ROBIN - Newbury 2.25 Handicap Hurdle - Class 2 - 3 miles - 12 run - Good to Soft > Soft (rain)

 

A race where a number will very likely improve for the run and the aim is to find the best suited on the day. Equinus is around 7/4, was very impressive at Aintree last time out BUT at the price I don't see the value and this is a very different type of track in likely genuinely soft Going so I'm happy to take the horse on. Quite a few might not appreciate the deteriorating conditions and  aren't likely to be bottomed out by connections at this stage of the season, the likes of Bold Endeavour certainly fits that billing. I am going to TRACK a couple at bigger prices as I think we'll see better from Only The Bold who was impressive switched to fences last season and Grumpy Charley who has run on his second appearance in the past two seasons and is therefore likely to need this run today.

 

A host of others have back-form that suggests they usually need a run to get straight and include, Our Power,(will be aimed far higher over fences) , Zanza (Going concerns too) , Martha Brae (Going concerns too) ; Hititi and Emitom (Going concerns too and a very nice prospect).

 

On the day therefore I think the conditions and timing of the race best suits DOLPHIN SQUARE and YOUNG BUTLER.

 

DOLPHIN SQUARE is from the in form Hobbs yard and ridden by owner David maxwell. It has run well and won fresh in the past few seasons and indeed very strong trends to suggest it is best fresh, it's on a nice mark and no Going nor stamina concerns. YOUNG BUTLER has moved from Emma Lavelle to Harry Derham who is quickly proving he has learned a lot from the Greatest Trainer of the current NH era in the UK, it's another horse who seems best fresh and 3 miles would be optimum trip for this one and a mark of 121 gives a lovely racing weight and the Yard seem well capable of readying one early.

 

Tips (1) Dolphin Square / (2s) Young Butler