Another great jumping weekend is upon us. Tomorrow’s (Friday) card features a few opportunities to get off to a good start.
Friday
Newbury (good to soft, soft in places – borderline soft)
12:20 Maiden Hurdle Class 3 2m and a bit
Perhaps I’ve over analysed this race. I’m interested in three of them. The first is Peur de Rien at no less than 150/1. he was 12th of 16 on his debut at Worcester in a bumper but was thereabouts until fading so could come on for that. Purchased from Guillaume Macaire, I think that he has a similar profile and has as much of a chance as World Premier who happened to have things go his way in his bumper. The difference in the market is largely down to the latter having been bought by J P McManus last Saturday. My selection is Black Op** (9/4) who was a decent 9th in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper at the Festival.
13:50 Novices’ Chase Grade 2 2m4f
I’m all against Yanworth, particularly up against the very impressive Willoughby Court*** (9/4), who therefore represents very good value and on a five timer.
14:25 Handicap Chase Class 2 2m4f
This is a really competitive race and although I’ve lost with him on more than one occasion I’m with O O Seven** (6/1) to follow up his Topham fourth and RSA fifth (beating Acapella Bourgeois). He’s a 7-y-o and entitled to improve and this could be the start of a very good season. It will be interesting to see how the time of this race compares with the previous one.
15:00 Long Distance Hurdle Grade 2 3m and a bit
This is the race of the day and, again, I’m against the favourite. Thistlecrack at his hurdling peak would probably win this, but he’s not. He’s being trained as a chaser and is returning from injury. His last outing over hurdles was at Aintree in April 2016. This is not his target. In contrast, Unowhatimeanharry**** (2/1) is at his peak, on the back of a fine win at Aintree earlier this month and with a stellar record of consecutive wins at the highest level apart from the stayers’ hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The presence of Thistlecrack makes him outstanding value and the course will suit. Bet of the weekend.
If you’re in any doubt, here’s a quote from Colin Tizzard:
He can’t possibly go to the King George without a run…The hurdle will be his racecourse gallop.
Good luck!