Horse racing tips: Ascot and Haydock – SunSport’s betting preview for Saturday December 23

IT’S the last punting Saturday before Christmas, the shortest Saturday of the year and we should probably be saving up our betting readies and buying extra presents for our in-laws…

But ITV are hosting 6 races from Ascot and Haydock so we’ve got a duty to try to dig out some winners.

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

Kicking off at Ascot (1.50) and we’ll take our turn with POKER SCHOOL (7/1) who can teach his rivals a lesson for the in-form Ian Williams yard.

Up at Haydock (2.10) our festive funds might be running low but LIMITED RESERVE (evs) looks banker material for jockey-turned-trainer Christian Williams.

Ascot’s 2.25 should go to UNOWHATIMEANHARRY (7/4) who bids to become yet another famous multiple winner of this Long Walk Hurdle but we also fancy the talented and less celebrated THOMAS CAMPBELL (7/1) to make the frame in what looks like a classy contest.

What’s the difference between a full English and a full Irish breakfast? Perhaps it’s white pudding? I don’t really care but we do fancy a FULL IRISH (4/1) in Haydock’s 2.45 with top Irish jock Davy Russell doing the steering.

Ascot’s 3.00 can prove a walk in the park for WALK IN THE MILL (9/1) who is less exposed than some of these rivals and comes from a less sexy yard so represents a bit of value in this big betting heat.

Finally, one of the great handicap betting heats of the year at Ascot wraps things up at 3.35 where we’re hoping crack trainer Kerry Lee can work her magic courtesy of MAGIC DANCER (10/1) who deserves to land a huge pot.

Best of luck, have a very happy Christmas and we’ll be back on Boxing Day for a smashing card including the King George!