I won’t be in the UK for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury but I will be keeping a close eye on the card and hopefully accessing replays of the races on Racing UK.
First, a quick resume of today’s racing. Jenkins (10/11and now 12/1 for the Supreme) made a satisfactory introduction to hurdles but I’ll reserve my view about him until he has a better challenge. Clan des Obeaux (5/2) was properly impressive against decent opposition in the 2m 4f novices’ chase, as was Uknowhatimeanharry (7/2 and now 6/1 for the World Hurdle) in his with Ballyoptic second and Menorah third in the Long Distance Hurdle.
On to tomorrow and I’ll be selective because I’ll be in a plane for the best action.
Newbury
12.20 Mares’ Novices Hurdle 2m
La Bague Au Roi*** (evens) is well ahead of the rest and should get us off to a good start.
12.55 Novices’ Chase 3m
Thistlecrack***** needs to avoid overly extravagant jumps but this is the right route, albeit at a prohibitive 1/6.
3.10 Hennessy Gold Cup 3m 2f
This is by no means a classic renewal so why not Smad Place* (11/1) for a win rather than each way. He’ll either win or bomb out. Coologue** (33/1 e/w), the winner of the Randox Handicap Chase (Class 2) at Cheltenham on 22 October, is good value.
3.45 Handicap Chase 2m 1f
I wasn’t going to mention this one until I saw Parsnip Pete* a placer at a very appealing 7/1 (e/w). OK, you won’t make a fortune but the place record of this horse is remarkable.
Newcastle
Unsurprisingly, my only interest is in the Fighting Fifth (by the way the entries for the “French Furze” are really poor in my view). This Grade 1 2m hurdle has a super history with three time winners Comedy of Errors and Birds Nest. It’s named after the nickname of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. Saturday’s renewal is up to standard with a thrilling renewal with four series contenders. Apples Jade*** (9/4) should win but Sceau (can we get the pronunciation right please!) Royal and Petit Mouchoir will provide serious opposition.
Summary
So, how about La Bague Au Roi, Thistlecrack (optional), Apples Jade and Bristol de Mai (thrown in in the Rehearsal Chase at 4/1 second favourite) for a jolly Lucky 15.
Good luck!