Saturday tips: Dave Nevison's four best bets
By Dave Nevison
Last Updated: Fri 30 Jan 2026
Betting expert Dave Nevison gives his top tips for Sandown, Musselburgh and Leopardstown. Enjoy all the action live on Racing TV.
Must end this weekend! Enjoy a FREE one month trial of Racing TV!
1.43 Musselburgh: Static
There are a few runners in this who have a poor strike rate given their ability, including the well-fancied Afadil.
Static may be worth chancing at big odds. This five-year-old has not taken to fences but has run a couple of decent races over hurdles on his past couple of starts.
He goes well for Donald McCain’s claimer, Charlie Maggs, and he is back on here. His 5lb claim compensates Static being a couple of pounds out of the weights.
2.02 Sandown: Escapeandevade
I am pretty sure this ten-year-old will go very well at Sandown as it’s a course that has always favoured front running types.
Escapeandevade has improved since joining Harry Derham but still hasn’t lost the habit of finishing second more often than not
I’m hoping that he can get into a perfect rhythm down the back straight at Sandown and then have enough left in the tank to see off the challengers when they arrive.
He is 3lb higher than when getting beat last time but the mark is not an issue. Testing ground will not inconvenience him.
2.20 Musselburgh: Insurrection
Paul Nicholls has always done well at this meeting and has given the excellent Freddie Keighley some good Saturday rides.
Insurrection looks the best of them and can land this feature handicap.
Keighley’s 7lb claim is a bonus as this seven-year-old is well handicapped enough without that extra help.
He won here last season and reappeared at this track on Yew Year’s Day, when a solid third. Given a month to get over that effort he should be spot on for this run with trip and track ideal. He looks a decent bet.
3.50 Leopardstown: I Am Maximus
I don’t often stray outside of handicaps for my bets, but I am a huge fan of this horse and he looks overpriced at about 14-1.
I have rewatched last year’s Grand National and his latest run in the Savills Chase and feel he might well have won both races with a slightly different ride.
He didn’t get anything like as clear a run in the National, when defending his crown, and was shuffled back after the Canal turn. He then passed half the field very quickly, too quickly for me and after just about hitting the front he ran out of puff close home.
It was a similar story last time where once again he passed the whole field too soon and got hampered by the winner at the last.
Jack Kennedy takes over on him and if he can hold on to him a bit longer, then the combination could be in business. I will be disappointed if, at the very least, he is not in the first four. Heavy ground suits him well.
Racing TV encourages responsible gambling - to find out more click here to head to our dedicated website page.
Enjoy our YouTube treasure chest!
Related posts
Dave Nevison's Thursday tips: one more pick after 9-4 winner
Dublin Racing Festival: Matt Tombs' essential trends and stats
Watch: El Cairos survives final-flight scare to score at Thurles
Dave Nevison's Friday tips: three best bets
Owner "broken hearted" as Kopek Des Bordes bypasses Leopardstown
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £50 in Free Bets with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get £50 in free bets when you bet £10 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved