There’s a treat for National Hunt fans on Friday afternoon as the ITV Racing cameras head to Newbury for four terrific races including a brace of Grade 2 races and two competitive handicap events. Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews the action and picks out his best bets here…
1:55pm Newbury – Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase
Fresh from a walkover at Exeter, Captain Teague will be aiming to land Grade 2 glory in the 1:55pm contest, but he could be one that improves for the step up in trip and the same could be said for The Jukebox Man, who makes his chasing debut in what is a wide open renewal of the John Francome Novices’ Chase.
Johnnywho was impressive last time out and has to be a key player, but it’s Alan King’s MASACCIO that makes most appeal as he was a clear winner at Newbury over course and distance earlier this month and he can notch up another victory here. A comfortable two-length winner that day, this is a notable step up, but he looks less of a stayer than the others, so he may just have that kick to put the race to bed at the crucial time.
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2:30pm Newbury – Coral ‘Daily Rewards Shaker’ Handicap Chase
Gary & Josh Moore’s LE PATRON kicked off his chasing career in fine style when racking up three wins from three over fences, but the six-year-old failed to kick on in the latter months of last season and was last seen pulling up in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, when sent off 100/1.
He’s in much calmer water for his comeback run and while he will have to give weight away to most of his rivals in this event he’s one that has potential to improve his current mark of 146. With decent 5lbs claimer Freddie Mitchell taking more weight off his back then he could well looked primed for another success and he can get the better of the likes of Galop Des Chasse and Heltenham, who look two of the main dangers.
Matthew Sutcliffe’s Value Punts – Betfair Chase Hero Can Go Back-To-Back
Racing from Haydock and Ascot has come under the watchful eye of Matty Sutcliffe on Saturday. He has four value bets across the ITV cards, including a two-point Betfair Chase tip. 1:15 Haydock – Betfair Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) – Dans Le Vent 50/1 0.5pt EW 4 places I was…
Thu 21 Nov 20243:40pm Newbury – Coral ‘Pipped-At-The-Post’ And Win Handicap Hurdle
Seen competing in the Long Distance Hurdle at this meeting 12 months ago, HUGOS NEW HORSE has been dreadfully out of form in recent times, but if the Paul Nicholls-trained raider can recapture any of his best form then he has to be a big challenger in the final race of the afternoon at 3:40pm.
Dropped to a mark of 126, the Ditcheat team have given him a wind op during the off-season, so hopefully that will work wonders for a horse that is more than capable of landing a blow in this sort of event. Woodie Flash and the veteran Chantry House are two worthy of a mention and should be on the scene, but it’s worth taking a chance on Hugos New Horse finding his form again.
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