Newbury 4.20 Handicap Hurdle - Class 4 - 3 miles 52 yards 13 run 

 

A competitive race with lots to like and not too many can be easily discarded. 

 

Lets start with the obvious one and the one to beat FORGETTHESMALLTALK who was impressive before Christmas after a lay off, clearly fragile but well thought of, you'd have to think that if conditions did deteriorate they might pull this one out late, so with proof they can get it ready after a break, I will have a win saver to cover my other bets in the race.

 

Mister Murchan who is up 3lbs and Vodka All The Way both have very solid each way claims at fair prices, MM may just be in the grip of the handicapper now and VATW might just want better Spring going, both are feared but i'm happy to take them on.

 

CONNETABLE ran well at Doncaster last time in a better race, ran prominently and they might just ride a bit more patiently this time you'd think. Was good enough to finish 3rd in The Pertemps Final at Cheltenham 2 years ago when with PFN and very well handicapped on that basis. Trip and Going no problem and a very solid each way chance at a nice price.

 

I can't totally leave out TAMBURA who is a Distance winner, perfectly at home on soft and heavy and likely to finish as well as anything. My only niggle is they usually stick to smaller fields than this, but its hardly a cavalry charge with 13 in it and could outrun generous e/w Odds.

TIP - CONNETABLE / TRACKER - TAMBURA (Win Saver - Forgetthesmalltalk) - nice small Tricast Perm.