Newbury 8.45

Newbury 8.45 4 Whitecrest - 1 point each way @ 5/1 (Sky go odds to 4th place)

This wonderful servant and a favourite of mine as I explained last time won at 20/1 for us a few weeks back. I was pretty confident that day; despite the price, tonight is a tougher race BUT; this is a horse that ran up a three-timer last season off marks of 60-65-71 and so can handle a penalty. John (Spearing) is a great supporter and advocate of good apprentices, books one tonight; that takes 5lbs off an 8lb penalty; and the horse will be ideally suited to conditions and stall 13 is not a handicap. My only reticence is the obvious danger of Swanton Blue drawn in stall 11; winner first time out last time, up 5lbs and likely to be prominent throughout, and the less exposed Global Exceed drawn ideally really in the middle, as a younger horse has more scope, although has had chances a few times it has not converted. So; a veteran with a huge heart who converts when the chances come in Whitecrest; a real danger in Swanton Blue and a progressive one who has to prove it wants it in Global Exceed. I will stick with my favourite but suggest a few reverse forecasts and a small Tricast Perm as a back up.