Hi all,
Newbury’s two-day Coral Gold Cup meeting kicks off this afternoon. The Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3:00) headlines a competitive seven-race card. ITV4 are showing the final four races live, along with two Listed races from Southwell’s all-weather fixture.
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the four ITV races from Newbury.
Newbury
1:50 – Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) – 2m4f
No Questions Answered jumped well when making a winning chase debut 27 days ago. Handles good to soft, but softer ground would be a slight unknown. Likely to improve further over fences and the yard has won this race twice since 2017.
Paul Nicholls, who has also won this twice in the last decade, runs Regent’s Stroll. A dual hurdle winner last season, including at this meeting, he ended the campaign with a narrow second in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree. The best of these over hurdles and could develop into a high-class novice chaser if taking to the larger obstacles.
Kingston Pride won on chase debut at Perth last month. Another dual hurdle winner who should progress again. Strong contender in a good race.
2:25 – Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m4f
Telepathique shaped well when second in a Listed Mares’ Chase at Carlisle on return. Better going left-handed and wants decent ground. No easy task under top weight, but she jumps well and should run her race.
Twinjets made all to win at Fontwell last month. A 4lb rise is fair, but he needs to back it up which he didn’t last season after making a successful return to action.
Marvel De Cerisy was 2nd of three 22 days ago, likely needing the run and finding the ground too lively. Proven on testing going when trained in France and looks nicely handicapped if the rain arrives.
Filanderer completed a four-timer when scoring at Ffos Las on seasonal return. Up 10lb and in deeper waters now but remains progressive and can go well on ground that suits.
3:00 – Coral Long Distance Hurdle (Grade 2) – 3m½f
Strong Leader last year’s winner can be hard ride as he showed when winning the Grade 2 Bet365 Hurdle (3m) at Wetherby on seasonal return 27 days ago. Left-handed flat tracks with long straights suit the 8yo and if he takes to the reapplied cheekpieces can go close.
Impose Toi improved for the step up to 3m when winning an Aintree handicap under top weight 20-days ago. He won here at this meeting last year so is suited by the track. Looked at Aintree like he can win a race like this and gets a handy 6lb from Strong Leader which makes hm the one to beat.
Take No Chances jumped and travelled well but seemed to be outstayed when a neck runner-up to Strong Leader Bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby last time. Softer ground is a worry but she can’t be ruled out.
3:35 – Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) – 3m½f
Blue Carpet built on hurdle debut promise when winning a Wetherby maiden hurdle last time. Ground versatile and more to come on handicap debut.
J J Moon improved after wind surgery and won well on handicap debut at Newton Abbot. Up in trip with stamina to prove but shapes like he’ll stay and could improve for three miles.
I’m A Lumberjack won a Bangor novice in April. Up in distance but pedigree suggests three miles should be fine. Opening mark of 120 looks workable and he’s one to note.
Keable won twice on soft ground in January, including over C&D. Off since February and risky, but dangerous if conditions soften. Yard won this in 2021.
Tomorrow I’ll be looking at the best of Saturday’s action on ITV Racing.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John