Get ready for a thrilling day of horse racing action, because Monday’s ITV Racing lineup is packed with Grade 1 showdowns and high-stakes races that could shake up the leaderboard! From Newbury to Leopardstown and Doncaster, Mick Fitzgerald’s expert picks are here to guide you through the day’s most exciting matchups. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of these selections might not be what you’d expect, and one horse in particular is flying under the radar at 5/1 odds. Could this be the dark horse of the day? Let’s dive in.
Monday’s Racing Tips:
13:50 Newbury – Kings Threshold
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/newbury/3m2f-hcap-chs-2025-12-29/35094166.1350]
Kings Threshold is shaping up to be the crowd favorite here, and for good reason. This horse has a proven track record at Newbury, including a stellar win over 3 miles back in March. What’s more, the expected pace and drying ground conditions play right into his strengths. If you’re looking for a horse that thrives on decent ground, Kings Threshold is your pick.14:10 Doncaster – Spindleberry
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/doncaster/2m4f-listed-chs-2025-12-29/35094160.1410]
This race is a fascinating matchup, with two Willie Mullins-trained horses going head-to-head against a former Mullins runner, Paggane. And this is the part most people miss—Spindleberry’s form is rock-solid, especially after beating Firefox at Fairyhouse last year. That victory alone makes it hard to bet against this contender, but will Paggane’s familiarity with Mullins’ tactics give him the edge? It’s a question worth pondering.14:22 Newbury – Kalium (each-way)
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/newbury/2m4f-hcap-hrd-2025-12-29/35094166.1422]
Tim Vaughan’s Kalium is a horse that deserves your attention. Already a winner at Newbury over 2m3f, his performance in that race was impressive, even if this assignment is tougher. Here’s the kicker: despite the challenge, his current odds make him a fantastic each-way bet. After a rusty run at Doncaster, he’s likely to come back stronger, making him a smart play for those looking for value.14:32 Leopardstown – Brighterdaysahead
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/leopardstown/2m-grd1-hrd-2025-12-29/35094224.1432]
The December Hurdle at Leopardstown is heating up, with Lossiemouth aiming to stake her claim for the Champion Hurdle. But here’s the twist—Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead, last year’s winner, is in top form and could upset the favorite. With Elliott’s stable firing on all cylinders, Brighterdaysahead looks like the value bet here. Will she pull off the upset? Only time will tell.14:45 Doncaster – Spike Jones
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/doncaster/3m-hcap-hrd-2025-12-29/35094160.1445]
Spike Jones is a horse with a lot going for him. He won at Lingfield last year under similar conditions and delivered a strong performance behind Titan Discovery at Cheltenham. The track suits him perfectly, and with Benjamin Macey’s 7lb claim, he’s got a real shot. Taking those 7lbs off could be the game-changer that puts him in contention.15:00 Newbury – No Drama This End
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/newbury/2m4f-grd1-nov-hrd-2025-12-29/35094166.1500]
It’s hard to look past No Drama This End in this race. His recent wins have been nothing short of impressive, and Nico de Boinville’s endorsement speaks volumes. Paul Nicholls’ strong record in this race only adds to the confidence. This could be the perfect opportunity for No Drama This End to shine.15:35 Newbury – Guard The Moon
[Link: https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/newbury/2m6f-nov-hcap-chs-2025-12-29/35094166.1535]
Guard The Moon, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, is a horse with serious potential. His win over Kdeux Saint Fray at Aintree and close second to Impose Toi (now rated 159) at Newbury last year make him a strong contender. While the ground conditions will be different, his form is hard to ignore. Is this the race where he proves his mettle?
All odds are up-to-date and subject to change. For the latest prices, check our widgets.
Controversial Question: Which of these picks do you think is the riskiest, and why? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
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