Newbury 2.30 Handicap Chase - Class 2 - 10 run - Good to Soft

 

Galop De Chasse is the one to beat for the in form Venetia Williams yard but doesn't get the soft ground they usually like from the Yard on this occasion and runs with 10lb higher mark than when it started a truncated season last year. A recent spin was promising but i think opposable at the price. Heltenham is 3 for 3 at the course and 2 for 2 over Course and Distance last season, off an inflated run on seasonal debut though I'm just minded to look at something at a bigger price. Golden Sun for the Nicholls yard is only a 6 year old but hasn't really yet clicked and is another who may just need the run. Sir Psycho has won fresh in the past but on balance is another who might just need this run too.

 

SCARFACE brings race fitness after 2 runs, has shown promise and while he may not beat some of these once they have had a run his race fitness may be crucial here and I think 8/1 is good value. If there is one at a bigger price to note for those that lide a side punt then LORD BADDESLEY was a runner up at this meeting last year, proven stamina over further than this likes the Going and could be well handicapped (RJ)

 

Newbury 3.40 Handicap Hurdle - Class 3 - 3 miles Soft

 

If the Going Stick is correct the hurdles Course is slightly softer than the Chase Course and over this extended trip that may bring proven stamina and race fitness more in to focue.

 

Woodie Flash is a clear favourite off a 7lbs penalty but mainly been running in Class 4 and despite being the obvious one here is opposable I think against some basically classier types. Hermino AA ran a cracker for us in the Spring placing at big Odds but usually needs a few runs and is more of a Spring type, one we'll monitor very closely though. Largy Pet for PFNicholls will be winning races at some point but not totally convinced it will be today. The same yard send out Hugos New pet, very impressive in early 2023 season, has had 4 poor runs and 2 wind ops though, so best watched but one to TRACK forwards should he return to better health.

 

The banker (each way) here for me is CHANTRY HOUSE, he's become very well handicapped at 10, has run OK fresh and Henderson has them well enough forward with De Boinville in the saddle. If you wanted the second punt of a reserve then on analysis it is HARDY BOY slowly dropping back to a nice mark after being clobbered by the handicapper and with the fitness from earlier runs should be angling for a place here. (Robin) 

 

------

 

Doncaster 3.15 - Handicap Hurdle Class 5 - 2 miles 3 and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Good

 

Hiero Sport gets a 6lbs penalty for a facile win at Fakenham but that track and this are like chalk and cheese so I'll oppose him with LETS GO JOE a runner up at Ayr last time and well clear and that track is a very similar configuration here with the long straights.

 

Royal Deeside is from the Alan King yard that love to send horses here for the guaranteed ground and if staying the extra 700 yards could be a real danger. Am Still Here has been nibbled at in the market a few times but yet to show a return for Nicky Richards. Cuban Court was my 3rd rated of the 14 runners if you want a bash to an extended place and with a good run hare last January and some promise than many could easily finish in the first 4 here.

 

I think the each way value of the Card though is Phil Kirby's BE THE DIFFERENCE, adding Brian Hughes to the mix increases confidence and with 2 runs already the fitness will be a massive boost for a horse below its last winning mark, proven over further but with the speed to be a distance winner at this trip and looking primed! (Northern)