Wetherby races tips, racecard, declarations and preview for the Rowland Meyrick meeting live on ITV and Racing UK this Boxing Day
Wetherby is racing on Boxing Day and we've got everything you need whether you're at the track or on your sofa
WETHERBY hosts it's busiest day of the year on Boxing Day, with the feature Rowland Meyrick Chase live on ITV.
We've all got all you need to know about the card as the northern track gets in the festive spirit.
Race 1 - 12.00pm Yorkshire Christmas Meeting mares' Novices' Hurdle
MEGA YEATS will be the deserved red-hot favourite in the opener at Wetherby.
Her bumper form sets her miles apart and if she takes to hurdles she'll be far too good for these, albeit likely very short.
Coded Message is penalised for winning a weak race at Lingfield and apart from that there's not much to get excited about.
Madam Cloud is probably most interesting out of the outsiders.
VERDICT - 1. Mega Yeats 2. Coded Message 3. Madam Cloud
Race 2 - 12.30pm Introducing Racing TV Novices' Handicap Chase
Things get more competitive here and you could chance a good number in this wide open heat.
It's by no means a strong race, so horses on the up are the port of call.
TRIOPAS is worth another chance back over fences. Things didn't go to plan the first time around, but he looks well-treated on a few of his previous efforts and must have shown Tom Lacey he's ready to go chasing once more.
It's hard to ignore the claims of Dontdelay, who races off the same mark as when picking up a weak hurdle on stable debut for the in form Micky Hammond.
Sounds Of Italy is also likely to have a say for Team Skelton.
VERDICT - 1. Triopas 2. Dontdelay 3. Sounds Of Italy
Race 3 - 1.00pm Watch Racing TV Now Novices' Handicap Hurdle
Another competitive but weak field here and I wouldn't have a strong fancy on any of these, with patchy form littered throughout.
DIOCESE would be the standout pick and could be a nice each way bet depending on how the bookies see this.
He has solid maiden form and could be on a lenient opening mark.
No Getaway has a similar profile and will likely go off favourite for the Skeltons.
Putting Green ran okay at Sandown last time and this is a big drop in class. The softer the better for Neil Mulholland's chance.
VERDICT - 1. Diocese 2. No Getaway 3. Putting Green
Race 4 - 1.35pm Yorkshire Christmas Family Fun Handicap Chase
GET ON THE YAGER won the feature at this meeting last year and takes a drop in class here.
He's got plenty of weight to carry around and comes off a lengthy layoff but that shouldn't stop him.
Oak Vintage has been sliding down the weights and looks a good proposition to fill the places on stable debut for Philip Kirby.
Willie Boy has been tried in much better company since switching to Charlie Longsdon and this is much, much calmer waters. He could go very close.
VERDICT - 1. Get On The Yager 2. Oak Vintage 3. Willie Boy
Race 5 - 2.10pm Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
The best race on the card can fall the way of TAKINGRISKS for Nicky Richards.
The stable continue to have a remarkable season and his Haydock effort last time out outs him right in the mix here.
That was on ground that shouldn't have suited and a bit of rain would be welcome.
The talented Crievehill shouldn't be discounted and looks completely the wrong price.
Wakanda was second in this race last season and again has solid claims. At the current prices I'd be looking elsewhere though.
VERDICT - 1. Takingrisks 2. Crievehill 3. Wakanda
Race 6 - 2.45pm Watch Irish Racing On Racingtv Handicap Hurdle
Fifteen go to post in this hurdle and the eye keeps being taken by NEACHELLS BRIDGE who won with plenty in hand last time.
The handicapper has taken no chances with a 10lb hike, but even that looks generous.
He was punted heavily before the off and the form of the race has played out relatively well.
Becky The Thatcher should be winning one of these sooner or later and looks far from handicapped out of things.
Miss Spent must be another big chance for Team Skelton on the day, but I think the handicapper may have just caught up with her now and this is plenty harder than what she's previously faced.
VERDICT - 1. Neachells Bridge 2. Becky The Thatcher 3. Miss Spent
Race 7 - 3.20pm We'Re Jumping Again Tomorrow Handicap Hurdle
The concluding handicap is a complicated jigsaw and again I'd have no strong fancy punting wise.
LESTER KRIS would be the fancy though. He's gone okay in a few novice races and this race shouldn't take much winning.
Barrys Jack takes a considerable drop in class for Brian Ellison and any money could prove a nice clue.
Top weight En Meme Temps also looks interesting for Tom Lacey who has shown no hesitation in throwing him into handicap company off this opening mark.
VERDICT - 1. Lester Kris 2. Barrys Jack 3. En Meme Temps