Hi all,
I’ve been laid low with a chest infection, but paracetamol and rest have have enabled me to bring you Friday’s racing preview. Here’s an abridged version of the racing preview I sent out to Victor Value subscribers on Thursday afternoon.
Friday Racing Preview: Newbury’s Highlights
Newbury two day Coral Gold Cup meeting begins with ITV covering four races, including the Grade 2 Coral John Francome Novices' Chase (1:55) and the Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3:05). The latter with just four runners doesn’t inspire much excitement. However, there’s still plenty to dissect from the rest of the card.
Here’s how I see the key contests shaping up.
12:45 – Asta La Pasta for Another Slice?
Asta La Pasta showed marked improvement in his jumping when beating two rivals at Carlisle 18 days ago. A 4lb rise seems fair, and he’s open to more progress. However, the drop back to two miles is a question mark, although the yard has a strong record in this race, winning in 2016 and 2022.
Brookie and Classic Anthem finished first and second at Sandown recently, separated by just half a length. Brookie, more experienced over fences, could still improve. Classic Anthem, making his chase debut that day, was doing his best work at the finish and offers each-way appeal.
1:55 – Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
Only six runners, but it’s a quality renewal.
Captain Teague: The Grade 1 Challow Hurdle winner essentially has his chase debut here after a walkover at Exeter. Promises to develop into a top-class chaser, and the yard has a good record in this race.
The Jukebox Man: Close in top Grade 1 hurdles last season, including the Albert Bartlett. Classy, but the 2m 4f trip may be on the sharp side.
Johnnywho: Won well on his chase debut at Carlisle last month and arrives race-fit, with the soft ground and trip suiting.
Verdict: Captain Teague has the most potential and most likely winner, but Johnnywho’s fitness and suitability to conditions make him a live contender.
2:30 – Heltenham the Home Favourite?
Heltenham thrives at Newbury, boasting a 3-3 record here, including two C&D wins. He was running a big race when falling at Ayr in April and has a strong chance on his seasonal return, given he goes well fresh.
Galop De Chasse, a C&D winner, was a solid second at Wetherby on his seasonal return and should go well again. His yard is in great form and has targeted this race successfully in the past.
Scarface has struggled over shorter this season, but this return to 2m 4f could see him bounce back to form. He’s on a workable mark and could play his part in the finish.
3:40 – Staying the Distance
Woodie Flash was an easy winner at Ffos Las on his reappearance, and although this is tougher, a 7lb rise doesn’t look insurmountable.
Largy Poet is a consistent sort who was narrowly denied a hat-trick in April. He remains lightly raced over three miles and has a strong chance if ready after a break.
Hermino Aa produced a career-best effort when third over C&D in March. He’ll go well again if the ground isn’t overly testing.
Astronomic View thrives on soft ground and stays well, so a stamina test would suit. He’s fitter for a recent outing and should be in the mix.
Chantry House adds intrigue as the classiest runner in the field. Although his best days are behind him, he’s a proven performer fresh and could surprise in the cheekpieces.
I hope you enjoyed this Newbury racing preview. Chest infection permitting I’ll be back with a look at the best of Saturday’s action on ITV.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John