Hi all,
It’s day one of the Newbury Winter Carnival which culminates on Saturday with the Ladbroke Trophy. Today’s big race is the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle which sees the return of last season’s Stayers Hurdle winner Paisley Park who is opposed by previous race winners Thistlecrack, Beer Goggles & Unowhatimeanharry. Besides that high class contest there is a good supporting card of races.
Newbury
12:45 – The first to catch the eye in this novices’ handicap chase is Khage, trained by Harry Whittington, who trained the winner of this race in 2015 & 2017. The 6-year-old, a three-time winner over hurdles ran well for a long way on his chase debut at Carlisle last month and should be better going left-handed. The trainer’s record in the race suggests a big run can be expected.
1pt win – Khage – 5/1 @ William Hill & Paddy Power
1:50 – Twelve go to post for this handicap chase including the classy Kalashnikov and possible improver Glen Forsa, who makes his seasonal return here.
The softer the ground the better for Gala Ball who’s won four times on soft ground. The 9-year-old goes well around here with form figures 122221. Last of those wins came when beating one of today’s rivals San Benedeto over C&D in March. Just 4lb higher than for his last win and capable of getting into the money.
1pt each way – Gala Ball – 9/1 @ Ladbrokes & paddy Power
3:35 – Dolphin Square looks competitively weighted for his handicap hurdle debut. A winner at Wincanton on good ground 33-days ago. The 5-year-old has won on soft and if he handles the track looks set to go close.
1pt win – Dolphin Square – 9/2 – Gen
Cheers
John