Newton Abbot 4.45 - another track expecting a deluge which could turn the race on its head. A nice Class 3 Chase over 3 miles and 2 furlongs and with the going watered and then heavy rain could be soft to heavy by the start time. Ideally looking for a horse with proven stamina in the conditions on a lush covering of grass and also one that has not had over-exertion during the winter period. 

 

The rain may just rule out Calin Du Brizais who would have been a big factor and likely tip otherwise, Minella On Line wont mind conditions and has run well fresh and is very much feared, but I think this could be the day for the pair most likely to benefit from a stamina test in deteriorating ground in VICE ET VERTU and YOU SAY WHAT. The rain, step back in trip and blinkers should boost the latter and whilst best form is at Exeter has run well enough elsewhere to merit a punt. Vice Et Vertu is a frustrating horse who seems out of form but as a result is off a very nice mark and seems to prefer tracks now that are flatter with fewer undulations (although a win at Towcester stands out against that theory but was some time back).