need to switch out and run around a couple of horses.

He’s ideally placed and I like his chances. We’re going to have pretty fast fractions and it might just suit one that can sit in behind.

Despite having the best form and being a closer, I haven’t gone for Witch Hunter (4/1 joint fav) because he’s drawn in one. We have seen so often at Haydock that when the horses don’t come off that rail down the home straight, they can get stuck with nowhere to go.

Therefore, I just think it’s risky going with Witch Hunter, because he might get boxed in a little bit. He’s obviously going to be putting Sean Levy to the test and he’s going to be trying to find a way out at the right time.

But it’s Ramazan for me.

Megan’s Selection: Ramazan WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – picks out some of the runners and riders catching her eye on Eclipse Day at Sandown and some big races at Haydock.

Saturday Racing Tips

Sandown 1.50 – Sprint Stakes

Live In The Dream (15/8 fav) was a bit disappointing at Haydock last time but the form doesn’t look too bad now as the winner, Believing, ran really well at Royal Ascot.

Sandown is a track that suits frontrunners and I expect him to leave that Haydock run behind him and bounce back. He stumbled badly last time too and should be hard to beat here if back to his best.

Desperate Hero (15/2) is also interesting as he’s a big improver at present – but he is up in grade and does need to step forward again.

Megan’s Tip: Live In The Dream WIN

Haydock 2.05 – Handicap Class 2

Fouroneohfever (7/1) ran a huge race in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot when staying on strongly.

He is up in trip here which, based on the way he finished at Ascot, suggests will bring out more improvement and he could still be a progressive sort.

It’s a competitive race but, with George Boughey’s horses continuing to run well, he’d be my pick.

Megan’s Tip: Fouroneohfever WIN

Sandown 2.25 – Handicap Class 2

This looks a pretty hot handicap with the likes of Cicero’s Gift (17/2) and Perotto (9/2) in there.

Holloway Bay (5/1) is the one I like though. He was a huge eye-catcher in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, finishing fifth but making significant headway in the final 100 yards.

He was seriously unlucky in running and he can get his day in the sun here. He is a very talented horse, especially on this type of ground, and I can see him finishing strongly and taking this for another in-form yard in Karl Burke.

Megan’s Tip: Holloway Bay WIN

Haydock 2.40 – Lancashire Oaks

This year’s Lancashire Oaks probably isn’t the most vintage of renewals but that doesn’t mean it’s not competitive.

Lady Boba (9/2) was the eye-catcher in a Group 3 over course and distance last time where she was short of room at a crucial stage.

She was only a nostril behind Queen Of The Pride (7/2) and I think she can reverse that form here. She's very consistent and from stall five, jockey Rossa Ryan should have more room to avoid getting boxed in.

Megan’s Tip: Queen Of The Pride WIN

Sandown 3.00 – Distaff Stakes

Bolsena (10/1) is back to a mile at this track, which is no problem at all.

He’s a horse that responds well to encouragement and another positive ride would be favourable — Neil Callan should be able to dictate the pace.

Soprano (15/8) was very good in the Sandringham but I'm not sure she'll get the same pace to aim at this time around and that's why I’m taking her on.

Megan’s Tip: Bolsena WIN

Haydock 3.15 – Old Newton Cup Handicap

Relentless Voyager (7/2 NAP) ran a big race at York last time over 14 furlongs following an impressive victory at Epsom at 12.

Returning to this trip and having Oisin Murphy back on board are two positives and I think he can get back to winning ways on ground he will handle better than a few of the others.

Megan’s Tip: Relentless Voyager WIN

Sandown 3.35 – The Eclipse

The big race of the day is the Eclipse and it’s of course disappointing that White Birch hasn’t made it over.

With him out and after what we saw from City Of Troy (3/10 fav) in the Derby, it's very hard to see Aidan O’Brien’s charge beaten, especially given he gets a weight allowance off his elders in the race.

It was great to see him back to best at Epsom and he really did look a different horse to his disappointing performance in the 2000 Guineas the time before.

Another demolition job is what we'd love to see and I’m hoping he can put on a show.

Megan’s Tip: City Of Troy WIN

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The three-day Newmarket July Festival kicks off on Thursday with a cracking card featuring some competitive racing, including two Group 2 contests.

Our ambassador, Meg Nicholls, has previewed the card exclusively for us.

Newmarket 1.50 – Bahrain Trophy

Ancient Wisdom(10/11 fav) is a short price but that looks justified as he likes soft ground and has the strongest form on offer here.

He was a Group 1 winner as a two-year-old and stepping up in trip looks sure to help him. He is the one to beat and his price looks fair enough.

Megan’s Tip: Ancient Wisdom WIN

Newmarket 2.25 – July Stakes

There might not be many runners in this Group 2 but it looks like a pretty hot contest with some very talented two-year-olds taking each other on.

I like the look of Ain’t Nobody (4/1) who handled good-to-soft ground well on his debut – the step up to six furlongs should bring about more improvement.

He impressed me with the way he won in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot, where he showed a great turn of foot. He hit the line really strongly and he might just be the value here.

Megan’s Tip: Ain’t Nobody WIN

Newmarket 3.00 – six furlong Heritage Handicap

This won’t be an easy race to pick the winner in, it looks very competitive.

I came down on Tropical Island (5/1). He ran really nicely on his return – after a long time off the track it wasn’t surprising he got a bit tired late on.

He should improve plenty for that outing and with cut in the ground no issue, he should go well here.

Megan’s Tip: Tropical Island E/W

Newmarket 3.35 – Princess Of Wales’s Stakes

There might be only six declared for the Princess Of Wales’s Stakes but it looks a really good renewal with the majority having solid claims.

It’s impossible not to love Hamish (10/11), who has been an amazing horse for his connections over the years.

The recent rain that’s hit Newmarket will have been music to the ears of his trainer William Haggas as he’s a horse that loves soft ground.

An eight-year-old he may be but his run in the Coronation Cup last time was arguably a career-best and, if he repeats that run here, he’ll be very tough to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Hamish WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Friday’s meeting at Newmarket.

Friday Racing Tips

Newmarket 1.50 – Heritage Handicap

Royal Power (3/1 fav) is lightly raced and I like the look of him here.

The form is looking good from the EBF Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood, where he finished third behind Space Legend and Meydaan.

Meydaan finished second in the red-hot King Edward VII Stakes and was generally eye-catching. As such, Royal Power might have enough to get the job done here.

Megan’s Tip: Royal Power WIN

Newmarket 2.25 – Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes

Heaven’s Gate (3/1 fav) ran a huge race in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and looks the obvious one to beat. She helped force a strong pace that day and we might expect more of the same here.

I also like Bountiful (14/1) as an each-way shout. She impressed when winning the EBF Novice Stakes at Carlisle last month and is improving all the time.

She could represent real value in a nice, open race.

Megan’s Tip: Heaven’s Gate WIN

Newmarket 3.00 – Heritage Handicap

I am going each way here with Vino Victrix (12/1) who is ultra-consistent and has bags of experience in the bank.

The drop back in trip is no issue for him and he's been in good form of late, with two his last three results bagging him top-three finishes.

Megan’s Tip: Vino Victrix E/W

Newmarket 3.35 – Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes

Porta Fortuna (5/4 fav) was very tough in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in one of the best races of the week, in my opinion, and getting 9lbs off her elders is a lot of weight.

She sat inside on the slipstream of the favourite, Opera Singer, that day before speeding home when daylight emerged. We could see her again tack to the rail and bide her time.

Porta Fortuna should be hard to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Porta Fortuna WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – looks at the action taking place at Ascot, Newmarket and York.

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Ascot 2.00 - Summer Mile

I will go with Sonny Liston (11/4), who put up an unbelievable performance at Ascot in the Hunt Cup off a massive weight.

He was only narrowly beaten and was super tough. Going into group company shouldn’t be an issue for him. He’s got a rating of 114 – this is where he should be getting pitched in.

Off the back of what he did at Ascot, he deserves to get his head in front again because he is just so consistent and so tough.

Hopefully they do go fast enough for him because I do think he enjoys a nice pace.

It would be nice to see him getting his head in front in group company.

Megan’s Tip: Sonny Liston WIN

Newmarket 2.50 – Mile Handicap

Qirat (4/1 jt fav) ran a big race in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot – that was his first try at a mile and he wasn’t beaten all that far.

He’s an improving horse, the gelding definitely helped him, and there’s more to come. It’s Ryan Moore on board for Juddmonte and he’s had a good couple of days at Newmarket already.

He’s drawn in two, so he is on the wing a little bit and I imagine this horse can finish quite well.

Volterra (4/1 jt fav) is interesting – he could bounce back after his last race, which was also the Brtannia, when he finished 11th. He’s quite a strong traveller and likely to be the pace angle. He’s drawn the opposite side, out in 15, so it will be interesting to see how the race pans out when they split into two groups.

Volterra has been well supported, and could very well bounce back, but I’m going to stick with Qirat here.

Megan’s Tip: Qirat WIN

York 3.10 – John Smith’s Cup Handicap

I like Paradias (10/1). Back on the Flat at Epsom last time he ran a huge race.

He’s a strong traveller and they tend to go fast in this race so he should be able to get into a nice rhythm.

I still think he can be an improver on the Flat. Alan King’s horses have been running very well of late, too.

This race could just be ideal for him. There’s a big race in him and it might well be this one.

Megan’s Tip: Paradias WIN

Newmarket 3.25 – Superlative Stakes

I think this is an open race.

Ancient Truth (6/4 fav) is a horse I really liked on his debut. The form has worked out really well.

He didn’t win as impressively in the EBF Novice Stakes at Newmarket next time under a penalty and he can just hang right-handed. He will have to get out of that habit up in grade.

This is a tough race because the two-year-olds can take massive step forwards from start-to-start.

I think Pentle Bay (13/2) is overpriced he won on debut and was behind the very impressive Bedtime Story in the Chesham Stakes. He could very well take a step forward from that and improve from Royal Ascot.

But I am going to go with Columnist (9/2) to win and Pentle Bay at a price each-way.

Columnist is stepping up in trip. He’s drawn a line under the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot – I think that was a decent race. He has experience up in grade. He’s officially the highest on the ratings.

I do like Ancient Truth but the hanging worries me.

Megan’s Tip: Columnist WIN; Pentle Bay EW

Newmarket 4.00 – Bunbury Cup

I will go Yorkshire (16/1) each-way here.

He is back down in trip, which will help. He’s a horse that has always been held in pretty high regard by trainer Edward Bethell.

He also sneaks into the bottom of the weights and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him outrun his odds.

I like the chances of Carrytheone, who has been in great form since joining Michael Bell. He was unfortunate in the Buckingham Palace when having no luck in running.

He managed to just about squeeze through in Newmarket the time before that when he was stuck in a pocket.

Carrytheone has got Ryan Moore on board, which is a massive positive. If he gets the required luck in running, I think this horse is deserving of a big win and he could do it here.

He gets his conditions and goes well at Newmarket.

Megan’s Tip: Carrytheone WIN; Yorkshire EW

Newmarket 4.35 – July Cup

For the places, I’m going to go Regional (7/1), who I think is at a fairly sensible price. He’s so consistent and is back up to six furlongs, which is a positive for me.

The top two, Inisherin (5/2 fav) and Vandeek (10/3 2nd fav), are obviously short in the market. I think it’s going to go the way of one of the three-year-olds and both are hard to split.

Vandeek was well below form on his return in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock but the Crisford yard was not firing at that time and the horses obviously weren’t at their best.

They have had a couple of winners lately, and they’re obviously starting to get on a bit of a roll now, so I don’t think we should give up on this horse but I just think Inisherin is the sensible one here.

He impressed in the Sandy Lane and then again at Royal Ascot – he absolutely bolted up, to be honest.

It was an impressive performance and he’s proven he really is versatile in terms of ground and back down to this trip, he looks better than ever.

I think he’s the safe bet.

Megan’s Tip: Inisherin WIN; Regional EW

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Newbury and Market Rasen as well as Irish Oaks Day at the Curragh.

Saturday Racing Tips

Newbury 3.00 – Hackwood Stakes

Elite Status (3/1) is a horse I absolutely love.

I actually had him up first time out this season, when he was very impressive and looked back to his best in winning the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury.

He’s a good looking horse and I’m delighted he did bounce back because I always felt he would be better as a three-year-old.

Elite Status lost his way at the back end of his two-year-old career. He is going to have to prove that he is not just a specialist first-half-of-the-season type of horse.

He’s obviously had a bit of a break coming into this and I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

That said, I just think Regional (9/4 fav) has reached new heights the past two seasons.

You could argue that, despite being a Group One winner previously, his run and defeat in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot was probably a career-best.

I think he probably would have won the Jubilee if he ran in the six-furlong race – being back to that trip is a real positive.

Regional is the horse they all have to beat here. Ed Bethell has done a great job for where he’s targeted him and I think he can get his head back in front.

Megan’s Tip: Regional WIN

Curragh 3.05 – Sapphire Stakes

We definitely want to be keeping an eye on Believing (6/4 fav), who posted two huge runs in the King Charles and the Jubilee at Royal Ascot after an impressive victory in the Achilles Stakes at Haydock prior to that.

She’s obviously had a couple of weeks to freshen up and I think she will take all the beating over five furlongs at the Curragh. A nice uphill climb will really suit her.

Megan’s Tip: Believing WIN

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Market Rasen 3.15 – Summer Plate

I like Sure Touch (8/1) for Olly Murphy with Harry Cobden on board.

The only thing here is that this horse hasn’t really competed in many big fields over fences. However he’s progressive, has been well placed and, because he’s been competing in small fields, he hasn’t had a hard time of things.

I’m surprised Sean Bowen has opted to ride for his dad, Peter, on Statuario (15/2) as he would have had the option – but they have teamed up well in the past.

Sure Touch has got a little bit more in the locker. He is the one I’m going for away from some of the big Flat types. Plus, having Harry on board as a super sub is no bad thing.

Megan’s Tip: Sure Touch WIN

Newbury 3.35 – Super Sprint Stakes

Vingegaard (4/1) was a winner in the Restricted Maiden Stakes on his debut at Chepstow and then wasn’t disgraced at all in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot when ultimately on the wrong side. He wasn’t beaten far.

He has lots of tactical speed – obviously Newbury is a much sharper track than Ascot and I think this horse had a proper battle there and would have learned a lot. The big field isn’t a problem either.

A couple of runs represents a bit more experience than one or two others who are coming here on their second start, so jockey Hollie Doyle and trainer Archie Watson can pair up to win the Super Sprint with Vingegaard.

Megan’s Tip: Vingegaard WIN

Curragh 3.40 – Irish Oaks

I am going to throw in one at a bigger price here: Hanalia (14/1) for Johnny Murtagh.

Her form is working out really well. Yes, she is stepping up in grade from winning a listed race, but she did it nicely and the form has been boosted.

Stepping up in trip can only help her improve further. She will be ridden with cover to challenge late on.

This is an open Oaks and this filly is progressive. We don’t know an awful lot about her in comparison to one or two others but being up in trip might just bring about further improvement.

Megan’s Tip: Hanalia WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the award-winning television pundit and former jockey takes a look at Saturday’s meetings at York and Ascot, including the King George and the Princess Margaret Stakes.

Saturday Racing Tips

Ascot 1.50 – Princess Margaret Stakes

Ryan Moore is an eye-catching jockey booking on Simmering (15/8 fav) for trainer Ollie Sangster.

A filly out of Too Darn Hot — a sire I’m a big fan of — she did not do much wrong at the Royal Meeting in the Albany Stakes, when Jamie Spencer gave her a beautiful ride to come and win her race before Fairy Godmother (under Moore) managed to pip them on the line.

Simmering is talented. She is yet to win but she’s been third in a hot novice and then second in the Albany, which was a very good effort.

On that, I think she has every reason to be very competitive down in grade in a Group 3 this time with Ryan on board.

She’s had only two starts — and there are a couple who have had less experience than her that could be open to a lot of improvement too — but I reckon Simmering is the one they have to beat. She will get her head in front.

Megan’s Tip: Simmering WIN

Ascot 2.25 – Valiant Stakes

Soprano (11/4) seems to be thriving at the moment.

The step up to the mile has really helped her and she ran a huge race at Sandown last time in a listed filly’s event.

I just thought the mile might have been just that little bit stiff for her yet it was still a very good effort and I think she is still improving.

The stamina is there, she obviously enjoys Ascot, we know she gets ridden with plenty of cover and if the pace is there for her, as it is on the round track, then Soprano is the one the rest have to beat.

George Boughey and the Highclere Yard have done exceptionally well recently — with Believing winning the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh last weekend — and I think they can back up their success with another filly here.

Megan’s Tip: Soprano WIN

Ascot 3.00 – International Stakes

This one is a wide open race so I am putting up Divine Libra (18/1) each way.

He wasn’t beaten all that far in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket two weeks ago and was drawn on the wrong side of the track.

He did finish 10th, which doesn’t look brilliant, but he had a difficult draw and was becoming competitive before the race got away on the stand side.

He went very well at Royal Ascot when finishing a nice sixth in the Buckingham Palace Stakes — he had traffic problems as well — so I think this horse is too big a price.

Christophe Soumillon on board is a good jockey booking too. We don’t see Christophe loads over here but, when he does show up, you definitely respect the horses he’s on.

For the win, I’m going to leave Carrytheone (4/1 fav), who is going to end up a little bit of a cliff horse. He’s so frustrating.

Based on what we saw at Newmarket we have to give Aalto (7/1) lots of respect. He absolutely bolted up in the Bunbury Cup and travelled so smoothly through the race.

He is still well-weighted off of 8st 12lbs, despite the 3lbs penalty off the back of that run.

Megan’s Tip: Aalto WIN; Divine Libra EW

York 3.15 – York Stakes

Alflaila (9/4) is coming back to try to retain his crown here.

He wasn’t disgraced at all on his return in the Prince of Wales's Stakes — he probably got a little bit tired late on. That was on the back of a long layoff and I thought it was an exceptionally good return overall.

He was in behind Auguste Rodin and, after being off the track for that long, to return in that way in a Group 1 makes it a mighty performance.

My feeling is he is going to go very well again. On official ratings, he’s 1lb superior. There really isn’t much in it between him and Passenger (6/4 fav), who also looks a very talented horse.

However, Passenger probably has to step it up again in comparison to the form Alflaila actually holds.

So I’m going to go with the Owen Burrows horse here with Jim Crowley on board. Providing the bounce factor doesn’t come in, I think he can retain his crown.

He goes well at York anyway — his form here is 2-1-1 — and a small field in the race last year did no harm to him. He is the classy performer.

Megan’s Tip: Alflaila WIN

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Ascot 3.40 – King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes

This is an absolutely brilliant field. I’m really pleased we have a nice amount of runners and it’s red-hot.

There has been rain about but it’s going to be dry Friday and Saturday before racing so it will dry out quickly.

Auguste Rodin (5/4 fav) will be the one to beat on that quick ground. He looked better than ever at Royal Ascot in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. It’s nice to see him back.

He’s a bit of a frustrating horse because he can let you down a little bit when you think it’s a certainty — though there are no certainties in racing of course.

Ultimately, Auguste Rodin is a very good horse on his day. Quick ground is essential for him.

It’s great to see Rebel’s Romance (7/2) back too. He’s been an international star and, my word, he’s just continued to improve and improve.

He’s had a bit of a break since he won over at Sha Tin back in May but he definitely warrants a lot of respect for this one. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares against horses back over here, because he has been very much international of late.

This race is wide open and I think if there is a nice, even tempo over a mile-and-a-half, it’ll be absolutely no problem for Auguste Rodin and the drying ground will help him.

He will beat Rebel’s Romance.

Megan’s Tip: Auguste Rodin WIN

A Good Cause at Goodwood

The Magnolia Cup, the most prestigious charity race in the calendar, takes place at Goodwood on Thursday. Twelve women amateur jockeys race over the sprint track – that is not the most straightforward of tracks but, my word, to ride there is pretty special!

Two friends of mine are riding in it: Lauren Price and Ellen Barber. Ellen is someone I’ve grown up with and is the granddaughter of the legendary owner Paul Barber, a two-time winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ellen has been keen to get involved in a race like this to do him proud but she’s also a GB heptathlete herself and loves the fast and furious adrenaline rush. To be on board Flat horses is a bit of a change for her but she’s worked hard and is loving it; she’s ridden out mainly at Karl Burke’s but has been with me at George Boughey’s as well.

She has done extremely well and has been riding two-year-olds, colts, fillies, sprinters, distance horses… everything.

The fundamental reason behind the Magnolia Cup is to support some amazing charities and this year it is in aid of My Sisters’ House, a charity supporting women through domestic abuse, violence and other issues such as homelessness.

Ellen not only wants to do her grandpa proud but has made it clear that, after recent events and what happened to John Hunt and his family, she wants to raise awareness of these issues and help raise money for a charity that supports the women and families affected by them.

She’s so competitive so she wants to win but she also wants to raise funds for an amazing charity – that’s worth getting behind.

For more information or to donate you can find Ellen’s JustGiving page here.

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

The award-winning television pundit and former jockey has taken a look at the first day of the Glorious Goodwood festival, which runs from 30th July to 3rd August. Can she get off to a winning start?

Tuesday Racing Tips

Goodwood 1.50 – Chesterfield Cup Handicap

There are a few horses here that have questions to answer. One or two are going to have to put some recent form behind them if they want to win this. A couple look as though they prefer the all-weather and then we have one or two where we are questioning the track and draw.

It’s a tricky handicap, but Enfjaar (11/4 fav), is obviously a worthy favourite having won pretty convincingly in the John Smith’s Cup last time and is two from two since being gelded.

He might be the one who is improving the most and may well be in Group racing before too long, but I just think he’s too short in a race as competitive as this.

So I am going to throw two in at bigger each-way prices.

The first is going to be Tony Montana (12/1), who is drawn next to the favourite, and wasn’t beaten that far by him at York, when he arguably got a bit too far out of his ground before running on nicely in the final two furlongs. It’s not easy to make up ground at York, either.

I think Goodwood is a better track for that and if he does get a little bit further back early - provided there are no traffic problems - he might be able to make up the places a bit easier.

The other one is Track Of Time (28/1). Trainer Ian Williams has not had the horse that long, but he’s a winner in France over a mile and over 10 furlongs, and was pretty competitive over at Meydan, as well.

Since Ian has had him, he hasn’t really fired. I don’t think the mile-and-a-half at York will have suited him the first time out. That would have been too far and he was a bit keen and fresh.

Then he ran at Sandown, when he didn’t disgrace himself on ground that wasn’t particularly suitable.

He’s down to a mark of 98 - I think he’s better than that on his best form. He’s got cheekpieces on for the first time, and Ian Williams has been absolutely flying of late. Rossa Ryan is an eye-cathching jockey booking too.

He is drawn in stall 17, but last year’s winner, Ancient Rome (for the same owners) came out of stall 16 under a Jamie Spencer masterclass.

He does tend to get ridden with a bit of patience - or has done previously - so it doesn’t bother me where he is drawn. Rossa will get him into a nice position.

I just think this horse could be dangerous at a decent price.

Megan’s Tip: Tony Montana EW / Track Of Time EW

Goodwood 2.25 – Vintage Stakes

I am going to go with Aomori City (4/1 2nd fav), who is crying out for a step up in trip.

There is plenty of stamina on the dam side of Aomori City’s pedigree. He didn’t disgrace himself by any means at all in the July Stakes. He was ahead of Electrolyte (7/1) that day, and I think it will stay that way around at this trip.

The July Stakes will turn out to be quite a strong race. Whistlejacket (the winner) is held in very regard, while Billboard Star (finished second place) is a pretty smart horse for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton.

I just think this race will set up perfectly for him - the seven furlongs is really going to help him find further improvement.

He is officially rated 102 and I think we could see him higher than that come the end of the season.

Electrolyte possibly didn’t fire in the July Stakes, having been second in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but I wasn’t convinced the step up in trip was what he necessarily needed. He didn’t perform to his best.

Megan’s Tip: Aomori City WIN

Goodwood 3.00 – Lennox Stakes

The Lennox is driving me mad!

I think I’m going to go for Kinross (3/1 joint fav) here. His form is 121 in this race the last couple of years.

Seven furlongs is better for him and plenty of pace will suit, as well. I know it’s drying ground, but I think he gets away with it over this distance.

I know Noble Dynasty (3/1 joint fav) is improving, but when he won the Criterion Stakes he beat Nostrum, who we know is a bit of a rogue, and I can’t trust how strong the form is in beating him.

I am going to stick with Kinross, because we know he is the most talented runner in the field. He’s got top class form worldwide and this is his optimum trip.

Of the unexposed types, it would be English Oak (3/1 joint fav), who was actually behind Noble Dynasty earlier in the year, but he was very impressive at Ascot, winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes very impressively, and he is probably still improving.

He is up in grade here, but he’s only a four-year-old, and he’s going in the right direction.

Megan’s Tip: Kinross WIN

Goodwood 3.35 – Goodwood Cup Stakes

I’m keeping this straightforward and going with Kyprios (4/9 fav) here.

Aidan O'Brien has done an amazing job getting him back to his best for this year, having encountered a pretty major setback.

He’s a very talented and strong stayer, he’s very versatile in terms of track and ground, though he would favour the quicker ground, so the fact it is hot and drying is a positive for him.

He won this race in 2022 and he’s beaten the rest of this field pretty convincingly.

This is probably the most straightforward one of day one and it’s no surprise to see him at such short odds.

If you want a forecast, I’d go with Sweet William (15/2 2nd fav).

Megan’s Tip: Kyprios WIN - Kyprios-Sweet William FORECAST

Goodwood 4.10 – Racing Club Handicap

Each-way, let’s go Walbank (9/1) for George Boughey.

He’s had some time off the track but when he won on his stable debut over at Meydan, he’d had a break as well. So that doesn’t worry me too much..

I suppose the question is the sharp five-furlong distance. When he won in Dubai, it was six and he seemed to see that out very well.

He’s a big, thick-set horse and he can take a step forward from a race but he’ll be as ready as possible without seeing the course already.

The stronger and the harder they go up front, the more it will suit him. There seems to be pace all over, but more so in the low-to-middle draw, so I am going to put him up each-way.

For the win, it’s so hard to predict.

Lord Riddiford (4/1 2nd fav) deserves a mention. He’s won this race three years on the bounce - he’s four from five at this meeting. He’s quite a phenomenal horse, really, and the yard do extremely well to get him back year-after-year.

He’s a pound higher than when winning this race last year, but the concern this time around is that it’s going to be drying and pretty quick ground. You could argue that he’s better with a little bit more dew.

I am going to stick with my friend from The Dash, Democracy Dilemma (15/2). I know he’s got top weight, but he is holding his form very well this season and jockey Rossa Ryan gets on with him well.

He’s got top weight, but he’s very fast and the sharp five furlongs could just suit him.

Owner Fitri Hay could be in for a good day and I just think this horse is so solid.

Megan’s Tip: Democracy Dilemma WIN

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This time the former jockey, now an award-winning TV pundit, previews an exciting second day of racing at Glorious Goodwood including the Shaker Handicap and a wide-open Sussex Stakes.

Wednesday Racing Tips

Goodwood 1.50 – Shaker Handicap

Subsequent (7/2 fav) for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy is aggressive and lightly raced.

He did get a bit of a hike in the weights – a 7lbs rise – for winning the Bibury Cup Handicap at Salisbury last time ahead of Spaceport who has beefed that form since.

I think he’s a pretty solid horse and the ground has been fine when he’s been previously raced on quick, so Subsequent is my pick.

For a place, I’m going with Goodwood Odyssey (13/2) in first-time blinkers.

He is pretty consistent; the only one slightly disappointing run came in the Gold Cup Handicap at Newbury in a very good race and he might appreciate no added headgear.

Megan’s Selection: Subsequent WIN; Goodwood Odyssey E/W

Goodwood 2.25 – Oak Tree Stakes

Jabaara (5/2 fav) is the natural pick.

She is progressive and posted a very good effort last time behind Porta Fortuna in the Falmouth Stakes. She has stepped down in grade here and this looks like a nice opportunity.

Of the each-way prices Raqiya (11/2) is very, very good on quick ground. Anytime there is ‘soft’ in the race description, she is not as effective.

Good-to-firm in this race is going to really suit her – she could be overpriced.

Megan’s Selection: Jabarra WIN; Raqiya E/W

Goodwood 3.00 – Molecomb Stakes

I am going with Celandine (5/1).

She ran very well in the Prix Robert Papin over in Chantilly last time and she’s a winner in a listed level over here, winning the Empress Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket last month. The drop down to five furlongs doesn’t bother me; she is sharp and being back on quicker ground will help.

Each way, Vingegaard (15/2) is a very sharp horse. She was just beaten by a neck in the Super Sprint Stakes at Newbury and this distance will suit her.

Megan’s Selection: Celandine WIN; Vingegaard E/W

Goodwood 3.35 – Sussex Stakes

It’s obviously a disappointment we don't get to see Rosallion, which leaves this race wide open.

Notable Speech (11/8 joint fav) can easily bounce back. I don’t think we saw him anywhere near his best when finishing second-from-last at Royal Ascot in the St James’s Palace Stakes. But, on the back of what we saw, you’d have to give plenty of respect to Henry Longfellow (11/8 joint fav).

It’s hard to choose between the two of them – obviously each are getting a bit of weight off the elders – but if Notable Speech can bounce back to his 2000 Guineas performance then he is the one to beat without a shadow of a doubt.

Henry Longfellow disappointed on his return to the track after a lay-off back in May but bounced back by claiming second in the St James’s.

Both of them have a bit to prove but I’m sticking with Notable Speech, who is a horse I have loved from the start.

Megan’s Selection: Notable Speech WIN

Goodwood 4.10 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Handicap

Al Anoud (6/1) for jockey Hector Crouch and trainer Ralph Beckett.

I don’t think she stayed at Pontefract last time in a race that’s worked out quite nicely, form-wise.

She ran very well at Windsor before that behind Tony Montana, who is aggressive. I think that was quite a solid run.

She seems quite straightforward, is lightly raced and unexposed. On the back of that Windsor performance, I think she has a massive chance here.

Megan’s Selection: Al Anoud WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time Megan previews the fourth day at Glorious Goodwood to give her insight on races including the King George Stakes, the Golden Mile and the Thoroughbred Stakes.

Friday Racing Tips

Goodwood 1.50 – Goodwood Handicap

It's interesting there has been lots of support for Super Superjack (6/1) of Olly Murphy. There's an eye-catching jockey booking, with Tom Marquand on board.

He had a long time off the track (654 days) before joining Olly and didn't disgrace himself in either run at Nottingham in May and then at Ascot in July.

Super Superjack was second in this race behind Master Milliner a couple of years ago – if he can get back to that kind of form he'd have a big chance. But it's ifs and buts after that time off.

He is two pounds below that mark from that second two years ago, so I can understand why there's been support. There are still question marks that hang over him, though.

I am going to keep it simple here and go with Kyle Of Lochalsh (9/2 fav).

He has plenty of weight on his back but he has had a super year. I don't think the race at Newbury last month was enough of a test for him and he still ran very well behind Temporize, who won this race last year, so that's solid form.

His third in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal Meeting – over a very similar distance – was a career-best performance.

Jockey Billy Loughnane seems to get a really good tune out of this horse. He seems very versatile when it comes to ground and track. He's still lightly raced in comparison to a few of these and he hasn't had an overly hard season.

My each-way chance at a big price is Robert Johnson (16/1). Joe Fanning is on board in what is a stable debut for Tracy Waggott.

He was second in this race last year, and prior to moving stable he was starting to show a bit more form.

At Chester last time, on a trip and track that was too sharp for him, he just showed a bit of life again.

Megan’s Selection: Kyle Of Lochalsh WIN; Robert Johnson EW

Goodwood 2.25 – Thoroughbred Stakes

I am going to go with Al Musmak (4/1 fav), who was impressive in the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket last time. Being back to a mile looked to be a big help and I think that’s reason why we saw him back to form..

He was second in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket last year, so he’s got some really good two-year-old form. Being back up in grade isn’t an issue for me and I think he can progress at the mile.

He’s definitely more straightforward than a few of these in the race.

One that isn’t that straightforward but I’m going to put up as an each-way chance is Socialite (8/1).

He was behind Al Musmak and Lead Artist (9/2) at Newmarket but he was too keen. Tom Marquand now knows him and, if he can get him to relax early, he could be much better than we’ve already seen of him.

He has already been pretty impressive when winning a novice and a maiden earlier in the year, beating King’s Gamble (11/1) in that novice.

I just think he’s a pretty smart horse and, if he can relax, he could run into the places.

Megan’s Selection: Al Musmak WIN; Socialite EW

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Goodwood 3.00 – Golden Mile

What a headache this race is!

Native Warrior (13/2) is a three-year-old and has a decent seven-pound allowance because of that.

He’s lightly raced but progressive. He ran very well in the Britannia Stakes when he won his side of the race and he wasn’t beaten far at all overall.

He’s got a light weight, right down the bottom, and I think he’s very progressive. We have a lot of horses in this race that we see on a regular basis. While Native Warrior doesn’t have as much experience, he could just be the big improver.

I’m going to put two each-way chances in for this one.

One is going to be New Image (15/2), who has had a bit of support and wasn’t beaten far in the Heritage Handicap at Ascot at the weekend. He’s up to a mile for the first time, which is interesting.

He has got a wide draw to overcome but, if he can get forward and into a nice position, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him travel into it well. Jason Watson is on board, replacing a claimer – I don’t think that’s a bad thing in a race like this – and he’s another who is lightly raced

My other each-way shout is Silent Film (20/1), who hasn’t had a hard time this season. He wasn’t beaten that far at Sandown when the ground was softer.

He goes well on this quicker ground and he was a decent performer for Charlie Appleby previously. He’s not done badly since joining Ian Williams – he actually provided Frankie Dettori with a Hungarian victory before Frankie jetted off to America.

He also ran well over in Meydan with a couple of decent runs back here in the UK. I like the chances of him back on better ground again for a trainer who has been in good form.

Megan’s Selection: Native Warrior WIN; New Image EW

Goodwood 3.35 – King George Stakes

I’m with Big Evs (3/1 joint fav) here.

He won the Molecomb here last year on soft ground. The track suits and he gets his favoured quick ground this time.

He won his side in the King Charles III Stakes and wasn’t far behind Asfoora at all and I think it could be a big week for Michael Appelby, who obviously had the Molecomb winner on Wednesday.

I will go with Jasour (17/2) each-way. I’m a big fan of this horse and still think there is another big day in him.

Being down to five furlongs could be the making of him. He’s such a strong traveller and he can be too keen over six furlongs and not get home. I would not be surprised to see him run pretty well.

Megan’s Selection: Big Evs WIN; Jasour EW

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey, now a celebrated TV pundit, previews the final day of action in what has been a memorable Glorious Goodwood Festival.

Read on to find out what she is predicting for all the day’s biggest races, including the Glorious Stakes, the Summer Handicap and the Stewards’ Cup.

Saturday Racing Tips

Goodwood 1.50 – Glorious Stakes

I am going with Aimeric (10/3) here. He absolutely loves quick ground and small, tactical fields have suited him well before.

He put up a good performance in the Fred Archer Stakes at Newmarket last time with a narrow defeat to King’s Conquest. He also gets his ideal conditions here.

Megan’s Selection: Aimeric WIN

Goodwood 2.25 – Summer Handicap

First-time blinkers definitely helped Fairbanks (10/3) when winning the Heritage Handicap at Newmarket last time out.

He stayed on well up the hill and that headgear, which is retained for this one, seems to have sharpened him up.

Fairbanks is running well this season anyway, has a good strike rate in these handicaps and he’s potentially still improving into the bargain.

Megan’s Selection: Fairbanks WIN

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Goodwood 3.00 – Lillie Langtry Stakes

I am going to go with Caius Chorister (3/1).

She was too keen in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot but drops back down in trip here and the mile suits her absolutely fine.

She’s got a bit to find with Free Wind (11/4 fav) on official ratings but she’s so tough, genuine and improving.

Free Wind last ran back in May behind Bluestocking in the Middleton Fillies’ Stakes at York, which looks an attractive run, but she’s had more time off the track.

She’s had a bit more of a break and we’ve possibly seen the best of her in previous seasons.

Megan’s Selection: Caius Chorister WIN

Goodwood 3.35 – Stewards' Cup

Lethal Levi (10/1) is my pick here, he’s been in really good form with the blinkers on. He ran a huge race in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and backed that up nicely in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket in July, finishing second when the seven furlongs was probably seen as a stretch.

He’s back to six, which is a positive. He’s a horse that is absolutely thriving at the moment.

Quick ground is no issue.

Megan’s Selection: Lethal Levi WIN

Goodwood 4.10 – Whispering Angel Handicap

Qirat (4/1 fav) is back down in trip, which is a positive.

He’s a course and distance winner earlier in the year and has run well in two big handicaps the last twice over a mile, though I think that’s just stretched him.

He is also a horse that travels well and being back down in distance could help.

At a big price, Cogitate (20/1) being back down to seven furlongs is a big plus for him. He’s still lightly raced and was held in high regard last year. If he’s ridden positively from stall one, which I think he will be, I think he can outrun his odds as he’s a horse that has plenty of talent.

Megan’s Selection: Qirat WIN; Cogitate EW

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey, now a celebrated TV pundit, previews an exciting weekend of racing at Ascot and Haydock.

Some of the races in her sights include the Shergar Cup Dash and the Shergar Cup Stayers.

Saturday Racing Tips

Ascot 1.35 – Shergar Cup Dash

I am going to go with Adaay In Devon (4/1 fav) here.

She is back into a handicap after running a huge race at York in a Group 3 last time out.

There is an issue with her being back to five furlongs but she’s consistent and ground and track versatile so there’s not a lot you can knock her for. I think she can run very well once again.

Japanese jockey Nanako Fujita is on board – she ran in the Shergar Cup back in 2019 so she has got experience at Ascot. Adaay In Devon can get her off the mark nice and early.

Megan’s Selection: Adaay In Devon WIN

Ascot 2.10 – Shergar Cup Stayers

I’m hoping Samui (15/8 fav) gets in here, because I have questions over one or two running with the ground being quick.

If Samui does run I think he will be hard to beat despite having a big weight on his back. He's been very solid over hurdles and his Flat efforts have probably been better than what we have seen from him over jumps.

He absolutely hacked up at Killarney last time and he's the unexposed runner who could be a big improver. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him up in some better races at some point.

Megan’s Selection: Samui WIN

Haydock 2.25 – The Classic Bookmaker Handicap

I am going to go Kilt (4/1 fav), who ran a very tidy race in a novice contest at Newmarket last time.

He won the start before, also at Newmarket, but his third start was a very good race and there have been loads of winners coming out of it.

Kilt has been gelded since then and he'll have learned plenty at Newmarket. He runs in a handicap for the first time and gets a bit of allowance being a three-year-old.

I think he’s a big improver here. He's nicely drawn and jockey Tom Marquand can keep it nice and simple.

Megan’s Selection: Kilt

Ascot 2.45 – Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap

I'm with Insanity (4/1), who has run two good races back on the Flat.

He has yet to run on a surface as fast as this so that's a bit of a question mark but I can't see why he won't handle it.

Insanity goes well at the track having run well in defeat over course and distance last time. That was a decent effort and a repeat run would see him very competitive, particularly as this is probably a weaker race than that one. He looks a pretty straightforward type and the fact Rachel King, one of the top jockeys in Australia having won five Group 1s, is on board is only a plus to his chances.

Megan’s Selection: Insanity WIN

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SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Newbury 1.50 – Geoffrey Freer Stakes

Al Aasy (8/11 fav) snuck up the rail in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood and managed to reverse the form with Phantom Flight, who had beaten him in the Steventon Stakes at Newbury in July.

The slight step up in trip shouldn’t be a worry here. A few of these like to go forward and Al Aasy will just be able to follow them and use that turn of foot late on. He’s my pick here.

Megan’s Tip: Al Aasy WIN

Newbury 2.25 – Handicap (Class 3)

I am going to go Woolhampton (5/2).

It looks like there is going to be plenty of pace on here and, while she can be slow away, she’s consistent and runs on well at the finish. She is probably one of the most consistent runners in this field and the fast pace will suit her.

Woolhampton will be ridden to close and I think she could just catch them.

Megan’s Tip: Woolhampton WIN

Newbury 3.00 – TPT Fire Handicap

I think this is quite an open race.

I’ve gone with Lethal Levi (13/2), who got loose before the start in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood and that stopped his chances.

However, he was in great form prior to that, with a massive run in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket and a big run in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot. I think he can get back to his best here and put a line through Goodwood.

Each way, I like Silver Samurai (11/1), who goes well for William Buick. A strong pace would suit him – he just sits in with a bit of cover. The track, ground and jockey are all positives.

Megan’s Tip: Lethal Levi WIN; Silver Samurai EW

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Ripon 3.20 – Great St Wilfrid Handicap

This is a headache!

There’s lots of pace drawn down low so that could end up being the place where most of the action happens.

Of the ones drawn low, I quite like Radio Goo Goo (10/1). She’s a pretty consistent and solid sprinter.

Of those drawn higher, Summerghand (6/1 fav) is obviously going to want that pace – he might be able to get in behind Wobwobwob (8/1) – they were second and third in this race last year respectively.

Often the pace can hold up, though. Summerghand didn’t really get his way in the Stewards’ Cup and got stopped a couple of times but he ran very well in the Bunbury Cup and there’s definitely been promise in him this season.

But I’m going to stick low and go with Radio Goo Goo here who, back on quicker ground, can reverse the form with Manila Scouse (12/1).

Each way, at a bigger price, I will go with Mr Wagyu (10/1), who ran well earlier in the season.

He’s another who didn’t quite get his way at Goodwood in the Stewards’. He was weakening when he got bumped but he’s been promising and could do well from the high draw.

Megan’s Tip: Radio Goo Goo WIN; Mr Wagyu EW

Newbury 3.35 – Hungerford Stakes

I think Kikkuli (5/2) has got pretty solid form having stepped back down in grade having run in the Jean Prat in Deauville last time – he didn’t disgrace himself by any means.

He only suffered a narrow defeat in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot – which looks very solid form – where he travelled very, very well and just got done on the nod by Haatem.

Kikkuli is a full relation to Frankel so he’s got a beautiful pedigree and is just a beautiful horse.

There’s not loads of pace on and Kikkuli does have that turn of foot so he’s going to be the one for me in the Hungerford.

Megan’s Tip: Kikkuli WIN

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WEDNESDAY RACING TIPS

York 2.25 – Acomb Stakes

I like the look of Ruling Court (11/10 fav) here.

He’s a horse that is pretty unfurnished and has so much physical improvement yet to come. But he was seriously impressive in the Maiden Stakes at Sandown in July, when he was dropped in and came past the field as if they were all standing still.

The form of the race – though just a typical competitive Sandown maiden – has worked out quite nicely. The second place that day, Pantile-Warrior, came out and finished second in another hot race while the third, Stanhope Gardens, has also won at Beverley since.

It was a tidy enough race and Ruling Court was a long way clear. He was the big talking point after being sold at the Arqana Breeze-ups for €2.3 million (£1.95m). He is a son of Justify so there is lots to like.

He’s up in grade – but he deserves to be. The Acomb is always a competitive race, and we have some exciting two-year-olds in it this year, but I am looking forward to seeing Ruling Court back and I’m going with him here.

Megan’s Selection: Ruling Court WIN

York 3.00 – Great Voltigeur Stakes

One of my favourite horses in training, King’s Gambit (9/4), runs here and I can’t go against him now.

He was narrowly beaten in the York Stakes last time by Alflaila (who runs in the Juddmonte International), was only just behind Jayarebe in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot and won the London Gold Cup at Newbury, which is one of the most competitive handicap races of the year too. His form really stacks up.

There’s loads to love about King’s Gambit, I really love this horse. The fast ground will be fine for him as well.

I know he’s taking on Los Angeles (11/8 fav), who won the Irish Derby at the Curragh back in June. He’s pretty tough but I would argue that if York doesn’t get the little bit of rain they are hoping for and it does stay good to firm, then it might end up being a bit quick for Los Angeles. He’s a big horse and might just need a bit of cut to be seen at his best.

King’s Gambit goes on the quick ground with no problem whatsoever and I’m hoping he can provide his trainer, Harry Charlton, with a big York winner.

Megan’s Selection: King’s Gambit WIN

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York 3.35 – Juddmonte International Stakes

It’s so good to see a big field in the Juddmonte, I think this is absolutely brilliant for racing. It just shows the depth we have in the 10-12 furlong division at the moment – it’s red hot!

I’m delighted to see four top-class three-year-olds taking on the elders here, while there are plenty of horses with good course and distance form and good consistency.

We obviously have City Of Troy (11/10 fav) back in action. He was unbelievable in the Derby back in June and, while he wasn’t as visually impressive at Sandown in the Eclipse, he looked to take a bit of a knock or a false step slightly around the bend.

That meant he hung a bit and looked awkward under pressure in beating Al Riffa, who has bolted up in a Group 1 in Germany, since.

If we get the City Of Troy we saw in the Derby, I don’t think anyone will get near him.

It’s interesting to see Calandagan (6/1) dropped back down in trip having absolutely bolted up in the King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot last time. That was his first time on quicker ground and he handled it seriously well. However, the strength of that form definitely isn’t as strong as the Derby form.

So I am going to go with City Of Troy. I think Aidan O’Brien’s confidence in this horse is unbelievable and quicker ground on a nice big galloping track really suits him. I hope we get the Derby performance again.

His biggest danger might end up being Bluestocking (9/1), who has just been a revelation this year. She has improved massively again. She’s a winner at the track previously when winning the Middleton Fillies' Stakes back in May.

In a race with so much depth, you could look at plenty of angles here… but City Of Troy is my pick to win and Bluestocking can get into the places.

Megan’s Selection: City Of Troy WIN; Bluestocking EW

York 4.10 – Stayers Handicap

I am going to throw Tritonic (25/1) in here at a big price.

I’m not totally convinced he stays the two-and-a-half miles. There was a better run from him in the Goodwood Handicap last time but he just didn’t quite see it out.

Dropping back to the two-mile distance helps him and he’s off a really attractive mark of 92. They actually dropped him a pound from his performance at Goodwood and I think that leaves him really well treated.

I just think this horse is ready to throw in a big one.

Samui (5/1 fav) is obviously interesting for Gordon Elliott at the top of the weights having absolutely bolted up last time at Killarney. However, he’s been given a serious hike in the weights as a result and a mark of 102 in a handicap of this depth is tough.

He’s weighted way above what he should be on the Flat in comparison to his hurdles mark. Either he’s well-handicapped over hurdles or the handicapper has rated him very harshly here. It’s hard to know where we stand with him.

Megan’s Selection: Tritonic WIN

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THURSDAY RACING TIPS

York 1.50 – Lowther Stakes

It’s Leovanni (2/1 fav) for me.

She is two from two so far and steps up to six furlongs, which I don’t think will be a problem. She was an impressive winner in the Queen Mary at Ascot back in June last time out too.

Leovanni’s pedigree suggests the increased distance won’t be a problem at all and, watching her run, I don’t think it will be.

It’s a positive that she’s drawn next to her market rival Heaven’s Gate (11/4). I think these two are very much the standouts in this field. James Doyle can be confident on Leovanni and use that turn of foot that she has.

Her trainer, Karl Burke, has done well in this race the last couple of seasons as well. She could be pretty smart and I think she’ll take all the beating.

Megan’s Selection: Leovanni WIN

York 3.00 – Clipper Handicap

I am a big fan of New Image (13/2), who managed to somehow get up on the line at Ascot in the Shergar Cup Mile having been carried right across the track.

He would have won more convincingly had that not happened and there could be further improvement with him at the mile, which he has only tried once.

Trainer David O’Meara does unbelievably well in these handicaps. He has plenty of runners in the field, as you would expect, but New Image is the best of those.

Oisin Murphy is a positive jockey booking as well so New Image could take some stopping off a workable mark.

Megan’s Selection: New Image WIN

York 3.35 – Yorkshire Oaks

I’m going to go with You Got To Me (4/1) here.

I was really impressed with how much manageable she was in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh back in July.

The track here at York will suit her and the ground looks like it will be on the quicker side, which she enjoys, while it seems the more she’s racing the easier she’s becoming.

Jockey Hector Crouch is getting to know her more, too, which is important.

I know there are a couple of others in the field that are improving but You Got To Me’s got solid form at the top level. I just think conditions could suit her.

Trainer Ralph Beckett has been really positive about her in the build up to this race. He thinks an awful lot of her and has been really happy with her training between her last run and coming into this one. There are plenty of positives and she’s the proven filly who, providing she does settle, warrants an awful lot of respect.

Megan’s Selection: You Got To Me WIN

York 4.10 – Galtres Stakes

At quite a big price, I’m going for Nakheel (10/1) each way here.

I just think this is an open race and I couldn’t be betting to try and find a winner. It’s wide open.

Ultimately, I don’t think the form of Sea Just In Time (5/4) is strong enough. She could be open to progression, though, and is back up in grade having been beaten in a higher grade previously.

Nakheel has been competing in Listed company. She was fourth in the Aphrodite Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket last time. She was never really that involved, having got a bit squeezed up coming into the last couple of furlongs.

But trainer Owen Burrows is flying at the moment, operating off a 50% strike rate. The yard are in amazing form and Jim Crowley is on board, which is a positive as he gets on really well with Owen’s horses.

This filly deserves another try at the Listed level. She’s still lightly raced and I think she is overpriced at 10/1.

Megan’s Selection: Nakheel EW

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FRIDAY RACING TIPS

York 1.50 – Heritage Handicap

I’m going to stick with Insanity (9/1), who did well at Ascot last time when coming out on top in the Shergar Cup Challenge.

He’s improving, he’s handled quick ground and rain won’t be enough to affect him massively. He’s pretty versatile in that respect.

The 4lbs rise from that Ascot victory shouldn’t get the best of Insanity. I think he’s still lightly raced and going the right way. He dictated from the front end at Ascot – he was right up behind the leaders off a pretty strong pace. He got into a battle from quite a long way out but was tough in winning.

He will be able to get a bit of cover and get a nicer toe into the race this time, while a long straight at York will suit him. I just think this horse is solid.

Insanity is from the same yard as Tritonic, who ran very well on the first day of this festival and I think the team can pair up once again with a big chance.

He is also a straightforward horse. Although Wafei (11/4 fav) has shown plenty of ability he’s not easy and Insanity will be dropping his head and trying, so he’s my pick.

Megan’s Selection: Insanity WIN

York 2.25 – Lonsdale Cup Stakes

I’m going to go with Point Lonsdale (9/4 fav) here.

He’s stepped up to the two miles for the first time and is the classy and consistent performer at the Group 2 level.

He won the Ormonde Stakes at Chester in late spring, which is over the extended one mile and five furlongs, albeit on a tighter track. He came on strongly then.

Point Lonsdale posted a good effort finishing third in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud next time out.

Dropping back to Group 2 is a plus because he is pretty consistent at that level. There could be more to come from him up in trip and I think he’s the obvious choice here.

I would question the attitudes of one or two others in the field.

Megan’s Selection: Point Lonsdale WIN

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York 3.00 – Gimcrack Stakes

My pick is Andesite (5/1). He was a Novice Stakes winner on his debut over course and distance in a race that’s worked out pretty well.

He was meant to go to Ascot and run in the Coventry Stakes but was a non-runner that day having kicked through the bars in the stable, picking up some cuts and an injury.

So he’s had a bit of time to get over that and Karl Burke has always held this horse in high regard. He has always talked positively about him.

Andesite is a half-relation to their very talented Dramatised, a homebred of Clipper Logistics.

This horse is very interesting. Coming straight to the Gimcrack following time off the track means he must be working very well and is continuing to impress.

They could have taken the easier option of running him in a Novice with a penalty, so the fact they have come here and are still willing to go Group 2 level on his second start after that setback is pretty telling.

He’s drawn low next to Big Mojo (3/1 fav), which is a big plus, and I think this horse could have lots of potential.

Megan’s Selection: Andesite WIN

York 3.35 – Nunthorpe Stakes

I'm sticking with Big Evs (7/2) in the Nunthorpe.

A sharp track at York will suit him though I'm a bit worried about a high draw as, based on what we've seen so far, a low draw seems to be favourable.

Tom Marquand will be aware of that, though, and I'd imagine he'll edge over as quickly as he can to minimise the disadvantage.

If this was over six furlongs I'd say Asfoora (15/8 fav) was a certainty but, over a sharper five furlongs, I'm not quite sure she has that middle gear that's needed. York is not a track for closers – unlike Ascot, where she was so good in the King Charles III.

At York it's so hard to peg the leaders back – we saw it in this race last year with Live In The Dream – and I'm not sure she'll be able to stalk them like she did at Ascot. So Big Evs is the one for me but I do think Regional (15/2) warrants respect. He didn't quite get home at Newbury last time and we know he goes well at York. He has a bit to do to beat the top two in the betting, but I wouldn't put anyone off him each-way.

Megan’s Selection: Big Evs WIN

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SATURDAY RACING TIPS

York 1.50 – Strensall Stakes

Alyanaabi (10/3) is a bit of a headache horse but I’m not quite giving up on him just yet.

He ran to a very high level at two, returned with a good effort in the Guineas at Newmarket and he wasn’t disgraced in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot — but I was hoping he could win the Steventon Stakes at Newbury last month to be honest.

I don’t know what the excuse was that day but he just wasn’t at his best.

The team decided to drop him back slightly in trip. Maybe it was because he had to make his own running, which might not have been ideal.

I think it’s interesting that Jim Crowley sticks with Alyanaabi rather than Enfjaar (7/2), who has very good form here.

This is a fascinating and open race but I am sticking with Alyanaabi, who I do think has loads of ability and wasn’t quite at his best when we saw him last.

Megan’s Selection: Alyanaabi WIN

York 2.25 – Melrose Handicap

The Melrose is a race I love.

We have another talented bunch here and I have followed plenty of these throughout the season.

At an each-way price, Too Bossy For Us (10/1) is a horse I absolutely rate. He’s by Golden Horn and has been very solid in handicaps this year.

He was beaten by Align The Stars at Haydock last time in a bit of a missy race where horses were slipping on the bend but still managed to keep his composure and run very respectably.

Align The Stars went right up in grade afterwards — and ran in the Lonsdale Cup on Friday which was probably a step too far for him — so I’m not going to look into that form too much.

Too Bossy For Us is progressive and there is plenty of decent or solid form in and among his races this year.

I don't think he’s quite done with yet so I’m going with Too Bossy For Us each way in what is a red-hot handicap.

Megan’s Selection: Too Bossy For Us E/W

York 3.00 – City Of York Stakes

I will keep this fairly simple and go with Audience (5/4 fav). He’s a good bet before he potentially goes odds-on.

Seven furlongs is his optimum trip, he’s a strong traveller and, at his best, he’s exceptional.

He was very good again at Goodwood when he didn’t get an uncontested lead as we’ve seen with him before.

Audience does like a bit of racing room and a bit of space. He’s drawn in six of eight, so he should get that as he’s slightly on the wing. He’ll be quick out the stalls as he always is; he’ll be sharper out than Shouldvebeenaring (15/2).

He’s next to Art Power (11/1), who has that tactical speed early on which should allow jockey Robert Havlin to use him as a little bit of a pacemaker.

Audience is going to be hard to beat. He’s a horse that’s been a bit of a star this season for Rob and the yard.

Megan’s Selection: Audience WIN

York 3.35 – Ebor Handicap

How attractive is Queenstown (11/2 fav) coming back into a handicap? Very, in my view.

He’s going to be a pretty short price for an Ebor favourite but he’s lightly raced in comparison to a lot.

He’s been in-behind Kyprios the last couple of times, and that form is right at the top level. This season, Kyprios has been better than ever and finishing behind him is no disgrace at all.

I totally understand why he’s the favourite and he could take a lot of beating.

Normally you would want a low draw but, for whatever reason, the high draw has been favourable in this race over recent times.

In the last four years, we’ve had winners coming from stalls 24, 20, 14 and 12 so I am not too worried about him being drawn out wide.

It’s one of the most competitive handicaps of the year. It’s certainly difficult to find a winner but I think it’s sensible to stick with Queenstown here.

At a bigger price, I am going to look at Naqeeb (11/1) each way.

I know Jim Crowley really felt as if this horse could progress nicely this season and become one of the better stayers around. Although he’s probably disappointed connections a little bit, it was much more like it when finishing runner-up in a handicap at Newbury last time.

That was a much more likeable performance and if he can back that up, he might just run into a place.

Megan’s Selection: Queenstown WIN; Naqeeb E/W

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SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Kempton 2.00 – Sirenia Stakes

Adrian Keatley and Tom Marquand are teaming up on Symbol Of Strength (5/4 fav).

He improved massively from his first to second start when winning nicely at Ayr before improving again at York only to get beaten a length in the Gimcrack Stakes.

It was a massive performance. He showed plenty of speed and held his position nicely in the early part of the race and wasn’t beaten far at all by horses that had more experience than him at a higher level.

That could have just made a man of Symbol Of Strength. He’s well drawn for Kempton. I imagine he’ll be ridden prominently once again. I think this horse has a massive chance, provided he takes to the polytrack.

Megan’s Tip: Symbol Of Strength WIN

Haydock 2.25 – Old Borough Cup

I’m going to go with Divine Comedy (13/2), who has had a great season.

Narrowly beaten at the Royal Meeting in the Ascot Stakes, he was not disgraced at York last time when beaten by a couple of horses carrying well under a stone less than him.

He possibly did a little bit too much early in the race that day so I’m hoping that, given he’s starting in stall 14 for this, the team decides to take their time with him a little bit and give him a bit of cover halfway.

Divine Comedy goes well at Haydock, any rain won't be an issue and jockey Kaiya Fraser gets on with him exceptionally well.

He’s obviously on a tough mark now but he’s had an exceptional season and I trust him to put in a good run more than one or two others. He’s race fit, which we can’t say about one or two others as well, so I’m sticking with Divine Comedy here.

Megan’s Tip: Divine Comedy WIN

Kempton 2.35 – September Stakes

Hamish (15/8 fav) is the obvious pick here.

He’s had an amazing start to the season – although he was not so good last time out and has been given a bit of a break.

His official mark of 117 while carrying 9st 10lbs means Kalpana (9/4) is well in given her official mark of 107 carrying only 8st 10lbs. So there’s a four-pound difference in comparison to the ratings here and I think Kalpana is a rapidly improving filly.

Her form this year has been very good. She did very well in the Ribblesdale when she wasn’t beaten far. She ran well in the Pretty Polly prior to that as well.

I think Kalpana could just be the one here, who is nicely treated in this field and could be a very smart filly with improvement still to come.

Megan’s Tip: Kalpana WIN

The decisions don't get any easier for @Laura_Woodsy as she picks her 𝘿𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 central midfield pairing 💪 pic.twitter.com/nrnCMNoy4N

— BetMGM UK (@BetMGMUK) September 5, 2024

Haydock 3.00 – Be Friendly Handicap

We are back to a sprint and I am going to go with Jer Batt (7/1).

He enjoys a bit of juice in the ground. We can put a line through his last start at Southwell – it was definitely not his best performance and he never really got involved. It was too bad to be true.

Prior to that, Jer Batt was a course and distance winner at Haydock. He goes well with cut in the ground and is a solid sprinter.

He’s done well since joining this yard and Rossa Ryan on board is a positive jockey booking.

Megan’s Tip: Jer Batt WIN

Haydock 3.35 – Sprint Cup

It’s great to see a big field for the Sprint Cup – and a very competitive one at that.

We saw the older horses got the better of the three-year-olds in the July Cup. I’m not sure if that can be the same again.

Karl Burke has an unbelievably strong hand. It can’t have been an easy decision for jockey Clifford Lee but the fact he’s gone with Elite Status (5/1) is telling to an extent. He is drawn next to the owner’s other runner, Inisherin (10/3 fav), and both horses like to be ridden prominently.

Inisherin will appreciate the juice in the ground. He wasn’t at his best last time at Newmarket – he didn’t have that zip we’re used to seeing from him – but it was off the back of a big performance at Ascot and sometimes it can catch up with him a little bit.

He’s changed to sprinting and has been running in very high-level races. He didn’t disgrace himself by any means in that July Cup defeat as he was beaten by under three lengths.

Inisherin’s been given a bit of time and I can totally understand why he’s been supported in the market. I do think he will take all the beating here and will enjoy the rain.

Each way I’m going to throw in Bucanero Fuerte (10/1), who is another who has had a bit of time off the track and doesn’t mind a bit of juice in the ground.

Megan’s Tip: Inisherin WIN; Bucanero Fuerte EW

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I’m delighted to have joined BetMGM as horse racing ambassador.

Each week, I’ll be sharing my tips for all the best action and giving you a little bit of insight you won’t find anywhere else.

I can’t wait for Saturday’s racing – there’s such exciting action across Ascot, Redcar and Newmarket, and I have pored over the race cards to deliver my thoughts and views on the action.

Ascot 2.25 – Cumberland Lodge Stakes

This is a small, select-but-competitive field. It’s interesting that Jim Crowley had the option of two Shadwell runners in Al Aasy and Israr and has chosen the former.

I can understand why – he’s a worthy favourite. He was unlucky in Leopardstown last time but he’s been back to form in the last couple of runs. He has a tricky running style – he’s held up and requires some luck, and Jim tends to hold onto him for as long as possible, but he is in outstanding form.

Al Qareem is a horse that bounced back at Chester last time out in testing conditions and he really enjoys the mud. With the warm weather and drying ground I’m not sure the conditions will be in his favour.

Of the bigger prices, Postileo at 9/1 is one I’m interested in. He was back to form at Hamilton last time, a track he enjoys, but he was really impressive in winning and he has a load of ability if things fall right for him.

Megan’s Tip: Al Aasy WIN, Postileo E/W

Redcar 2.45 – Two Year Old Trophy

Kylian being a non-runner changes the dynamic of this race slightly, leaving Dragon Leader as a deserved short-priced favourite at 4/9.

It’s amazing how well he’s done – winning a sales race at York and finishing second in another at Doncaster is a huge effort by the team. He’s really consistent, winning three from four and returning to good ground will suit him.

He’ll be ridden positively which will suit him and ultimately will take some beating, especially at the weights. He’s only carrying 8-8 and the official ratings have him well in, in that regard.

The trick here is to work out the forecast. With the ground drying out, I’d be looking at Action Point at 10/1. He’s got some form at the Group Two, Group Three level and he’s a listed winner at Newbury on good ground.

He’ll be ridden forward as well, so providing they don’t take each other on too much Dragon Leader and Action Point look good for the forecast.

Megan’s Tip: Dragon Leader 1st, Action Point 2nd (Forecast)

Newmarket 3.15 – Sun Chariot Stakes

Inspiral is an extremely talented mare. She’s already won at the top level, including over course and distance in the Fillies’ Mile as a two-year-old.

That was a couple of years ago but it’s always an advantage – especially at Newmarket. The only disappointing run this year came at Goodwood in atrocious conditions but she bounced straight back to win at Deauville pretty nicely. She beat Big Rock that day, whose form has tied in nicely with the Arc winner Ace Impact.

So the form from Deauville is pretty solid and Inspiral is returning to her favourable quick ground. It would be mad to look too far past her.

There’s only one pound difference between her and Mqse De Sevigne and if the ground had been testing, I’d be looking at it differently. The quick ground put this into Inspiral’s favour.

Heredia has been in good form but ultimately has to improve quite a lot and it remains to be seen whether she can reach that Group One level.

Meditate was a top-level two-year-old and, although she hasn’t lived up to expectation as much as we’d hoped this year, she’s running at a decent level and keeps bumping into Tahiyra – the best Irish miler at the moment.

She had first-time blinkers on at Leopardstown last time, finishing fourth behind Tahiyra, and ran on nicely enough.

Megan’s Tip: Inspiral WIN, Meditate E/W

Ascot 3.35 – Howden Challenge Cup

Drying ground could be the difference here. Baradar has won his last two but the more it dries out the more I’d go against him. He’s raised in the handicap, which makes his task harder.

Hickory for James Fanshawe and Benoit De La Sayette has run two crackers over course and distance the last two times out.

He was narrowly behind Baradar in the first of those at a big price and backed that up with a third on good to firm ground behind Quinault and Popmaster, who also go here.

However, I think Hickory has had this planned out. Popmaster has run since and Quinault has raised in the weights.

Pace and draw are massive here – there’s a large bunch of low-drawn runners who are prominent in the market so it looks like the far side is the place to be.

Because of that, I also like the chances of Maywake at 14/1, who is most effective over this trip. He’s been ultra-consistent this year but the way he bolted up at Sandown last time suggests there’s still more to come.

A stiff track at Sandown didn’t affect him last time and a stiff track at Ascot – albeit different types – will suit him too. He’s got a great attitude.

Megan’s Tip: Hickory WIN, Maywake E/W

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Our ambassador Megan Nicholls has her say on the week in horse racing.

The former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners, is now an expert TV pundit garnering rave reviews for her racing insight.

Now, Megan brings that knowledge to BetMGM with her views and tips ahead of a packed day of racing, which this week includes meetings at Newmarket, York, and Chepstow…

The Week Just Passed

We have heard a lot about Harry Burns and Hollie Doyle in the news recently and it was nice to see common sense prevail in Hollie’s case.

Both cases were similar in some ways. Hollie was given a one-month suspended ban by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after testing positive for the forbidden substance Dihydrocodeine, a byproduct of some Ibuprofen medicine. Doyle was taking painkillers following a fall at Wolverhampton and subsequent elbow surgery.

Thankfully, testers realised there was contamination in the results, likely from Ibuprofen purchased abroad, and it's great that her one-month ban has been suspended.

Harry Burns, however, is subject to a two-month suspension after neglecting to inform the authorities about 'notifiable' medication he was using while continuing his riding activities.

I think it's crazy, after what we have learnt about Hollie, that Harry’s punishment should stand. He is suffering from Crohn's Disease and must use a specific type of medication, which he has recently changed.

When you are prescribed something you have to declare it but, when you have been on medication for a prolonged time, it would be easy to forget to update a slight alteration.

It's also not performance-enhancing; it hasn't affected his riding whatsoever, it's just to keep him healthy. The fact the BHA banned him from riding for two months is absolutely outrageous, in my opinion.

It just seems unfair they can't counterbalance their opinion on the two cases. There's no consistency there and it's a real shame to see; this is a case where the BHA have let themselves and Harry down.

Saturday Racing Tips

Newmarket 2.00 – Dewhurst Stakes

I think this is trickier than the market suggests. City of Troy looks like he could be an absolute freak and has been very impressive in what he’s done in his two starts so far.

My selection will be judged on how much rain falls. If it doesn’t affect the ground too much then City of Troy is definitely the worthy favourite and would take a lot of beating – but he was withdrawn at the Curragh last time when the ground was described as unsuitable for him and it was on the slow side that day.

There’s every chance he’s a non-runner again here if it absolutely pours with rain but, if it stays on the good or faster side, then he’s the worthy favourite.

Off the back of that, if the rain really does fall and get in then Iberian would be the one to go with. His form from Doncaster in the Champagne Stakes has worked out really well – Rosalian [third at Doncaster that day] has come out and won a Group One over in Longchamp since, so Iberian’s got really solid form.

He is second favourite at the moment and my decision for this one would very much depend on what rainfall arrives so I wouldn’t be real strong with an opinion until the morning of the race.

Megan’s tip: Iberian WIN

York 2.25 – Sprint Trophy Handicap

There’s a couple of horses to mention for this one but I think Apollo One is the horse that I’ll be siding with. He deserves to get his head in front, he’s been running really consistently all season.

When he was third at Beverley I just thought five furlongs was that little bit too sharp for him and he was running on again towards the line. Any rain that comes isn’t a problem for him either; he’s versatile in terms of ground and remains competitive. Richard Kingscote back on board is a positive as he knows the horse really well, so Apollo One would be my selection.

At a huge price, one that’s worth throwing in would be Magical Spirit. He loves the mud and although he’s been a little in and out of form this year he does go well at York and the more rain that falls for him, the better. Kevin Ryan’s horses are in pretty good form so at 28/1 he might be overpriced.

I would preference a high draw here – Apollo One in stall 22 up the stand side is a positive – so that’s part of the reason for my selections as well.

Megan’s tip: Apollo One WIN; Magical Spirit E/W

Newmarket 2.40 – Cesarewitch Handicap

I’m going to go with The Shunter as my pick for this race: Emmett Mullins-trained, JP McManus-owned and James Doyle on board which is a positive jockey booking.

This is a horse that’s pretty versatile and has obviously progressed over hurdles and fences and has had some flat runs in the mix as well, albeit over varying trips.

I think the return to a staying distance of 2m 2f for the Cesarewitch could really suit him. It looks like it’s a plan that’s been mapped out, seeing as he’s had a return run in August at Gowran Park over a mile-and-a-half – which would’ve been shorter than his ideal trip – but this seems to have been the plan and a return to this trip would be absolutely perfect.

He also seems pretty versatile in terms of ground so any rain that does fall wouldn’t be an issue. He’s been drawn in stall three so he will be in amongst the hustle and bustle up against that rail but if he can jump and get into a nice rhythm then James Doyle will be able to get space when necessary.

For an each-way horse I’m looking at Typewriter, who is drawn at the opposite end out in stall 27 for Andrew Balding with jockey Callum Hutchinson claiming 3lbs.

She’s 28/1 at the moment but this horse stays forever and going back up to 2m 2f will also really suit her. Callum seems to get a tune out of her too – she ran really well for him last time at Goodwood – while again ground doesn’t really matter as she’s pretty versatile in that respect.

Typewriter is normally a little slow away but from that draw I don’t think it’s too much of a problem, Callum can take his time and try to creep into the race and hopefully she can finish well as she hits rising ground.

Megan’s tip: The Shunter WIN; Typewriter E/W

Chepstow 3.10 – Novices’ Chase (Listed)

A short-price favourite is Knappers Hill, who goes over fences for the first time. He’s actually one of my favourite horses in training – I was lucky enough to ride him in bumpers and managed to win the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree on him in 2021 so he’s always been a firm favourite of mine.

He’s very much been a talented hurdler, he’s been slick over his hurdles and jumping is something that has certainly improved throughout his last two seasons. It’ll be interesting to see how he takes to fences. Reports have been positive but he’s entitled to be a little bit green and to have a good look at the fences on his first start out on the track.

Talent-wise he’s certainly the one they have to beat and, in official ratings, he’s well above the rest. Unexpected Party, who goes for Dan Skelton, has got plenty of experience over fences which might just be a bit of an advantage first time out.

Knappers Hill does go well fresh but the jumping will obviously be the question. No doubt he’s got the ability, he just has to jump well and get into a rhythm.

He should be winning but Unexpected Party definitely looks as if he’s the one that could cause any upsets. Jumping is the name of the game here – I think it will be whoever gets into the best jumping rhythm from the start and whether inexperience or experience is the telling point in the result.

It’s a tricky little race with a small field but it’s exciting to have the jumpers back in action.

Megan’s tip: Knappers Hill WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls has her say on the world of horse racing, bringing her renowned knowledge and insight exclusively to our blog.

This week the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before becoming a highly-regarded TV pundit, turns her attention to the blockbuster card that is Champions Day at Ascot.

Ascot 1.15 – Long Distance Cup

It’s so great to see Trueshan and Hollie Doyle back in top form. Alan King and his team deserve a lot of credit for getting the horse back to what seems like his best.

I thought Doncaster was a ridiculous performance, all things considered. He pulled too hard, it was a bit of a mess and even Hollie said herself that she found him really tricky to deal with that day.

The fact he was so tough and managed to still win was impressive in itself. He bounced back and won well in the Qatar Prix du Cadran at Longchamp in France on ground that was just borderline quick enough for him at his best as well.

He’s clearly back in good form and, with the testing conditions, I think he’ll be really hard to beat.

Kyprios has obviously made a pleasing enough start on his return but I can’t imagine he’s got lengths and lengths to find or that he’ll improve fitness-wise.

I’m not convinced that the really, really testing ground is his best either so I’m going with Trueshan and at a bigger price there’s Sweet William, who I think is an improving horse and will love the mud.

Megan’s Tip: Trueshan WIN; Sweet William E/W

Ascot 1.50 – Sprint Stakes

This is fairly straightforward. I think Kinross – who is absolutely one of Frankie Dettori’s favourite horses, he’s been a money-spinner – can get his day in the glory once again.

He will love the testing conditions, we saw him win this race last year and he was arguably a bit unlucky in France. Although he’s won on quick ground I think he’s more effective when it’s softer.

The sprint division has been weak this year, it’s fair to say. Shaquille is a non-runner here because of the ground so I think Kinross is the one worth going with.

Vadream is talented in very testing conditions as well but has a bit to find on official ratings and I just can’t see him finishing in front of Kinross on what is his best ground also.

Megan’s Tip: Kinross WIN

Ascot 2.25 – Fillies & Mares Stakes

Jackie Oh has been a model of consistency, especially of late.

She’s clearly very talented and she gets the weight allowance, being one of the three-year-olds in the field. Her form recently has been good, she’s in great heart and soft ground isn’t a problem for her either.

At a bigger price, Sweet Memories could be slightly overlooked. She ran well behind Time Lock last time on ground at Newmarket which I thought was too quick. She was a winner the time before that at the same venue on soft and returning to that ground here might just help her.

Megan’s Tip: Jackie Oh WIN; Sweet Memories E/W

Ascot 3.05 – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

This is one of the trickier races to call – I think it’s red-hot.

Paddington has been the horse of the year. He’s attracted so much attention, partly because of his name but also because of his talent.

I felt he was a little bit flat at York. He’d had quite a few quick runs – on quick ground, testing ground, everything – and I actually think he didn’t disgrace himself by any means up against Mostahdaf, the highest-rated horse in the UK at the time.

First of all it was an exceptional winning ride from Frankie Dettori in the Juddmonte that day – and it takes nothing away from the ride that Ryan Moore gave Paddington whatsoever, the winning ride was just exceptional.

Paddington just lacked that little oomph that he normally has, that change of gear that we normally see. But returning to the mile is a massive positive for me because he seems like he’s not remotely bothered by any ground conditions.

What could lead to him being beaten is if it’s a real test – Ryan will want it to be not too dissimilar to Goodwood in that it’s one he can control at a sensible tempo and he can use that turn of foot.

Elsewhere, Nashwa is not going to be forcing the pace but she’s very talented on this ground and over the mile. Tahiyra is also super-talented and definitely the best mile filly around in my opinion. Being a three-year-old and a filly she gets nice allowances too.

The dynamic of the race should allow Paddington to win but I’ll take Tahiyra just behind him.

Megan’s Tip: Paddington 1st, Tahiyra 2nd (Forecast)

Ascot 3.45 – Champion Stakes

This is another tricky one. The form of Mostahdaf, who will be ridden by Jim Crowley, is very good and he's an exceptionally talented horse.

I know the team thinks he's better on quick ground but he has won twice on soft. Hopefully he will be fine on the slightly sharper inner track and hopefully it won't be much worse than just soft.

Had they run on the outer track, Via Sistina would be a good each-way value bet. She loves this mud – although she is not the easiest and can run around a bit under pressure. She's so talented and when the ground is really testing, she is very effective.

King of Steel is very talented but just hasn't had his massive day in the sun at the very top level. Although he's a winner on the testing ground, whether he wants it to be bottomless is a whole other question.

A tricky one, this, but I’m sticking with Mostahdaf.

Megan’s Tip: Mostahdaf WIN

Ascot 4.25 – Balmoral Handicap

My pick for this one is Rhoscolyn – he loves the mud, absolutely loves it. That’s really important and he’s had a good season, he goes really well at courses like Goodwood so I don’t think Ascot concerns me with him.

He ran well here last time when fifth in the Howden Challenge Cup on ground which was much, much quicker and didn’t disgrace himself by any means.

He’s so much more effective when the ground is soft so I think he’s great value and should run into the places regardless.

That said, I would love to see Hayley Turner win on Docklands as she’s on 998 winners at the moment and will hopefully get that 1,000th soon but the one for me in this one is without a doubt Rhoscolyn.

Megan’s Tip: Rhoscolyn WIN

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BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to TV punditry, takes a closer look at Saturday’s meetings at Cheltenham and Ascot.

Eyecatcher of the Week

Having found and purchased Givemefive from Johnny Murtagh, you're always hoping the horses will exceed expectations – and he certainly has done that.

His home work has always been really pleasing and he's been a pleasure to work with ever since we started dealing with him.

He's schooled well and he's trained well – we were hopeful he would be a nice horse but what he did at Warwick last time out was crazily impressive. He blew our minds.

We thought he would be very competitive but to win by 18 lengths, eased down, in the fashion he did in what looked on paper to be a pretty competitive race was just so pleasing.

It was a real special one, personally speaking, to be able to find a horse for my cousin. He's ended up having amazing owners - with golfers Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell both having a share - and the fact he has realistic expectations of going to Cheltenham is quite incredible.

Absolutely delighted with him for so many reasons and looking forward to seeing wherever he goes next. He is going to be hard to replicate, but we keep our eyes peeled to find similar types to him moving forward.

The pressure is going to be on for the next one. I put him up at the start of the jumps season as a juvenile to follow and I am hoping I was absolutely right in suggesting that.

It is likely he will go to Kempton next for the Adonis and onto Cheltenham from there, so it's really exciting.

Saturday Racing Tips

Cheltenham 12.05 – Triumph Hurdle Trial

Burdett Road (EVS) is the short-priced favourite, and it's not surprising. He's a talented horse on the flat, and what he did at Cheltenham last time was impressive. Having been held up right off the pace, it looked like he had an awful lot of work to do turning in, but ultimately won, eased down with as much in hand as you would like.

His jumping was not good enough, despite how well he won. I think the more competitive races he will be running in, the more his jumping will be tested, and it has not been slick enough.

He's gotten away with it so far, though, and he should get away with it again.

Sir Gino (11/8) is a beautiful horse, an absolute monster, and I can't wait to see him when he goes chasing in a couple of seasons' time if that's not even next season. He doesn't strike me as a really sharp juvenile, and his jumping, especially late on, needs to be slicker.

I have no doubt it will be and he will be a better horse in a better tempo race.

Neither horse would be my pick for the Triumph Hurdle in March, but I think that Burdett Road will take an awful lot of beating this weekend. If he is jumping slicker, I might change my mind, and he might come further up the pecking order for the Triumph.

I'd like to see a better jumping performance from him, as the engine is there.

Megan’s Tip: Burdett Road WIN

Ascot 1.50 – The Cotswold Chase

I am really looking forward to this race. I'm absolutely delighted to see Stay Away Fay (3/1) taking on some of his elders and more experienced horses, and he is the one they are going to have to beat.

I know Royale Pagaille (11/4) beat Bravemansgame at Haydock, but I just think that Stay Away Fay is an exceptionally talented horse. He will be so much better in a stronger-run race, where he doesn't have to make his own running, and he stays forever.

If he's really going to be a Gold Cup contender for the team next year, then he wants to be going very close in this type of race.

Royal Pagaille is a very solid horse and is going to give everyone more of an idea where we stand with Stay Away Fay, but we know Cheltenham suits him, his jumping has been very good, and I can't wait to see him up in grade against some of these.

I will stick with Stay Away Fay - the talent is huge, and I am very much looking forward to seeing him back on track.

As an aside, it's great to see a couple of these horses taking this type of route - not necessarily the easy and traditional path forward. They are running in better races, stepping out of novice company, and participating in really competitive national hunt stuff that we love to see. We have seen some magnificent horses take similar routes over the years - so I'm a huge fan.

Megan’s Tip: Stay Away Fay WIN

Doncaster 2.05 – Mares' Hurdle

Paddy Mullins is on the favourite, Ashroe Diamond (11/8), for Willie Mullins in this one but he’s got two in the race and I’m going to go with the Danny Mullins-ridden Gala Marceau (7/4).

I just think she’s being overlooked slightly. She comes back off a break so fitness won’t be an issue and she was beaten not all that far by Lossiemouth at Cheltenham last March.

Lossiemouth actually goes to Cheltenham this weekend as well – and is short-priced favourite in the International Hurdle there – but yeah I think Gala Marceau has huge potential to improve this year as well as plenty of experience and she finished the year well.

I’m looking forward to seeing her back on track and think that maybe the market has got this a little bit wrong – Willie obviously trains both of them but I wouldn’t split them by that much. I’m going with the underdog.

Megan’s Tip: Gala Marceau WIN

Cheltenham 2.25 – Handicap Chase

It was absolutely gutting to see BetMGM lose the Clarence House race at Ascot last weekend, and similarly gutting that we don't get the Jonbon and El Fabiolo clash. We should still see El Fabiolo at the Dublin Racing Festival, and all being well, we will get the clash in March.

This is a huge opportunity for James Bowen - Nico de Boinville had another unfortunate setback and has stood himself down this week and isn't going to be able to ride. So Bowen gets the leg up on Jonbon (3/10) - a horse I hope is ridden positively once again. He loves that way of going, and he was so impressive on his return in November last year when winning the Schloer Chase at Cheltenham.

Ultimately, it should be very much a point-and-go job for Jonbon - he's beaten the rest of his rivals fair and square already this season, and it's hard to see any of them overturning it.

I am looking forward to seeing him back on track, and hopefully, we can get a good comparison of his performance against that of El Fabiolo next weekend and learn that little bit more we might need to know come March.

Megan’s Tip: Jonbon WIN

Doncaster 3.15 – Handicap Chase

Kandoo Kid (10/1) is up in trip - I am absolutely delighted.

He looks like he is crying out for this step up; he's been in great form over fences and has been staying on really well when outpaced over a shorter trip.

So I am thrilled to see him up to 3 miles, and there is way more to come from this horse. He's a nice, solid each-way price and is definitely one to be looking out for.

It could be a good day for Paul Nicholls across Doncaster and Cheltenham, but I just think he is a nice and solid each-way price.

Megan’s Tip: Kandoo Kid WIN

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