'He'll win this and then win the Arkle' - David Jennings with his thoughts on a festive feast on Friday

What's the big story?

You may think it is the Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50) or the return of the outrageously talented Arkle hero Gaelic Warrior in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (1.10), but it's not, it is undoubtedly the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (1.55) where Ballyburn and Sir Gino have chosen the weirdest of stages to flex their muscles. 

Ballyburn is the best winner of what is now the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival this century, according to Racing Post Ratings, and was a wide-margin winner of his chase debut at Punchestown. He could be exceptional. 

Sir Gino is still in nappies, but the way Nicky Henderson has been talking about his schooling suggests he is already a man in a boy's body. 

This could be epic. 

Who wins the Coral Welsh Grand National?

It feels like the moment of truth for Galia Des Liteaux. If you were to mould a mare for the Welsh National it would look something very like her. 

Deep ground (although it seems like being soft at worst this year) plus three miles and six furlongs multiplied by a track like Chepstow, where there are extra points for slick jumping, equals Galia Des Liteaux. A mark of 142 is fine, too, and, given two of her last three races have been in the Grand National and the Coral Gold Cup, does this actually represent a drop in class for her? It might just be.

Galia Des Liteaux14:50 Chepstow

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

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Ballyburn v Sir Gino – who wins? 

Sir Gino. If he jumps as well as they say he does, he is going to be a sight for sore eyes here. He'll win this, win the Arkle, and he would win the Worlds Darts Championship next week if they bought him a set of arrows. Yes, I think he's that good. 

Sir Gino13:55 Kempton

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Jky: Nico de Boinville Tnr: Nicky Henderson

What's the bet of the day?

We are off to Chepstow for the 2m7f handicap hurdle (2.10) where Phantomofthepoints looks a bargain at 9-2. He's gone up only 2lb for finishing third in a much better race at Haydock on his return and a mark of 126 seriously underestimates his ability. He's smart and I like him. 

Phantomofthepoints14:10 Chepstow

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Jky: Jack Tudor Tnr: David Pipe

And the lay of the day?

After putting up The Jukebox Man as the lay of the day on Thursday, I feel like a right pillock. What sort of an idiot would do a thing like that? Me. 

This time around I'm taking on both Boothill and Martator in the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (2.30) at Kempton. Class can prevail here with Edwardstone belatedly getting back to winning ways. It has been a while.

What is the best bet at each of the six meetings?

Okay, here goes: Phantomofthepoints at Chepstow (2.10); Lieber Nicc at Leopardstown (2.20); Grand Albert at Wetherby (1.35); Edwardstone at Kempton (2.30); Big Debates at Limerick (12.52); and, Southbank at Wolverhampton (4.00).

Read more:

ITV Racing tips: Charlie Huggins' fancies for eight big races at Chepstow and Kempton on Friday  

Robbie Wilders' play of the day at Chepstow 

2024 Welsh Grand National runners, tips and trainer quotes: David Carr's pinstickers' guide

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