Hi all,
Delighted to get back among the winners yesterday with Good Effort returning from a layoff to win at Lingfield.
There’s a decent looking card at Newbury this afternoon. The going was being described as good to soft last night but has been changed to good this morning.
Newbury
2:30 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (Class 2) – 3m
Dell’ Arca might be 11 now but he showed he was no back number when winning at Aintree 11-days ago (same mark). He won this race in 2017 off 15lb higher and shouldn’t be far away if in the same mood as last time. You wouldn’t be sure he will follow up but his record at Newbury is good – 2 wins from 6 runs 5 places.
Third Wind was a progressive hurdler last season, was 4th of 24 in last year’s Series Final but might prefer softer ground.
Dolphin Square was another progressive hurdler last season winning three of his six starts. Expected to go novice chasing this season so this could be a prep for the larger obstacles. If it’s not he’s contender.
Fugitive’s Drift has returned from a break in great form and is 2-2 this autumn after wins at Bangor and Hereford 17-days ago. Both this season’s wins have come on good ground so problem with the drying ground and the step up to 3m could unlock further improvement in the 5-year-old who is 6lb higher than for last success.
1pt win – Fugitive’s Drift – 5/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook.
3:05 – Indzine Handicap Chase (Challenger Middle Distance Chase Series Qualifier) (Class 3) – 2m 4f
Morning Vicar is sure to be popular with punters here. A faller when going well here on his chasing debut last December. He jumped soundly when 2nd of 18 at Uttoxeter 20-days ago on his seasonal return. Lack’s experience compared to some in the field but should be suited by the drop back to 2m 4f and will surely win races over the larger obstacles.
Azzerti won this race 12 months ago (good to soft) and is now 4lb lower. The 8-year-old struggled in better company after winning this but made a decent comeback when 4th of 9 at Fontwell last month and should be spot on today.
1pt each way – Azzerti – 13/2 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (paying 4 places 1/5 odds).
Cheers
John