Less than a fortnight until the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. We’ll have plenty of tips and content coming up on the BetConnect blog for those 4 days soon enough but until then, we have an excellent couple of days of sporting action this weekend to sink our teeth into. All prices correct at time of writing on Thursday afternoon.

Horse Racing

9 races live on ITV Racing on Saturday, a triple header from Doncaster, Kelso and Newbury.

1.50 Kelso – Teddy Blue 6/1 EW

Has taken well to strong handicaps at this level, placed in both the Gerry Feilden and the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. A very rare runner for Gary Moore this far north (in fact his first ever at Kelso) the fact that this horse has been sent up on his own suggests connections are hopeful of a big run.

2.10 Newbury – Umndeni 20/1 EW

Hopefully this won’t come up too quick for the gelding having made his return to action from a long break just a fortnight ago at Wincanton. It was no surprise to see him too keen in front that day and while he was ultimately well beaten, he shaped as if enough ability remains. He is on his last winning mark, will relish the quick conditions and his career best came under this jockey.

Football

One of the most interesting relegation battles for many years this season. There are a couple of fascinating contests for the bottom end of the table this weekend as well as at the top.

Arsenal V Bournemouth

A little bit of a skid looks to be behind the home side now, winning three on the bounce. They have netted 4 in a pair of those and their next visitors could be set for a struggle. Bournemouth won at Wolves in their last away game but that was their first goal on their travels since early November. Arsenal -2 on the asian handicap at 1/1 looks to have plenty of potential.

Nottingham Forest V Everton

The 16th of September was the last time that Forest were beaten at home in the Premier League. They line up against a struggling Everton who have found the net just 6 times in their 12 away games so far this campaign. Forest are 7/4 to win the game which simply looks too big.

Greyhounds

A super card at Monmore on Saturday night with six heats of the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby.

6.33 Monmore T4 Antigua Woofwoof

Mark Wallis’s hound has some very smart back form here. Not quite at his electric best in recent starts but he moved well in a sprint trial here after a short break. He could do with trapping better than he did in his two January starts at this track but he is more than capable and once on the bunny is a tough dog to pass.

8.03 Monmore T5 Team News

There could be carnage here with a fast starting, middle mover in trap 1. The selection can avoid that on the run to the bend and improve on a smart recent win over this course and trip. He is one of the most experienced dogs in this competition and can take advantage of that in round 1.

8.43 Monmore T1 Antigua Big Sid

This looks an ace draw for this unexposed type. He pinged out when last drawn on the inside at this track, making every yard in a solid 28.30. A repeat of that should see him away and gone before anything gets a chance of a sniff.